Federal Public Defender Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $79,279.20 - $103,446.72 Annually
Location : 301 14th St N, Benson, MN
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 2025-0083
Department: Attorney
Opening Date: 06/30/2025
General Definition of Work
Swift County is accepting applications for an assistant attorney position to join our legal team. This is a county government in-house position with county employee benefits. Depending on experience and the county's current needs, job duties may include, representing the State and County in criminal prosecution, making court appearances, civil litigation, general legal affairs, juvenile matters, and providing legal advice to County Departments, as well as city and county law enforcement. Candidates will have additional job duties assigned by the County Attorney or designee. Come join our team and grow your legal experience with Swift County.
Essential Functions
A. Represents the state of Minnesota and Swift County in criminal and civil proceedings.
A.1. Attends criminal hearings (felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors).
A.2. Attends civil hearings (child protection, child support, civil commitment, guardianship, eminent domain, etc.)
A.3. Drafts pleadings, complaints and petitions; both routine and complex.
A.4. Conducts legal research and analysis.
A.5. Performs strategic analysis of facts and scenarios to apply to cases.
A.6. Prepares law enforcement officials, witnesses, socials workers and others for trials and hearings.
A.7. Tries cases at District Court, both jury and bench trials.
A.8. Prepares briefs and arguments for Appellate Courts.
A.9. Argues cases before Appellate Courts.
B. Advises law enforcement agencies.
B.1. Advises and trains law enforcement on legal issues and assists with search warrants.
B.2. Serve as on-call attorney when assigned for law enforcement consultation on emergent issues.
C. Provides legal advice to county officials and staff.
C.1.Drafts ordinances and resolutions.
C.2.Advises Human Services as to Adult and Child Protection issues.
Additional Functions
A. Attends trainings as needed.
B. Represents Swift County and the Department at local, state and federal organizations and committees.
C. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
Qualification Requirements
A. Juris Doctorate Degree from an Accredited Institution
B. License to Practice Law in Minnesota
C. One-year relevant work experience
D. Valid driver's license
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
A. Knowledge of Knowledge of Federal, State and Local criminal and civil law.
B. Knowledge of rules of evidence and skill in analyzing evidence.
C. Knowledge of court rules including civil procedure, criminal procedures, juvenile procedure, family court procedure and civil appellate procedure.
D. Knowledge of sentencing guidelines.
E. Skill in prosecuting criminal, civil and other cases.
F. Skill in evaluating, preparing and managing cases.
G. Skill in performing legal research.
H. Skill in presenting written and oral arguments.
I. Ability to train and work with law enforcement and human services personnel.
J. Ability to prepare and render legal opinions.
K. Ability to handle information professionally and confidentially.
L. The ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.
M. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Swift County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: health insurance, Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA) Accounts/Health Saving Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, pension, holidays, personal time off, and deferred compensation plans.
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01
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you hold a Juris Doctorate Degree from an Accredited Institution?

• No
• Yes

03
Are you licensed to practice law in Minnesota?

• No
• Yes

04
Please indicate the number of years licensed to practice law in Minnesota.

• Less than one year
• More than one year

05
Please indicate your PAID LEGAL WORK EXPERIENCE ONLY in a government agency or public defender's office.

• No paid experience in a government agency or public defender's office.
• 0-1 year in a government agency or public defender's office.
• 1-5 years in a government agency or public defender's office.
• 5-10 years in a government agency or public defender's office.
• More than 10 years in a government agency or public defender's office.

06
Submission of a writing sample is a requirement of this application process. This can be done by uploading the file under Attachments using the Other category. Did you submit your writing sample?

• Yes
• No

Required Question