Starry-eyed public defender quickly becomes jaded

Amanda Webber, The Stool

After accepting a position as a Hennepin County public defender, Jane Hill had high hopes. “I wanted to make a difference and speak for those whose voice is often ignored,” Hill told the Stool. “I got to work energized and driven. That lasted for about two weeks.” Things began to derail for Hill when she realized everyone was guilty.

“Well, I hate to say it, but they’re just ALL guilty. It wasn’t public defense, it was a jail conveyor belt,” said Hill. “After a month I quit and picked up a position at [a large firm in Minneapolis]. Hey, I didn’t eat mountains of shit sandwiches and incur $100,000 in debt to get paid less than a shift supervisor at Bruegger’s. Momma needs her Fendi handbags. Someone else can defend the great unwashed.”

When the Stool related Hill’s story to assorted Mitchell faculty, each expressed outrage and shock that anyone could be so self serving and callous. Later that day, each drove back to their suburban homes and ate a nice meal finished off by a lovely glass of wine.