Job Posting
Assistant Public Defender
Position: Assistant Public Defender
Reports To: Chief Public Defender
Department: Tribal Court
Job Purpose: The position of Assistant Public Defender consists of court-appointed legal representation of indigent individuals accused of committing crimes in Seminole Nation Reservation boundaries. An Assistant Public Defender will: (a) be responsible for meeting with clients who have been assigned to him/her and discussing/resolving clients’ respective case(s); (b) appear in SNO Tribal Court weekly on matters pertaining to his/her respective clients and/or other matters that may be assigned to him/her; (c) represent clients at all phases of criminal proceedings from Arraignment through jury trial or non-jury trial in SNO Tribal Court;(d) consult with clients that are being held in jail; and (e) perform any other assignments that may be required by the Chief Public Defender.
Job Duties:
• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Review cases for those clients assigned to the Assistant Public Defender.
• Meet and/or speak with clients to discuss respective cases and potential resolutions.
• Efficiently communicate and negotiate with prosecutors.
• Appear each week before the Seminole Nation Tribal Court on cases for clients assigned to the Public Defender’s Office.
• Appear in Seminole Nation Tribal Court weekly for general docket call, motions, plea hearings and/or trials.
• Schedule court appearances with the Court Administrator.
• Represent adult clients accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses in the Seminole Nation Reservation area and clients in juvenile delinquent matters.
• May have appellate or juvenile cases as assigned by a Judge of the District Court.
• Assure zealous representation for indigent clients.
• Meet with indigent clients for initial interviews, to explain the law, give legal advice, explain legal options, and discuss plea offers or trial strategies.
• Review discovery and evidence, including police reports, witness statements and interrogations, dashcam and surveillance video, cellphone records, forensic reports and other discovery and evidence.
• Research, analyze and interpret issues of law. Prepare memoranda, motions, and other pleadings. Review drafts of pleadings, motions, and memoranda prepared by legal staff.
• Appear in court for trial, pleas, and other hearings.
• Work with other APDs in the formulation of legal strategies and options for clients.
• Communicate with clients, witnesses, prosecutors, and law enforcement as required, including regular trips to the participating county jails. Includes appearance with recently arrested clients when possible.
• Assist fellow Public Defenders in researching legal issues and in preparing memoranda, pleadings and motions.
• Prepare cases for jury trials, bench trials, open pleas, and contested motion hearings.
• Work with the social services and mental health departments to get clients into appropriate social and behavioral health services. Work for alternative dispositions such as specialty courts, mental health treatment, pre-trial diversion, and other options.
• Negotiate with Prosecutors on behalf of clients.
• Maintain good standing with the State Bar where licensed along with all required CLE.
• Perform legal research and draft pleadings.
• Access available information regarding clients from the jail management system and/or Tribal Court computer system.
• Meet the minimum number of CLE hours (each year) as required by the Oklahoma Bar Association or licensed state.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge of the Oklahoma Rules of Evidence and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Rules of Court and how each may apply to criminal cases.
• Skill in the operation of office equipment and computers.
• Skill to read, plan, and prepare reports, correspondence, and charts in a variety of formats.
• Skill to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, and research and develop alternative solutions.
• Ability to access information contained in the Circuit Court and jail management systems.
• Ability to research case law using FastCase, Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other databases.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and government regulations.
• Ability to use various computer software programs in a Windows environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle matters with integrity.
• Ability to interact effectively with employees within the Public Defender’s Office, other departments, management, outside agencies, and/or the general public.
Work Environment:
• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Duties of the position will require some travel.
• Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work may be required.
Physical Demands:
Position requires the demands of normal office work and traveling. May require fieldwork. Driving a GSA and/or privately-owned vehicle is required.
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school and licensed to practice law in all State Courts within the State of Oklahoma.
• Good trial skills and/or a willingness to develop such skills are required.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage a trial schedule and caseload that complies with Oklahoma Indigent Defense Commission Guidelines.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license with ability to meet Seminole Nation liability insurance requirements and maintain eligibility for insurance.
• Must be able to pass background check, with no prior convictions and/or felonies.
• Must be able to comply with the Seminole Nation Drug Free Workplace policies.
Additional Information
Position Type : Full Time
Shift : Day
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