Indigent Defense Attorney (Public Defender)

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks an attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and to juveniles in delinquency matters. Under supervision, you will prepare cases, interview clients and witnesses, and draft legal papers.

Responsibilities include courtroom representation, research, and collaboration with prosecutors, social workers, judges, and staff to determine appropriate defense strategies. Requires a law degree and MN bar admission.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota, or eligibility to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
• Student Practice Rule participants must pass the bar on the first attempt; failure can lead to dismissal.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for defense of indigent defendants in district court and for juveniles in delinquency proceedings.
• Interview clients and prospective witnesses; draft briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers.
• Conduct legal research and analysis of data to support defense.
• Represent misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court; advise on bail, release, and competency issues.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Oral advocacy

Basic computer skills

Education

Law degree

Bar admission in MN

Job description

The State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks an attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and to juveniles in delinquency matters. Under supervision, you will prepare cases, interview clients and witnesses, and draft legal papers.

Responsibilities include courtroom representation, research, and collaboration with prosecutors, social workers, judges, and staff to determine appropriate defense strategies. Requires a law degree and MN bar admission.