Attorney Public Defender

Job Description

Summary of Work
This position will represent indigent clients in judicial proceedings in the East Central Judicial District and on appeals in the North Dakota Supreme Court. This position will require travel to all counties in the East Central Judicial District and will provide conflict services in other jurisdictions. 
Our agency is committed to a vertical representation structure. You will be handling cases from initial appearance through trial, allowing you to gain experience in all stages of the judicial process. The Fargo Public Defender Office is made up of a Supervising Attorney, three staff attorneys, a legal assistant, and two administrative assistants. This team will offer the support you need while building a meaningful career as a public defender. 
Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents offers rewarding work and career development opportunities including: 
A comprehensive benefit package including fully paid family health insurance, an excellent retirement plan, annual and sick leave, and a variety of voluntary insurance options.
Flexible work schedule. 
Responsibilities include:

• Represent clients in judicial proceedings in a competent, effective, and ethical manner.

• Provide representation for conflict cases in other jurisdictions as necessary which may require travel.

• Keep abreast of statutory and decisional law in areas of practice.

• Maintain license to practice laws and obtain required CLE credits.

• May assist with agency education and training programs and projects for public defenders and contract attorneys.

• Performs other duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Commission.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school

• Licensure as an attorney eligible to practice law in the State of North Dakota.  We will consider applications from persons eligible for licensure, but not currently licensed in ND.

• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Analytical and decision-making ability.

About Team ND
"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.
Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.
Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Application Procedures
Start date will be November 2nd, 2026
Applicants are screened based on qualifications, successful completion of the interview process and a background and criminal investigation.  Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  
Required documents to be submitted:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Writing sample

• Three professional references

Anyone needing assistance or accommodations during any part of the application or interview process please contact the Jamestown Administrative Office at 701-845-8632.
 
ND Relay Number 1-800-366-6888

Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.