Assistant Public Defender

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense

$88K — $158K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admission to the Minnesota Bar
  • Five or more years of litigation experience, particularly with forensic science cases
  • Demonstrated trial experience in complex legal matters
  • Strong knowledge of criminal law, judicial procedures, and the Rules of Evidence
  • Proficiency in legal research and case analysis
  • Ability to effectively present factual evidence and legal arguments
  • Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with legal professionals and clients

Responsibilities

  • Provide legal counsel and representation in complex criminal cases statewide
  • Focus on cases involving forensic issues, forensic science, and child death investigations
  • Research and develop strategic legal approaches for challenging cases
  • Analyze legal documents and prepare evidence for court presentations
  • Maintain effective communication with judges, prosecutors, and other legal entities
  • Manage caseload while ensuring thorough investigations and legal compliance
  • Travel as necessary to various judicial district offices for case management

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance options
  • Paid parental leave after one year of service
  • 11 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays per year
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program
  • Options for student loan forgiveness
  • Retirement savings plan and additional insurance options available
Full Job Description
Salary : $88,380.00 - $158,500.00 Annually
Location : Grand Rapids, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01954
Department: Ninth Judicial District
Division: Grand Rapids Office
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Application Requirements

ATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUME
Definition/Summary of Duties

The team is a statewide resource available to all Judicial District Public Defender Offices, with special emphasis on complicated cases in the multi-county Districts.

Case priorities of the TT include:

  • Cases with Forensic Issues: includes DNA, arson, mental illness, etc.
  • Child Deaths and other medical examiner cases
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases (particularly where children are involved)
  • White Collar Crime
  • Statewide issue development (ie. DANCO, Source Code, McNeely)
  • Cases with potential constitutional issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • 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.
  • Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data
  • Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.
  • 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, and other professionals, as well as clients and the general public.
  • An understanding of the scientific method; a demonstrated interested in and experience with handling forensic science issues in court; contacts in the forensic science community to access as a resource in evaluating cases.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:
  • Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or the ability to become admitted to the Bar of the State of Minnesota;
  • Five or more years of experience litigating cases; trial experience; a demonstrated history of handling cases involving forensic science; experience investigating and litigating forensic science issues.

Confidentiality Statement: Employees of the Board of Public Defense may not reveal information relating to the representation of a client without approval of the attorney of record.

This position requires a lot of travel, no requirement as to where the TT Attorney lives and a long-term commitment.
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 insurance
Single coverage as low as $38.50 a month

Family coverage $262.66 a month
Dental insurance
Single coverage as low as $13.50 a month

Family coverage $55.40 a month
Basic Life insurance
6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)
Retirement Savings
11 paid holidays
2 Floating holidayVacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs
Employee Assistance Program
These positions are eligibile for Student Loan Forgiveness
Optional benefits:
Additional Life insurance for yourself, spouse and children
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Short and long-term disability insurance
Metro Pass
Deferred Compensation plan
Pre-tax expense accounts: dependent care account, medical and dental, transit expense

01

Name and Location of law school attended and date of graduation.
02

If you are a member of any other bar, please indicate jurisdiction(s) and date(s) of admission.
03

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.
04

What experience do you have working with a diverse community in either volunteer or paid positions? List organizations and job duties.
05

If you speak any languages other than English, please list.
06

What have you done in your life so far that demonstrates a commitment to public service?
07

Are you a member of the MN bar?
08

Describe your experience with interviewing another person to obtain information.
09

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?
  • Yes
  • No

10

Where did you learn about this job opportunity?
  • Neogov
  • State of Minnesota website
  • Friend/Colleague
  • College/Univeristy

Required Question

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