The Chief District Public Defender is responsible for the administration of public defender services in the district, consistent with standards adopted by the State Board of Public Defense and the policies and procedures adopted by the State Public Defender. The Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County) Public Defender Office is the largest in the state with 200 employees and an annual budget of more than $20 million.

Under general direction and approval of the Board of Public Defense, and the State Public Defender; the Chief District Public Defender is responsible for the supervision and administration of district employees and offices; responsible for the hiring, disciplining or the termination of employees under her/his supervision; Supervises and evaluates the work of attorneys and support personnel; Receives and responds to inquiries from the public concerning the activities of the District Public Defender Office and its employees; Receives and responds to complaints from clients and makes decisions on resolution of complaints;; Assigns cases to insure an even distribution of the workload; Works to resolve court scheduling issues and conflict assignments; Interviews, trains, mentors and evaluates assigned employees; Maintains liaison with court administration, judges and other court personnel; Undertakes related additional duties and assignments as required by the Board of Public Defense or State Public Defender; coordinates with other Chief District Public Defenders, Administrative Services Office and State Public Defender on policy issues and activities.

The Chief Public Defender shall be a full-time qualified attorney, licensed to practice law in Minnesota; shall serve in the unclassified service of the State; shall be removed only for cause by the Board of Public Defense; shall devote full time to performance of duties and shall not engage in the general practice of law.

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 $32.48 a month

Family coverage $221.62 a month

Dental insurance

Single coverage as low as $13.50 a month

Family coverage $52.52 a month

Basic Life insurance

6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)

Retirement Savings

11 paid holidays

2 Floating holiday

Vacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs

Employee Assistance Program

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