The University of North Dakota School of Law recently welcomed Layne Chiodo and Matt Dearth, recruiters from the Ninth district of the Minnesota Board of Public Defense, for a “Lunch & Learn” session. The January 18th event, held in Room 203 from 12-1 pm, and accompanying tabling sessions in the main commons area, drew students eager to explore legal careers. Adding to the appeal was pizza, as attendees learned about the board’s roles and the integration of legal education with public defense opportunities.
District 9, the largest of Minnesota’s ten districts, spans diverse landscapes from prairie regions to the Iron Range, including Native American reservations. This diversity presents unique challenges in cases involving both state and tribal laws, offering rich learning experiences for law professionals.
The event highlighted various career paths within the Board, with District 9 recruiters shedding light on roles such as attorneys, paralegals, and legal office assistants, along with competitive salaries and benefits. An emphasis was placed on professional development, including trial schools and workshops.
A notable advancement discussed was Minnesota’s adoption of remote court systems after Covid-19. This change has improved client attendance, reducing warrants for missed hearings.
The Board represents adults charged with offenses punishable by incarceration and deemed indigent by the court. Interestingly, Chiodo and Dearth pointed out that while remote working is possible, in-person collaboration is vital for gaining experience and wisdom.
One student, who clerked at District 9 through an externship program, humorously remarked about gaining a “lot of wisdom” from Dearth, eliciting laughter from the audience.
The presence of large Native American populations in District 9 adds complexity to legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of cultural competency. Opportunities to work jointly with tribal authorities equip legal professionals with essential skills for public defense.
District 9 fosters a team-oriented culture, focusing on mentorship and employee well-being. New attorneys work alongside mentors during their initial trials, leveraging their superiors’ experience.
Despite challenges like high caseloads and funding needs, District 9’s proactive approach in recruitment and training, including open forums for students and externship programs, reflects its commitment to enhancing Minnesota’s public defense system.
Dearth expressed his belief that District 9 is among the nation’s best, with Chiodo highlighting the district’s array of experts and special interest areas.
The partnership between the UND Law School and the Minnesota Board of Public Defense’s District 9 is a testament to an adaptive approach in legal education and public defense, offering students diverse and rewarding career opportunities.
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
