Office of the Federal Defender
District of Minnesota
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Copyright © 2023
Federal Defenders Office - District of Minnesota
Copyright © 2023
Federal Defenders Office - District of Minnesota
In 2006, the Federal Defender and the District of Minnesota bench joined together to develop what was to become a nationally-known Second Chair (Mentor) Program. The goal was two-fold: 1) to provide a structured training program for attorneys new to federal criminal practice that would ensure the continued high quality of representation provided by the District of Minnesota’s CJA panel and 2) to include attorneys in that program who were a reflection of the legal community and the community we serve. It was with these goals of further developing a well-trained and diverse panel that we entered into this venture.
In 2007, six attorneys were chosen to be members of the first class. The second class, selected in 2011, included ten attorneys and the third class had eleven. The third class completed the Program in early 2017 and the fourth class, consisting of ten attorneys, was chosen in January of 2017. The backgrounds of the mentees are varied, ranging from solo practitioners practicing primarily criminal defense in state court, to attorneys at large firms with significant experience in pre-indictment federal litigation. The cases assigned to the mentees are also varied, ranging in complexity and subject matter.
Monthly class meetings:
The mentee class meets once a month for a CLE-type training that is designed and provided for them exclusively. These trainings address substantive federal criminal law, skills development and practical points for effective representation. Additionally, mentees learn about the agencies specific to federal criminal practice. Trainers include members of the District Court, CJA panel members, attorneys from the Federal Defender’s Office and representatives from various federal agencies, including the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Clerk’s Office.
Case Work:
Experiential learning is an important part of the Second Chair Training Program. Mentees are assigned to work on cases with senior attorneys from the Federal Defender’s Office and attorneys from the CJA Panel. The senior (mentor) attorneys guide mentees through all phases of the case. Mentees are prepared for and get to participate in a meaningful way in the cases. Ranging from client interviews through witness examinations and, as necessary, sentencing allocutions, the casework component provides mentees with important courtroom/case experience.
In the most recent mentee class, every mentee worked on at least three (3) cases. Seven of the mentees were involved in cases that went to trial and all members of the class participated in significant evidentiary hearings.
Mentees are compensated at a reduced hourly rate for their work on appointed cases. It is not anticipated that the rate will be competitive, it is simply an effort to provide some compensation for the work. No compensation is provided for participating in the monthly training programs.
Benefits to the Mentees:
In addition to the valuable training provided, mentees also have the opportunity to build important networks that strengthen their practice. Class members build relationships with each other and, through their exposure to members of the federal criminal defense bar, the federal bench and other federal court participants, broaden their base of resources, contacts and knowledge. Federal courtroom experience and strengthening client skills are also benefits mentees gain. Additionally, due to the significant amount of writing involved in federal practice, the program provides opportunities to work with a mentor to improve legal writing skills.
Expectations of Mentees:
The selection process for this program is competitive. A commitment to devote the time and effort necessary to succeed is a basic expectation. The attorneys chosen to participate in the program must attend the monthly training sessions, participate in the regular training seminars presented by the Federal Defender’s Office, meet regularly with the Program Coordinator, and work with a mentor on three assigned cases over a two to three year period.
If you have questions contact Katherian D. Roe, Federal Defender: (612) 664-5858
In 2007, six attorneys were chosen to be members of the first class. The second class, selected in 2011, included ten attorneys and the third class had eleven. The third class completed the Program in early 2017 and the fourth class, consisting of ten attorneys, was chosen in January of 2017. The backgrounds of the mentees are varied, ranging from solo practitioners practicing primarily criminal defense in state court, to attorneys at large firms with significant experience in pre-indictment federal litigation. The cases assigned to the mentees are also varied, ranging in complexity and subject matter.
Monthly class meetings:
The mentee class meets once a month for a CLE-type training that is designed and provided for them exclusively. These trainings address substantive federal criminal law, skills development and practical points for effective representation. Additionally, mentees learn about the agencies specific to federal criminal practice. Trainers include members of the District Court, CJA panel members, attorneys from the Federal Defender’s Office and representatives from various federal agencies, including the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Clerk’s Office.
Case Work:
Experiential learning is an important part of the Second Chair Training Program. Mentees are assigned to work on cases with senior attorneys from the Federal Defender’s Office and attorneys from the CJA Panel. The senior (mentor) attorneys guide mentees through all phases of the case. Mentees are prepared for and get to participate in a meaningful way in the cases. Ranging from client interviews through witness examinations and, as necessary, sentencing allocutions, the casework component provides mentees with important courtroom/case experience.
In the most recent mentee class, every mentee worked on at least three (3) cases. Seven of the mentees were involved in cases that went to trial and all members of the class participated in significant evidentiary hearings.
Mentees are compensated at a reduced hourly rate for their work on appointed cases. It is not anticipated that the rate will be competitive, it is simply an effort to provide some compensation for the work. No compensation is provided for participating in the monthly training programs.
Benefits to the Mentees:
In addition to the valuable training provided, mentees also have the opportunity to build important networks that strengthen their practice. Class members build relationships with each other and, through their exposure to members of the federal criminal defense bar, the federal bench and other federal court participants, broaden their base of resources, contacts and knowledge. Federal courtroom experience and strengthening client skills are also benefits mentees gain. Additionally, due to the significant amount of writing involved in federal practice, the program provides opportunities to work with a mentor to improve legal writing skills.
Expectations of Mentees:
The selection process for this program is competitive. A commitment to devote the time and effort necessary to succeed is a basic expectation. The attorneys chosen to participate in the program must attend the monthly training sessions, participate in the regular training seminars presented by the Federal Defender’s Office, meet regularly with the Program Coordinator, and work with a mentor on three assigned cases over a two to three year period.
If you have questions contact Katherian D. Roe, Federal Defender: (612) 664-5858
SECOND CHAIR TRAINING PROGRAM
Strengthening the Federal Defense Bar
Strengthening the Federal Defense Bar
107 U.S. Courthouse
300 South Fourth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-664-5858 - Phone
612-664-5850 - FAX
300 South Fourth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-664-5858 - Phone
612-664-5850 - FAX