Job Description

Application RequirementsATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUMEUnder 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 DutiesExamples of Duties:

• Serves as attorney of persons assigned in District or Appellate Courts;
• Interviews clients and witnesses;
• Prepares or oversees the drafting of briefs, memoranda, pleadings or other legal papers;
• Conducts or directs legal research and investigation;
• Performs all other duties to ensure the effective representation of all clients assigned.

• Assists in the supervision and administration of employees and offices;
• Participates in decisions regarding the hiring, disciplining or the termination of employees under her / his supervision;
• Supervises and evaluates the work of attorneys and support personnel;
• Assists in developing, revising and implementing local procedures for the Appellate or District Public Defender Office;
• Receives and responds to inquiries from the public concerning the activities of the Appellate or District Public Defender Office and its employees;
• Receives and responds to complaints from clients and makes decisions on resolution of complaints in consultation with the District Chief Public Defender or State Deputy Public Defender;
• Assigns cases to insure an even distribution of the workload;
• Works to resolve court scheduling issues and conflict assignments;
• Recommends appeals of court rulings; Interviews, trains, mentors and evaluates assigned employees;
• Maintains liaison with court administration, judges and other managing attorneys;
• Undertakes related additional duties and assignments as required by the District Chief Public Defender or Deputy State Public Defender.

Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge:

• 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 of 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 ExperienceMinimum Qualifications:

• 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.

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:Full time employee and part time employee benefits:Medical insuranceSingle coverage as low as $38.50 a monthFamily coverage $262.66 a monthDental insuranceSingle coverage as low as $13.50 a monthFamily coverage $55.40 a monthBasic Life insurance6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)Retirement Savings11 paid holidays2 Floating holidayVacation and sick time along with leave of absence programsEmployee Assistance ProgramOptional benefits:Additional Life insurance for yourself, spouse and childrenAccidental death and dismemberment insuranceShort and long-term disability insuranceMetro PassDeferred Compensation planPre-tax expense accounts: dependent care account, medical and dental, transit expense01If you are a member of any other bar, please indicate jurisdiction(s) and date(s) of admission.02Are you a member of the MN bar?03Describe the legal research tools you are familiar with using.04Describe your experience with interviewing another person to obtain information.05Name and Location of law school attended and date of graduation06If you speak any foreign language(s) please list.07List any experience, law-related or otherwise, in which you have functioned as an advocate. Please include simulated e.g. moot court or trial practice.08What experience do you have working with a diverse community in either volunteer or paid positions? List organizations and job duties.09What have you done in your life so far that demonstrates a commitment to public service?10Describe your experience supervising employees, including the number of staff you supervised.

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