Assistant Public Defender

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma • Durant, OK

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Public Defender defends indigent clients in felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases punishable by incarceration in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma District Court. The position reports to the Public Defender Director and follows a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Responsibilities are performed according to Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma law.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law by a state within the United States.
• Experience with criminal, juvenile, and/or deprived case procedures.
• Strong judgment and evaluation skills, applying professional knowledge and ability.
• Jury trial experience in felony, misdemeanor, and/or deprived custody cases.
• Willingness to understand, learn, and appreciate Choctaw culture and tradition and the cultural differences of clients.
• Five years of criminal defense experience in state, federal, and/or tribal court.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseloads, interview and advise clients about their legal rights and obligations, and interview witnesses and potential witnesses, including police officers and expert witnesses.
• Prepare cases, appear in Tribal Court, and represent clients charged with Tribal offenses at Tribal Court hearings, preliminary hearings, bench trials, and jury trials.
• Argue special actions and appeals.
• Recommend legislation to upgrade the Office of Public Defender or improve the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma justice system.
• Review indigency-status assignments to identify clients with available resources and collect representation costs when possible.
• Perform responsibilities according to Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma law.

Benefits

• Free gym membership.
• Free access to employee health clinic.
• Free lunch for casino and resort associates.
• Earned-wage access once per week for hourly associates.
• Pet insurance.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• College tuition reimbursement.
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and family leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee prescription program.
• Choctaw Nation-paid life insurance.
• Teladoc.
• On-site dental clinics.
• On-site mammogram services.
• Free diabetes and hypertension monitoring benefit.
• Concierge benefits program.
• Wellness program offering savings on health insurance costs.
• Maternity care program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree