Assistant Public Defender

Application Requirements

ATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUME

About the Role

Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in providing legal services to indigent defendants who have been charged with criminal offenses in district court, and to juveniles who are alleged to be delinquent in the juvenile court.

Definition/Summary of Duties

• Prepares cases for defense of indigent persons charged with criminal offenses in district courts;
• Interviews clients and prospective witnesses;
• Prepares or oversees the drafting of 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;
• Determines need for expert witnesses; locates appropriate experts and schedules them for trial if needed;
• Negotiates with County and City Attorneys to reach plea agreements;
• Consults with social workers, probation officers, judges and referees in order to determine appropriate treatment programs for clients as a part of defense strategy;
• Advises and directs work of law clerks.

Knowledge

• Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure;
• Good knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research and investigation;
• Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence;
• Good knowledge of the pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.

Skills

• Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data;
• Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.

Basic Computer Skills

• Basic computer skills.

Education and Experience

• Required Qualifications:
  • Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or a person who has graduated from an accredited law school and is certified to practice under the Supreme Court Student Practice Rule.
  • Individuals hired under the Student Practice Rule must pass the bar on their first attempt. Failure to pass the bar is grounds for dismissal.
• Full Time Employee And Part Time Employee Benefits:
  • The State of Minnesota offers benefits through the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP).
  • Benefits-eligible employees are entitled to the following insurance and pre-tax benefits:
    • Medical insurance;
    • Dental insurance;
    • Basic Life insurance;
    • 6 week paid Parental Leave;
    • Retail Savings;
    • 11 paid holidays;
    • 2 Floating holiday;
    • Vacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs;
    • Employee Assistance Program.
  • These positions are eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness.

  Additional Information

  • Name and Location of law school attended and date of graduation.
  • If you are a member of any other bar, please indicate jurisdiction(s) and date(s) of admission.
  • List any experience, law-related or otherwise, in which you have functioned as an advocate. Please include simulated e.g. moot court or trial practice.
  • What experience do you have working with a diverse community in either volunteer or paid positions? List organizations and job duties.
  • List any languages other than English that you speak.
  • What have you done in your life so far that demonstrates a commitment to public service?
  • Are you a member of the MN bar?
  • Describe your experience with interviewing another person to obtain information.
  • Are you a U.S. Citizen or authorized to be legally employed on an ongoing basis in the U.S. based on your Visa or immigration status? YesNo