Kassius Benson

Kassius Benson represents individuals in criminal cases in courts throughout Minnesota. He defends clients in cases involving allegations of major financial crimes, homicide, and drug conspiracy cases.

During his 27-year career, Kassius has established himself as a successful trial lawyer. He has tried over 150 jury trials to verdict on serious felony charges in Federal and state courts. He has been recognized as one of the top attorneys in Minnesota by the Super Lawyers publication.

From January 1, 2021 to November 2022, Kassius served as the Chief Public Defender for the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He stepped away from private practice during this time. In this position as Chief Defender, Kassius made advancements at the Office by establishing a comprehensive Attorney Training and Development Program as well as increasing diversity in the Office through national recruiting efforts. Both measures fostered true client-centered representation.

In January 2023, Kassius Benson re-entered private practice as a sole proprietor.

Kassius graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School. After law school, Kassius worked at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., where he defended indigent clients charged with serious felony criminal offenses in the District of Columbia Superior Court. Here, Kassius developed the fearlessness, work ethic, and trial skills necessary to effectively advocate for his clients at every stage of a criminal case.

Kassius trains and mentors students and lawyers in criminal defense and trial advocacy. He is a founding faculty member at the Minnesota Public Defender Trial School and has trained lawyers in Minnesota, Georgia and Alabama. He previously taught at the University of Minnesota Law School’s Misdemeanor Defense and Prosecution Clinics.

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

Since 1998

Minnesota

Minnesota Supreme Court

Since 1996

District of Columbia Bar

Member

1998 - Current