Job Description
Why Join Our Team
The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office is looking for an experienced Senior Trial Attorney committed to leading a team of deputy public defenders, ensuring high-quality legal representation, and helping to develop litigation strategies while advocating for indigent clients with complex legal cases. This role offers an opportunity to join an experienced litigation team and contribute by overseeing, training, and advising staff. The ideal candidate will have significant trial experience and demonstrated leadership.
A comprehensive benefits package includes paid holidays; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous PTO program; extended sick leave program; inclusion in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS); and a deferred compensation plan!
***Please attach a cover letter to the online application.***
The hiring range is $3,667.20 - $4,048.80/biweekly with full earning potential up to $5,311.20/biweekly.
SALARY: $3,667.20 - $3,667.20 Biweekly
CLOSING DATE: Friday, November 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm CST.
All applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the date the position closes.
How You Will Make an Impact
- Oversee daily operations and provide direct support to assigned staff as the first-line supervisor.
- Collaborate with judges, commissioners, court services, and other agencies on policy matters and assume the responsibilities of the Public Defender or Chief Deputy Public Defender in their absence.
- Fulfill all duties of a Senior Deputy Public Defender by representing clients in felony and misdemeanor cases.
- Conduct legal research and writing.
- Engage with community members, court personnel, and commission members to address matters related to the Public Defender's Office.
What You Need to Succeed in this Role
- A Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and at least five years of trial experience along with admission by the Supreme Court of South Dakota to practice law in the state of South Dakota; or be licensed to practice law in any other state and able to take the next available South Dakota bar examination. Comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Possession of a valid driver's license and must maintain a safe driving record with Minnehaha County.
- Successful completion of the pre-employment background process is required.
- Familiarity of South Dakota law and court procedure and legal research and analysis of law.
EEO Statement
Minnehaha County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sex or gender including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting Human Resources at (605) 367-4337.