Senior Deputy Public Defender - Trial-Focused Advocate

Siouxland Heritage Museums; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 98,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office seeks a Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender committed to vigorous advocacy for indigent clients in criminal and juvenile matters. The role offers a high-trials environment and broad courtroom exposure within a collaborative litigation team.

The position includes a robust benefits package, a biweekly salary in the posted range, and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and casework across all phases of litigation.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice in SD or eligibility to sit for SD bar; or be a recent law graduate eligible to sit for the SD bar.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors through all phases of litigation.
• Coordinate with paralegals and staff to manage heavy caseloads.
• Maintain client communications by phone, appointments, and visits; inform clients of investigations, negotiations, and rulings.
• Appear at court dockets and hearings for assigned cases.
• Conduct legal research and draft motions and pleadings.
• Interview witnesses and review documents and transcripts.
• Attend professional development trainings.

Skills

Driver's license

Legal ethics

Court procedural knowledge

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office seeks a Deputy/Senior Deputy Public Defender committed to vigorous advocacy for indigent clients in criminal and juvenile matters. The role offers a high-trials environment and broad courtroom exposure within a collaborative litigation team.

The position includes a robust benefits package, a biweekly salary in the posted range, and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and casework across all phases of litigation.