Tribal Prosecutor

Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California; Nevada (IA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A Native American Tribe based in Nevada is seeking a Tribal Prosecutor who will be responsible for prosecuting criminal and juvenile cases. This role involves preparing cases for court, providing legal advice to law enforcement and social workers, and representing the Tribe in legal matters. Ideal candidates will possess a Juris Doctorate, relevant trial experience, and must maintain a valid driver's license. This full-time position offers a competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing.
• Experience equivalent to two years providing legal counsel.
• At least one year of trial work as a prosecutor or district attorney.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for prosecuting criminal and juvenile delinquency cases.
• Represents the department in court for emergency removal matters.
• Prepares and presents cases for prosecution in Tribal Court.

Skills

Knowledge of prosecuting practices

Ability to negotiate plea agreements

Communication skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and email software

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

Washoe Tribe of NV & CA • Human Resources

Job Type

Full-time

Description

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

SUPERVISOR: General Counsel

GRADE: EX19 $48.69 ($101,270.52) – $81.15 ($168,784.20)

Position Summary

Under direct supervision of the Washoe General Counsel, the Tribal Prosecutor is responsible for all prosecutor duties related to adult criminal and juvenile delinquency matters, attorney services for the department of Social Services, and attorney services for the Healing to Wellness Drug Court for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

• Reviews and investigates cases, police reports, and all other applicable reports from Tribal agencies involving violations of the Washoe Tribal Law & Order Code, signing charges when case is prosecutable.
• Prepares and presents cases for prosecution and adjudication in the Washoe Tribal Court.
• Confers with and provides legal advice to police officers and probation officers engaged in the investigation of criminal and/or delinquent activity.
• Confers with and provides legal advice to social workers engaged in the investigation of child in need of protection matters.
• Reviews social service reports, police reports and all other applicable reports to determine whether a child/family protection petition should be filed.
• Represents the department of social services in court on all emergency removal and child/family protection petition matters.
• Meets with defense attorneys, advocates, pro se parties and other representatives to discuss resolution of cases.
• Meets in person and by phone to conduct interviews of witnesses, including police officers, to prepare an effective prosecution of each case.
• Exercises professional judgment in making charging decisions and filing criminal complaints and/or juvenile delinquency petitions.
• Exercises professional discretion in negotiating settlements of cases when appropriate.
• Represents the Tribe in criminal trials or juvenile fact-findings, and all Inter‑Tribal Court of Appeals cases involving criminal appeals.
• Makes sentencing recommendations and disposition recommendations to the court.
• Drafts orders for the court following court hearings. The Court Orders are to be properly written with accurate information including case name, defendant name, the accurate time of incarceration (including start dates for intake at the jail and the release dates) and other relevant information with clear delineation between the total sentence, time to be spent in jail and credit given for time served.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in good standing with a state bar association and possess a Juris Doctorate.
• Experience equivalent to two years of full time work providing legal counsel in a court setting.
• At least one year of trial work either as a prosecutor or district attorney.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California or Nevada driver’s license or capable of obtaining one within thirty‑days (30) of employment.
• Must be able to be insurable by the Tribe’s Driving Policy.
• Must not have any criminal or misdemeanor convictions, which involve a crime of moral turpitude.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre‑employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications

• Knowledge of and skill in the practices, procedures, and techniques for effectively prosecuting violations in the Tribal Court of the Washoe Tribe.
• Knowledge of the Washoe Tribal Law & Order Codes/Ordinances.
• Experience with modern court practices and procedures, and rules of evidence and criminal procedures.
• Advanced ability to use Microsoft Word and electronic mail and calendaring software.
• Maintains easily accessible cloud‑based file system for each case.
• Ability to work with judges, court clerks, law enforcement, probation, social services, Bureau of Indian Affairs staff, the Tribe’s legal department, and other court staff in a professional manner.
• Skill in negotiating plea agreements.
• Proper hygiene and dress appropriate to a court official.
• Required to be available in emergency situations for the issuance of warrants and emergency orders.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances and requirements.
• Knowledge of business writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to Native Americans and Tribal organizations.
• Knowledge of Tribal governments and criminal and civil procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co‑workers at all levels.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and negotiate legal actions.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Skill in the preparation and trial of legal cases and corresponding documents.
• Skill in supervising assigned staff.
• Skill in operating business computers, including various database, spreadsheet, and word‑processing programs.
• Skill in gathering, analyzing, and organizing information.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents and publications.
• Skill in working effectively under pressure.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following:

• Negative alcohol and drug screen
• Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630
• Obtain or possess a valid driver’s license for either the state of Nevada or California within 30 days
• Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribe’s driving policy