Public Defender

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska•Winnebago, NE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Defender represents defendants in adult criminal cases, juveniles in delinquency and status offense cases, and parents or legal custodians in child dependency cases before the Winnebago Tribal Court. The role includes representing clients at every stage of proceedings involving alleged violations of the Winnebago Tribal Code and advising clients about their rights, responsibilities, choices, and potential consequences. The Public Defender works with Tribal organizations, law enforcement agencies on and off the Reservation, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and prosecutors and counsel in other jurisdictions. The position is based in the Tribal Court building in Winnebago, Nebraska, and works with minimal to no supervision. It also contributes to the Tribe’s justice system through work on codes and court rules, meetings, trainings, grants, and community-based alternatives to sentencing.

Requirements

Be a licensed or qualified attorney at law.
Have never been convicted of a felony for which the applicant did not receive a full pardon.
Be of high moral character.
Be familiar with the Code of Professional Ethics for attorneys.
Be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Be able to use professional verbal and written communication skills effectively.
Comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31(C) and (D), including signing a pre-employment declaration regarding arrests and convictions for child abuse or violent felonies.
Comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 requirements regarding criminal-record checks.
Satisfy Tribal Code requirements to practice law.
Provide copies of degrees earned.
Possess reading, writing, calculating, reasoning and analysis skills, and above-average social interaction skills.

Nice To Haves

Two years of legal experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Represent defendants in adult criminal cases, youth in delinquency and status offense cases, and parents or other legal custodians in child dependency cases.
Advise clients on their rights and responsibilities, choices, and consequences.
Maintain contact with clients, communicate effectively, and respond promptly to questions and messages.
Meet with clients in person as necessary, including at off-Reservation locations such as lockup facilities.
Maintain regular office hours.
Review police reports and obtain additional information from law enforcement personnel when required.
Appear in court at all stages of criminal prosecutions, including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, trials, sentencings or dispositions, and other evidentiary and procedural hearings.
Prepare cases by reviewing discovery, investigating, interviewing clients and witnesses, evaluating evidence, conducting legal research, and developing case strategy.
Prepare pleadings, motions, legal memoranda and briefs, proposed orders and jury instructions, sentencing recommendations, appellate notices and briefs, and other legal documents and forms.
Communicate, coordinate, and negotiate with the Tribal Prosecutor and with counsel simultaneously representing clients in other jurisdictions.
Help clients comply with court orders and obtain assessments and services related to substance use, mental health, domestic violence, and other psychosocial issues.
Assist in improving the Tribe’s justice system, including developing codes and court rules, participating in meetings and trainings, and preparing and implementing grants.
Attend continuing legal education programs, seminars, and trainings as necessary to perform the role and maintain professional licensing.
Review decisions, policies, regulations, and other legal matters pertinent to cases.
Work with community resources to develop alternative sentencing.
Prepare monthly case-status reports and other reports requested by the Chief Clerk Administrator.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with professional and ethical standards required by the Nebraska State Bar and any other bar associations of which the Public Defender is a member.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.