Public Defender: Advocate for Indigent Clients in Court

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks attorneys to provide routine defense services for indigent defendants in district court and juveniles in delinquency matters. The role includes client interviews, case preparation, and legal research to support defense strategies.

Responsibilities include courtroom representation, pleadings, and collaboration with prosecutors and court staff to ensure due process. A Minnesota bar license or eligibility under the Student Practice Rule is required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of Minnesota or eligibility to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
• Student Practice Rule participants must pass the bar on their first attempt.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for defense of indigent defendants in district court and juveniles in delinquency petitions.
• Interview clients and prospective witnesses; draft or oversee briefs, memos, pleadings and other papers.
• Conduct legal research and prepare for court appearances and hearings.
• Represent clients in arraignments, hearings, trials and dispositions; assess bail and competency issues.

Skills

Legal research

Client interviews

Case preparation

Oral advocacy

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Legal research databases

Job description

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks attorneys to provide routine defense services for indigent defendants in district court and juveniles in delinquency matters. The role includes client interviews, case preparation, and legal research to support defense strategies.

Responsibilities include courtroom representation, pleadings, and collaboration with prosecutors and court staff to ensure due process. A Minnesota bar license or eligibility under the Student Practice Rule is required.