Public Defender: Indigent Defense Trial Attorney

State-of-Minnesot; Rochester (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

State-of-Minnesot in Rochester, MN seeks a part-time attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and to juveniles in juvenile court. Under general supervision, you will handle routine criminal defense tasks, interview clients, draft briefs and pleadings, and conduct legal research.

The role requires strong knowledge of criminal law and procedure, ability to work with prosecutors, judges, and social workers, and Minnesota bar admission or eligibility under the

Qualifications

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

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; drafts or oversees 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 bail, release, and competency to stand trial.
• Determines need for expert witnesses; locates experts and coordinates schedules; negotiates with County and City Attorneys regarding plea agreements.
• Consults with social workers, probation officers, judges and referees to determine treatment programs as part of defense strategy; supervises law clerks.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Criminal law knowledge

Legal research

Judicial procedures

Pleading and presentation

Data analysis of legal documents

Professional communication

Client interviewing

Education

Law degree and MN Bar admission

Student Practice Rule eligibility

Job description

State-of-Minnesot in Rochester, MN seeks a part-time attorney to provide legal services to indigent defendants in district court and to juveniles in juvenile court. Under general supervision, you will handle routine criminal defense tasks, interview clients, draft briefs and pleadings, and conduct legal research.

The role requires strong knowledge of criminal law and procedure, ability to work with prosecutors, judges, and social workers, and Minnesota bar admission or eligibility under the