Address: 701 4th Avenue South, Suite 1400. Minneapolis, MN, 55415
Phone: 612-348-7530
About the Public Defenders Office
The Hennepin County Public Defender's Office represents adults charged with misdemeanors and felonies who lack the means to hire an attorney, as well as juveniles alleged to be delinquent. We represent clients from initial appearance through final disposition.
Primary Area of Practice
Criminal Law, juvenile law
Training Provided to Summer Associates
A 3 day training provides an introduction to the office, the services we provide, and how cases progress through the criminal justice system. There will be additional training on research and writing, an exposure to the various software utilized by the office. During the summer, there will be weekly trainings and field trips to visit agencies connected to the criminal justice system. Each summer clerk will be assigned 2-3 attorneys to act as informal mentors.
Pro Bono/Community Involvement
100% of the work is for people who lack the means to hire a private attorney.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Hennepin County Public Defender Office provides peer mentoring to support employees.
Summer Associate/Clerkship Description
Our summer clerkship has 2 components: (1) research/writing in support of attorneys regarding constitutional issues, statutory issues, and application of the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, Juvenile Procedure, and Evidence; (2) courtroom observation and participation in the various misdemeanor and felony courtrooms, including arraignments, omnibus hearings, contested evidentiary hearings, pleas, sentencings, and contested restitution hearings.
Successful Candidate Qualities
Successful clerks possess strong research and writing skills, creativity, and a commitment to help marginalized populations who have been pulled into the criminal justice system.
Summer Clerkship Salary and Benefits
12 weeks, full time, at $25/hour, for a total of $12000.