Managing Attorney

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.

Examples 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:

• 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;

• 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

Minimum 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.