Managing Attorney

Public Defender Position

This position is with the State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense. The salary range is $151,798.00 - $184,258.00 annually. The location is Minneapolis, MN, and the job type is full time. The application process will use the candidate pool to fill two open vacancies. Interviews will take place on October 22nd and 23rd.

Application Requirements

Attach cover letter and resume under general supervision of the District Chief Public Defender or Chief Appellate Defender, performs work of considerable difficulty both in the conduct and supervision of public defense work. Supervisory and management position responsible for directing a comprehensive range of attorney and support personnel who provide legal services to public defender clients.

Definition/Summary of Duties

Examples of duties include serving as an attorney of persons assigned in District or Appellate Courts, interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing or overseeing the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings or other legal papers, conducting or directing legal research and investigation, performing all other duties to ensure the effective representation of all clients assigned, assisting in the supervision and administration of employees and offices, participating in decisions regarding the hiring, disciplining or the termination of employees under supervision, supervising and evaluating the work of attorneys and support personnel, assisting in developing, revising and implementing local procedures for the Appellate or District Public Defender Office, receiving and responding to inquiries from the public concerning the activities of the Appellate or District Public Defender Office and its employees, receiving and responding to complaints from clients and making decisions on resolution of complaints in consultation with the District Chief Public Defender or State Deputy Public Defender, assigning cases to insure an even distribution of the workload, working to resolve court scheduling issues and conflict assignments, recommending appeals of court rulings, interviewing, training, mentoring and evaluating assigned employees, maintaining liaison with court administration, judges and other managing attorneys, and undertaking related additional duties and assignments as required by the District Chief Public Defender or Deputy State Public Defender.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of legal principles and practice, including criminal, juvenile and constitutional law and procedure; comprehensive knowledge of trial or appellate procedures and rules; considerable knowledge of legal research; considerable knowledge of the effective planning and presentation of court cases.

Abilities: Ability to prepare, present and conduct trial or appeals effectively; ability to analyze and apply legal principles; present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically; prepare proper legal instruments; considerable ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of other attorneys and staff; ability to analyze data; ability to lead others by teaching, motivating, and promoting public defense values; commitment and a sense of urgency in the defense of the indigent and must impart the message that the public defense mission is one worth achieving; ability to set reasonable and attainable goals that inspire extraordinary effort in self and others.

Education and Experience

Minimum qualifications include admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota and five years' experience as a practicing attorney in the area of criminal law. Prior administrative experience is also required.

Benefits

The State of Minnesota offers benefits through the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). Benefits-eligible employees are entitled to medical insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, 6 week paid parental leave, retirement savings, 11 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs, employee assistance program, and optional benefits including additional life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, metro pass, deferred compensation plan, and pre-tax expense accounts.