Job Posting
Chief Public Defender
Position: Chief Public Defender
Reports To: Chief Judge of the Seminole Nation District Court
Department: Tribal Court
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Purpose: The position of Chief Public Defender consists of court-appointed legal representation of indigent individuals accused of committing crimes within the Seminole Nation Reservation boundaries. A Chief 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 preliminary hearings in SNO Tribal Court;(d) visit the Seminole County Jail weekly; (e) supervise staff of the Public Defenders Office and (f) perform any other assignments that may be required by the SNO Tribal Court.
Job Duties:
Satisfactory job performance will be determined by successful execution of the following:
• Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Supervise Assistant Public Defenders, Legal Assistants and any other employees of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Develop and oversee the budget for the Public Defender’s Office.
• Provide guidance and assistance to staff of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Oversees the development, guidance and implementation of policies and procedures of the Public Defender’s Office to ensure success, uniformity, integrity and quality control.
• Provide policy and program interpretation and guidance.
• Review legislation for tribal impact and recommend implementation plans regarding passed legislation impacting representation of indigent clients.
• Recommends training development specific to practices.
• Plan and assist in strategic development for Public Defender’s Office.
• Recommend the employment of Assistant Public Defenders and support staff as needed for the efficient operation of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Supervise Assistant Public Defenders, Legal Assistants and any other employees of the Public Defender’s Office.
• Review cases for those clients assigned to the Public Defender’s Office.
• 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 for hearings 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 Clerk/Director.
• Represent clients accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation.
• 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 Public Defenders 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 court appearances with recently appointed clients.
• 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 where licensed and the Oklahoma Bar Association along with all required Continuing Legal Education (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.
• 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 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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