The civil attorney is a member of the Tribal Defenders' public defender team, providing holistic representation to native people. The civil attorney provides legal assistance and representation to clients in the following areas of law: housing, family, debt/consumer, mental health commitments, guardianships, and other matters related to poverty law.
The civil attorney may also be required to represent our clients in criminal and juvenile proceedings, and ancillary matters such as petitions to challenge driver's license suspensions.
The work is primarily in Tribal court but can also be in state or federal courts. As part of the holistic representation team, the civil attorney will also be called upon to provide education and information to people on civil matters and to pro se litigants.
The civil attorney will participate in community outreach.
Must be a member of good standing of the State Bar of Montana or licensed in another state and eligible to be licensed in Montana within six months. In that circumstance, hire would be contingent upon admission to the Montana Bar.
Must have a minimum of 3 years' practice experience. Civil litigation experience, and experience in poverty law issues are preferred.
Must have a demonstrated commitment to justice for marginalized citizens.
Must learn and apply the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Law and Order Code.
Must have a working knowledge of Indian law.
Must be willing to prepare correspondence and court documents with limited assistance from clerical staff.
Must work well within a team and be willing to do what is necessary to serve the needs of public defender clients, including cross training in other areas of law and within the Defenders' interdisciplinary team.
The ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of client contacts in an extremely fast-paced atmosphere is necessary. This includes the ability to think on one's feet in a pressured situation and to perform under stress, all with effective assistance to clients as a priority. A sense of humor goes a long way.
The ability to communicate effectively with clients from a tribal community and various social and economic backgrounds is necessary, as well as those with mental health and substance use disorders.
Submit a completed Tribal employment application - available on the cskt.org website. Resumes may be submitted but will not replace the official Tribal application.
Submit certified copies of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates.
Submit proof of Montana State Bar license.
Submit Tribal enrollment verification if enrolled in a federally recognized tribe other than CSKT.
If you are claiming Veteran's Preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted with the application.
Submit a writing sample.
Send materials to Evelyn Charlo, Personnel Office, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855. (406) 675-2700 ext. 1029
For more information contact Ann Miller, Managing Attorney (406) 675-2700 ext. 1125. [email protected]