Forensic Science Volunteer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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
The mission of the Trial Team (TT) is to improve the quality of representation in major cases through representation, advice, consultation, brainstorming, co-counsel, impact litigation and training.
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