Public Defender

Represents eligible Native American or other defendants as authorized by applicable Tribal or federal law in criminal proceedings prosecuted in the Southern Ute Tribal Court. Responsibilities include representing respondents in involuntary commitment proceedings, representing juveniles in delinquency proceedings, truancy proceedings, and serving as guardian ad litem in dependency and neglect proceedings brought in the Southern Ute Tribal Court.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and be in good standing with the Colorado Supreme Court or eligible to waive into admission in that State within a year of hiring. Must be admitted or eligible for admission to practice before the Southern Ute Tribal Court and possess and maintain necessary licensing and eligibility to practice. Must have 2 years of criminal law experience with robust trial experience. Must have general knowledge of Tribal jurisdiction and Indian Law. Must be familiar with or have the ability to quickly become familiar with the Tribe’s Criminal Procedure Code and other relevant Tribal Codes, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and applicable federal laws governing jurisdiction on the Reservation, such as the Major Crimes Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Tribal Law and Order Act, and the Indian Civil Rights Act, in order to prepare and present an effective defense in court or administrative proceedings. Must have an understanding of the legal reference resources, research techniques, and practices and procedures needed for effectively representing those charged with criminal offenses. Must have knowledge of basic public administration principles and practices, including budgeting, policy/procedure development, and employee training and supervision. Must have a valid Driver’s License for state of residency and be insurable through the Tribal Vehicle Insurance policy. Must pass a thorough background check including professional references, Criminal History, fingerprint check, and preemployment drug test. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in Tribal court. Direct representation of criminal defendants. Jury trial experience. Experience with Juvenile Court Proceedings. Have an understanding of programs to which respondents may be assigned as a result of involuntary commitment proceedings. TERO preference.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Represents financially eligible Native Americans or other defendants as authorized by applicable Tribal or federal law in all stages of criminal proceedings. 2. Represents financially eligible Native or other respondents as authorized by applicable Tribal or federal law in all stages of juvenile delinquency proceedings. 3. Represents respondents in involuntary commitment proceedings 4. Provides guardian ad litem services when so appointed by the Southern Ute Tribal Court in dependency and neglect proceedings. 5. Represents children in all stages of proceedings under the Tribal Civil Truancy Code. 6. Meets with clients and maintains sufficient communication to keep clients informed of case status and legal options and provides legal advice and counsel to clients regarding their rights, case developments, and available options. 7. Prepares for hearings in all stages of each case, including but not limited to arraignments and bond hearings, motions hearings, plea hearings, bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing hearings. 8. Thoroughly evaluates all evidence, secures information, investigates cases, engages expert witnesses as necessary, as well as contacts and interviews witnesses to ensure effective representation of clients. 9. Communicates timely and professionally as needed with other attorneys, including negotiating plea bargains as appropriate. 10. Researches, timely drafts and prepares, and reviews all legal documents filed on behalf of clients. 11. Prepares for, and appears at, all scheduled Court appearances, including Wellness Court or other specialty court appearances, as required. 12. Prepares and pursues appeals in appropriate cases to the Court of Appeals of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. 13. Performs any other action necessary to ensure each defendant receives adequate and effective legal representation consistent with professional standards. 14. Conducts all client representation, including with respect to client confidentiality and conflicts of interest, consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct as adopted and amended by the American Bar Association. 15. Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Public Defender’s office including preparing and administering the Public Defender budget and maintaining responsibility for the personnel management of the Public Defender’s office, to include hiring, orientation, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and termination in accordance with Personnel Policies and Procedures. 16. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

$121,866 annually