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County attorney outlines 2026 budget priorities: e‑litigation tools, office wellness and staff development
Summary
Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson presented his office’s 2026 recommended budget in a televised workshop, emphasizing investments in e‑litigation and evidence management, a new litigation technology specialist, an office wellness and peer‑support program, and recruitment/retention efforts.
County Attorney Kevin Magnuson presented the Washington County Attorney’s Office 2026 recommended budget during a televised workshop on Aug. 26, focusing on three priorities: e‑litigation and trial technology, office wellness and peer support, and recruitment, development and retention.
Magnuson said technology demands — including the statewide Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MINDIS) mandate and increasing volumes of digital evidence — require improved evidence‑management workflows and staff expertise. He told commissioners the county funded an evidence platform (Axon Premier Justice) in 2024 and that the office has hired an e‑litigation and trial technology specialist, Joe Martin, to build in‑house capacity and develop consistent processes for preparing exhibits and courtroom presentations.
Magnuson also described a planned Washington County Attorney’s Office wellness and peer‑support program set to begin in 2026, aimed at addressing occupational stress, secondary trauma and retention among attorneys and legal support staff. He said the office will pilot mentoring and hands‑on trial coaching and expand peer‑to‑peer training, law‑clerk development and other internal professional development opportunities. Magnuson emphasized that most of the office’s budget is personnel; he said investments are intended to retain experienced staff and provide career growth pathways.
Commissioners asked about juvenile prosecution, victim‑witness caseloads and civil legal workload related to county projects. Magnuson said most juveniles entering the system receive diversion and that the office is focusing on early intervention and partnerships with schools and law enforcement. He described the office’s law‑clerk program and case‑management efforts intended to balance workloads and improve career development.
There was no board action requested; the presentation will feed into the county’s September budget review process.
