Public Defender: Defend Indigent Clients & Juveniles

State-of-Minnesot; North Branch (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

State-of-Minnesot seeks a qualified attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and to juveniles in the juvenile court within Isanti County. Under general supervision, the attorney handles routine to moderately difficult cases and collaborates with prosecutors, social workers, and judges.

The role involves case preparation, client interviews, legal research, court appearances, and oversight of law clerks, with emphasis on ethical practice and effective advocacy.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Minnesota Bar.
• Student Practice Rule participants 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; in dependency, neglect or delinquency petitions in juvenile court.
• Interviews clients and prospective witnesses; prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings and other legal papers.
• Conducts or directs legal research.
• Represents misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile clients in court arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions and other proceedings; interviews clients in custody and makes initial decisions concerning such things as bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
• Determines need for expert witnesses; locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed; negotiates with County and City Attorneys to reach plea agreements.
• Consults with social workers, probation officers, judges and referees in order to determine appropriate treatment programs for clients as a part of defense strategy; advises and directs work of law clerks;
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Criminal law

Legal research

Court presentation

Education

Law degree and Minnesota Bar admission

Job description

State-of-Minnesot seeks a qualified attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and to juveniles in the juvenile court within Isanti County. Under general supervision, the attorney handles routine to moderately difficult cases and collaborates with prosecutors, social workers, and judges.

The role involves case preparation, client interviews, legal research, court appearances, and oversight of law clerks, with emphasis on ethical practice and effective advocacy.