Public Defender- Deputy

Job Description

This position is located in Aberdeen, SD.

The Brown County Public Defender’s Office is looking for a Deputy Public Defender to help create its brand-new office. We are considering newly admitted attorneys, attorneys with 20 or more years of experience and everyone in between. (Admission to practice law with the State Bar of South Dakota or ability to obtain admission is required.) This office handles felony and misdemeanor criminal cases; abused and neglected child(ren) cases, juvenile delinquency cases, mental health and involuntary alcohol committal cases.

Do not let lack of experience in criminal law deter you from applying. We are dedicated to providing training opportunities both internal and external that will include handling these types of cases. We offer on-the-job training that includes proper etiquette in court, negotiation tactics, conducting jury trials, drafting motions, meeting with clients, filing appeals, plus more. You will learn valuable skills at no cost to you that will benefit you for your entire career! With that being said, we hope that is with Brown County.

The Brown County Public Defender’s Office promotes a team-focused environment where we strive to create a fun and inviting atmosphere while dealing with a difficult but important job, the only one mentioned in the Constitution. (Please see the Sixth Amendment.) We work hard to create a healthy work/life balance by monitoring caseloads and using technology to help streamline case management. Our goal is for you to be at your best while feeling confident in handling your own cases with minimal micro-managing, as we support you each step of the way! The Public Defender’s Office also values your opinion, and we encourage you to provide alternative solutions to current practices which help keep us on the path of continued improvement.

We offer competitive starting salaries based on experience and qualifications, ranging from $80,800 - $101,000 per year for 2026, and negotiable, depending on experience. We provide employer paid premiums on employee health, dental, and life insurance, while offering cost options for employee dependent plans and supplemental insurance. We are part of the South Dakota State Retirement system which offers a 6% employee match for eligible employees. In addition, we provide a generous paid time off and extended sick leave package, while observing 13 paid holidays throughout the year.

Excited by what you’ve read? Don’t wait- apply now and join our team!

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the representation of individuals who cannot afford legal representation in criminal cases, abuse and neglect cases, juvenile cases, mental health and involuntary committal cases where the new Brown County Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent them. Candidates for this position may be designated “Senior Deputy Public Defender”, depending upon education and experience.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Zealous representation of clients in criminal, abuse and neglect, juvenile, mental health and involuntary committal proceedings. Representation of clients in criminal and juvenile cases happens at all phases of the criminal justice system including initial appearances, arraignments, motions hearings and trials.

• Coordinates with and assists the Chief Public Defender and other staff members in providing information to the Courts, Court Administration, Clerk of Courts, County Auditor and County Commission as requested.

EDUCATION/AND OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Professional degree (Juris Doctor) Graduation from a college of law and attainment of JD or LLB.

• 0-10 years of experience.

• Admitted or eligible to be admitted to practice law with State Bar of the South Dakota.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law.

• Knowledge of investigative tools and techniques.

• Knowledge of trial proceedings.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in the completion of legal research.

• Skill in producing persuasive legal arguments.

• Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Chief Public Defender assigns work according to department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include rules of professional conduct, rules of ethics, South Dakota Supreme Court rules, South Dakota codified law, rules of evidence, and county and department policies and procedure. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied legal duties. The variety of tasks to be performed contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The fast pace of the working environment contributes to the complexity of the position.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, legal assistants, other county employees, other attorneys, law enforcement personnel, judges, victims, witnesses, defendants, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to provide services; to give or exchange information; to resolve problems; to motivate or influence persons; or to justify, defend or negotiate matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.

• The work is typically performed in an office or courtroom.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position may supervise assigned personnel.