Prosecutor / Presenting Officer

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians•Dowagiac, MI

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Tribal Council and the administrative supervision of the General Counsel to the Pokagon Band, the Prosecutor/ Presenting Officer provides criminal and civil law enforcement services to the Pokagon Band, presents child protection matters in the Pokagon Band Tribal Court, and represents the Pokagon Band in child protection matters in state courts. The Prosecutor / Presenting Officer will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in a manner that is consistent with applicable ethical standards and will ensure that justice is upheld according to the laws of the Band. Occasional travel within and outside Michigan and Indiana will be required. The job location is in Dowagiac, Michigan and is not a remote position.

Requirements

Juris doctor degree from an accredited law school.
A minimum of five – ten years of experience as an attorney practicing in one or more legal fields relevant to the essential functions of the Prosecutor / Presenting Officer, with at least two years of prosecution experience or four years of litigation experience.
Licensed and member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan. If not licensed in the State of Michigan, must be admitted to practice in another state and must gain admission in Michigan at the earliest opportunity after commencing employment.
High level of written and oral communication skills and superior ability to advocate and persuade. Exceptional ability to think on feet and to identify and analyze legal issues and present legal theories.
Highly independent and organized and able to manage significant number of active matters simultaneously.
Willingness to work the hours necessary, including evenings and weekends, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position, and to maintain deadlines.
Well developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.
Professional demeanor, appearance, and enthusiasm for the law and public service.
Thorough knowledge of and commitment to professional ethics, particularly those rules that relate to the representation of governments and other organizations.
Excellent references with substantial personnel knowledge of applicant’s legal abilities.
Proficiency in legal research techniques, superior electronic research skills, and thorough knowledge of legal and other resources.
Proficiency in general computer skills and applications, including MS-Word and Outlook.
Valid state driver’s license and able to meet minimum insurance requirements to use GSA vehicles.
Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a criminal background investigation and submission to drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Chief Law Enforcement Official for the Pokagon Band and prosecute criminal violations in the Pokagon Band Tribal Court, including arraignments, motions, trials, and appeals.
Review, authorize and prosecute violations of the Pokagon Band’s Code of Offenses, and other designated laws, codes, ordinances, and/or resolutions in the Pokagon Band Tribal Court. Implement processes and procedures for effective prosecution including jury trials.
Prepare and review all requests for arrest warrants and search warrants to determine if all Constitutional and other legal requirements have been satisfied prior to approval or authorization.
Upon designation as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecute non-Indian misdemeanor violations in the federal courts.
Work in conjunction with the Tribal Council, the Pokagon Band’s attorneys, Pokagon Band Law Enforcement and the Pokagon Band Judiciary in establishing and maintaining a working relationship and agreements with tribal, local, state, and federal agencies.
Serve as the point of contact for the Indian Country liaison Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Northern District of Indiana and the Western District of Michigan.
Work in conjunction with Pokagon Band Law Enforcement, the Pokagon Band’s attorneys and tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to establish a protocol for coordinating law enforcement in matters of concern to the Pokagon Band.
Work with the Pokagon Band’s Family Welfare Commission and Department of Social Services and serve as the Presenting Officer under the Pokagon Band’s Child Protection Code and other designated Pokagon Band law to represent the Band in Indian Child Welfare Act (and similar state statutes) cases in state courts and the Child Protection Code in the Pokagon Band Tribal Court.
Prosecute juvenile status offenses and delinquency matters in Pokagon Band Tribal Court.
Advise and assist the Pokagon Band’s Department of Social Services and Family Welfare Commission on child abuse and neglect petitions and actions to terminate parental rights and adoptions.
Work closely with the Pokagon Band Judiciary to improve the operations and administration of the Pokagon Band Tribal Court and overall Pokagon Band justice systems.
Coordinate with the Pokagon Band’s Probation Officer(s) as necessary in all criminal matters and status offenses.
Supervise the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.
Exercise the jurisdiction of the Pokagon Band to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities consistent with this position as assigned by the Tribal Council or its delegate.