The Tribal Defenders Office for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes located on the beautiful Flathead Reservation in northwest Montana is hiring a criminal defense attorney. The person selected will have the opportunity to be innovative, and work with an interdisciplinary team to provide holistic representation to their clients. The Defenders provide public defender services to indigent tribal members in tribal court. In addition to representation of adults in criminal court, youth in youth court, parents in child protection proceedings, and respondents in adult protection and mental health matters, the Tribal Defenders provide services that address the issues that bring their clients into the justice system and those collateral consequences to criminal charges and convictions. Utilizing a client-directed and interdisciplinary approach, the Tribal Defenders offer psychological services, case management, civil and pro se assistance, driver’s license restoration, cultural mentoring, the Flathead Reservation Reentry Program and permanent supportive housing at the Morning Star.
The criminal defense attorney represents indigent adult and juvenile clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses in Tribal Court at all stages of proceedings, from initial appearance to trial, sentencing, and appeal.
1. Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana, or the state bar association in which the applicant currently practices. Applicants to the Montana Bar waiting for admission may be considered on a contingency basis. Entry level attorneys are encouraged to apply depending on their experience and other qualifications.
2. Must have demonstrated knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and ability to function in the courtroom.
3. Must have knowledge of the social and cultural lifestyles of the reservation community and be able to communicate effectively with native clients and the native community.
4. Must be willing to prepare correspondence and court documents with limited assistance from clerical staff.
5. Must have solid legal research and writing skills.
6. Must be able to prioritize, and manage a high volume of cases in an extremely fast-paced atmosphere. This includes the ability to think on one’s feet in a pressured situation and to perform under stress, but also do the necessary preparation work all with effective assistance to clients as a priority. A sense of humor also goes a long way.
7. Must be committed to the holistic defense model that is innovative, client-driven, and team based. Holistic defense focuses on the client in the context of their community.
8. Must have a demonstrated interest in working with the disenfranchised, the criminally accused, and those experiencing mental illness and addiction, knowing that clients of the Tribal Defenders Office are resilient and capable of change.
Go to csktribes.org where you may apply online. Please provide a recent writing sample.
For any questions, contact: Ann Miller, Managing Attorney [email protected]