Strategic Chief Public Defender - District Leader

Decker Jones, P.C.; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fifth Judicial District Chief Public Defender oversees the administration of public defender services in the district, aligning with standards from the State Board of Public Defense and the State Public Defender’s procedures. The role supervises 56 staff including 38 attorneys, oversees 15 southwestern Minnesota counties, and handles 6,500 cases annually within an $8.4 million budget.

The Mankato, MN office also supports satellite offices in Fairmont, Marshall, and Worthington.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Bar of Minnesota.
• Five years’ experience as a practicing attorney in criminal law, with prior administrative experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervises district employees and offices; hires, disciplines or terminates staff.
• Evaluates attorneys and support personnel; responds to public inquiries and complaints.
• Assigns cases to balance workload; coordinates scheduling with courts.
• Interacts with court administration, judges and other personnel; mentors and trains staff.
• Performs related duties as required by the Board of Public Defense and State Public Defender.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public speaking

Policy & program management

Stakeholder collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bar admission in Minnesota

5+ years criminal defense experience

Job description

The Fifth Judicial District Chief Public Defender oversees the administration of public defender services in the district, aligning with standards from the State Board of Public Defense and the State Public Defender’s procedures. The role supervises 56 staff including 38 attorneys, oversees 15 southwestern Minnesota counties, and handles 6,500 cases annually within an $8.4 million budget.

The Mankato, MN office also supports satellite offices in Fairmont, Marshall, and Worthington.