Deputy Defense Attorney

Closing Date: 14th June, 2024

Description:

Definition: Under general supervision of the Managing Defense Attorney, represents Community members, guardians, parents or other defendants of the court facing a variety of criminal, civil, juvenile, and traffic charges before the Tribal Court. This job class is treated as an FLSA Exempt position.
Examples of Tasks
Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary according to job-specific demands, but may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, skills, abilities and general professional qualifications. This list of tasks are ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).
Tasks:

• Interviews clients, police officers, social workers, children, child protection workers and other witnesses; performs legal research work to obtain information necessary to prepare an appropriate defense on behalf of assigned clients before the Tribal Court.
• Files motions and meets with various parties involved which may include but are not limited to: the Community Prosecutor, Social Workers, Child Protection Workers and Substance Abuse Counselors on pending cases.
• Prepares briefs, case files, and various other records to support the defense of the client and document case status/progress.
• Represents clients both adult and juvenile in criminal proceedings such as Bench Trials, Jury Trials, adjudications, and post-conviction proceedings. May be assigned to represent parents and guardians at emergency child custody, adjudicatory, disposition and review hearings in child neglect, abuse and dependency charges. May also represent clients, parents and guardians at termination of parental rights, permanency and guardianship hearings.
• Conducts legal research and writing, files appeals and briefs and represents clients, parents and guardians in appeals cases before the Salt River Appellate Court in child neglect, abuse and dependency, termination of parental rights, permanency and guardianship cases.
• Performs other job-related duties that enhance and facilitate departmental operations.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of SRPMIC Code of Ordinances (child neglect, abuse, dependency; termination of parental rights; permanency and guardianship laws), Federal Laws and policies.
• Knowledge of legal research methods, legal research software, use of databases, legal principles and their applications.
• Knowledge of case law appropriate to the defense being prepared.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and practices.
• Skill in preparing and presenting an effective defense for a variety of criminal, juvenile and traffic charges.
• Skill in preparing and presenting an effective defense in child neglect, abuse, dependency; termination of parental rights; permanency and guardianship cases.
• Skill in applying and interpreting statutes, ordinances and other laws, rules, regulations and policies as they pertain to legal issues presented.

Ability to establish effective communication skills to maintain a good working relationship with a variety of clients, Office of the Prosecutor, Social Services, Child Protection Workers, Tribal Law Enforcement personnel, Tribal Court Staff and others.

Minimum Qualifications:
Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Juris Doctor with a minimum of three (3) years of litigation experience. Prefer experience/familiarity with tribal advocacy and judicial functions of tribal government.
• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.
• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements:

• Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.

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