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Board of Public Defense

The Public Defense Board is a Judicial Branch agency whose mission/purpose is to provide quality criminal defense services to indigent defendants in the state of Minnesota through an independent, responsible and efficient public defender system. As a statewide agency, we represent individuals in over 150,000 cases per year in District and Appellate Court.

The Board has established five goals to aid the agency to carry out its mission. These are:

  • Client centered representation
  • Creative advocacy
  • Continual training for all staff
  • Recruitment and retention of excellent staff
  • Partnership in the justice system
Jul 10, 2026
Full time
State Public Defender (MN)
$226,460 yearly
Board of Public Defense Minneapolis, MN
The State Public Defender is responsible for the executive leadership, administration, and oversight of Minnesota's public defense system. This position directs statewide operations; develops and implements policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives; and ensures compliance with standards adopted by the State Board of Public Defense. The State Public Defender serves at the direction of the State Board of Public Defense and performs additional duties as assigned by the Board and prescribed by the Minnesota Legislature. The State Board of Public Defense is an independent Minnesota Judicial Branch agency responsible for providing constitutionally required legal representation to indigent clients in district and appellate courts statewide. The Board's mission is to protect individual liberty and advance meaningful criminal justice reform through client-centered, culturally responsive, and high-quality legal representation. The agency operates with an annual budget of...