Assistant Public Defender

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense•Chaska, MN

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in providing legal services to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses in district court and to juveniles alleged to be delinquent in juvenile court. The Assistant Public Defender prepares cases and represents misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile clients in court proceedings. The role includes interviewing clients and prospective witnesses; preparing or overseeing legal papers; conducting or directing legal research; assessing matters such as bail, release from custody, and competency to stand trial; identifying and arranging expert witnesses; negotiating plea agreements; and consulting with justice-system and social-service professionals about treatment programs as part of defense strategy. The position also advises and directs law clerks and performs related work as required.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota, or graduation from an accredited law school and certification 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 is grounds for dismissal.
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 pleadings and the effective presentation of court cases.
Good skills in conducting legal research and analyzing data.
Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presenting facts and arguments.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments.
Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written or oral form.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, referees, other professionals, clients, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Prepare cases defending indigent people charged with criminal offenses in district court and people involved in dependency, neglect, or delinquency petitions in juvenile court.
Interview clients and prospective witnesses.
Prepare or oversee the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal papers.
Conduct or direct legal research.
Represent misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile clients at arraignments, pre-trial hearings, trials, dispositions, and other proceedings.
Interview clients in custody and make initial decisions concerning bail, release from custody, and mental competency to stand trial.
Determine whether expert witnesses are needed, locate appropriate experts, and schedule them for trial when needed.
Negotiate with County and City Attorneys to reach plea agreements.
Consult with social workers, probation officers, judges, and referees to determine appropriate treatment programs for clients as part of defense strategy.
Advise and direct the work of law clerks.
Perform related work as required.