Impactful Public Defender for Indigent Defense

State of Minnesota; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota seeks an attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and juveniles in delinquency matters, under general supervision. Responsibilities include case preparation, client and witness interviews, legal research, and courtroom representation; coordination with prosecutors and social workers to formulate defense strategies.

Applicants must graduate from an accredited law school and be admitted to the Minnesota Bar; those under the Student Practice

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota, or graduation from an accredited law school and certification to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
• Individuals hired under the Student Practice Rule must pass the bar on their first attempt.
• Failure to pass the bar is grounds for dismissal.

Responsibilities

• Prepares cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in district courts, or in dependency, neglect or delinquency petitions in juvenile court.
• Interviews clients and prospective witnesses; prepares or oversees drafts of briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers.
• Conducts or directs legal research.
• Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court proceedings; interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning bail, release, and competency to stand trial.
• Determines need for expert witnesses; locates experts and schedules them for trial; negotiates plea agreements.
• Consults with social workers, probation officers, judges and referees to determine treatment programs as part of defense strategy; directs work of law clerks.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Education

Law degree or JD and Minnesota Bar admission / Student Practice Rule certification

Job description

State of Minnesota seeks an attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and juveniles in delinquency matters, under general supervision. Responsibilities include case preparation, client and witness interviews, legal research, and courtroom representation; coordination with prosecutors and social workers to formulate defense strategies.

Applicants must graduate from an accredited law school and be admitted to the Minnesota Bar; those under the Student Practice