SD – Public Defender – Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate

JOB TITLE:

Public Defender

DEPARTMENT:

SWO Public Defender’s Office

SUPERVISOR:

Richard Begay

SALARY:

$49,381.20

JOB SUMMARY

General Description: It is the duty of the Public Defender to represent indigent defendants charged with crimes within the boundaries of the Lake Traverse Reservation. The licensed attorney should have experience in criminal defense, filing pretrial motions, representing their client at all stages of the proceeding, and conducting bench and jury trials. This individual will assist with representing parents in all juvenile cases, including but not limited to, child abuse, neglect, dependency, and unruly and delinquent cases. The applicant may be needed to assist with Indian Child Welfare Act cases and should be able to understand motions to intervene and/or transfer from State Court ICWA proceedings. The Public Defender shall also be available after hours to their clients, court staff, and other tribal persons or entities that regularly consult with the Public Defender’s Office, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school
Must be licensed as an attorney in the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Court
Must be licensed in the state and federal courts of South Dakota
Must possess at least one year of experience working as a prosecutor, preferably working as a Tribal Prosecutor
Must possess a working knowledge of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Codes and of all relative federal, state and tribal laws, rules and regulations

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Pre-employment background check and drug-use screening test is required
Must sign a confidentiality statement upon hire and adhere to policy
Must have a valid driver’s license

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Represent tribal members charged with criminal violations in the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Court system. This includes defendants charged pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act, Indian Civil Rights Act, as well as criminal defense work pursuant to the Tribal Law and Order Act, and any other applicable tribal or federal laws
Represent civil respondents involved in juvenile delinquency, involuntary commitment, chemical dependency, mental health, and tribal housing
Review police records, medical examiner’s files, and reports on physical evidence
Interview suspects, victims, and witnesses
Conduct legal research for precedents of actions or decisions in similar cases
File appropriate court documents, such as pleading, answers, and motions on a timely basis, as well as attending pretrial hearings and conferences

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or Archaeology; one year of experience in archeological survey and excavation activities or an equivalent combination of education and experience

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS