Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska; Winnebago (NE); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is seeking a Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney to lead the prosecution of domestic violence and other serious violent crimes. This full-time role involves working with the USAO and Tribal Court, conducting trials, and collaborating with law enforcement. The ideal candidate will hold a J.D. degree, have significant criminal litigation experience, and be an active member of the bar. The position includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. Requires travel and commitment to justice within the Tribe's jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed or qualified attorney at law.
• Minimum of 2-3 years post-J.D. professional experience.
• Outstanding academic record.
• Experience in Indian Country criminal prosecution is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Tribe in prosecution of violent crimes.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies.
• Prepare and present cases in court.
• Conduct legal research for ongoing cases.

Skills

Criminal litigation experience

Legal research

Trial experience

Investigative skills

Community engagement

Education

J.D. degree

Active member of the bar

Job description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Wellness resources

Closes: 4/13/2026

Position Title:

Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Reports to:

Chief Clerk/Tribal Court Administrator

Salary (Grade):

D.O.E.

Status:

Reg. Full-Time (Exempt)

Location:

Tribal Court, Winnebago NE 68071

Job Purpose & Position Overview:

This initiative supports the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and the United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs) in their investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases. Grant funds support a dedicated Tribal prosecutor who will be cross designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) to work directly with their USAO partners to prosecute cases within the exterior boundaries of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes federal offenses and defends the U.S. Government’s interest in civil cases. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska covers all counties in the States of Nebraska. The headquarters office is located in Omaha, Nebraska with a branch office located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney will be located within the Winnebago Tribal Court and the USAO (Omaha).

Funded through the Office of Violence Against Women Grant with a project period from 10/1/26-9/30/30.

Supervision Received:

• Tribal Court Administrator – for purposes of timekeeping, leave approvals, and other HR purposes
• USAO Criminal Unit Chief – for purposes of work assignments and day-day duties

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• There is hereby created an office which shall be known as the prosecutor’s office. The officers shall be known as prosecutors and shall be officers of the Winnebago Tribal Court System. [TCR 96-22]
• The prosecutor is charged with the responsibility of seeing that justice is administered within the Tribe’s jurisdiction.
• It is the duty of the prosecutor(s) to know and be guided by the standards of professional conduct as defined in the Codes and canons of the legal profession.
• It is the duty of the prosecutor to do such other duties which shall be required in this Code and which shall be required to carry out the efficient operation of the Tribal Court. [TCR 86-79]
• Demonstrates the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
• Will work full time on the investigation and prosecution of cases concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other concerning violent crimes that are committed within the exterior boundaries of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
• Coordinate with Law Enforcement, Tribal Court, Federal Bureau of Investigations, etc.
• Appear in court at all stages of criminal prosecutions including arraignments, pre‑trial conferences, trials, sentencing or dispositions, and all other evidentiary and procedural hearings.
• Formulate trial strategy, conduct plea negotiations and prepare jury instructions.
• Meet with and interview witnesses and victims to ascertain facts of case and prepare for trial.
• Prepare talks and present information and instruction in legal issues for law enforcement and other agencies, and participate in meetings with community organizations.
• Attend seminars and conferences to maintain continuing education in specialized areas of the law.
• Conduct legal research as needed by gathering and analyzing all evidence in cases.
• Reviews pertinent decisions, policies, regulations and other legal matters that pertains to case.
• May present evidence against accused to the judge or jury for indictment or release of accused.
• Appears against accused in court of law and presents evidence before the judge.
• Works with community resources to develop alternative sentencing.
• Present to the court all pleadings, motions, orders, and such other documentation, as is necessary to initiate, review and close cases.
• Prepares monthly reports on case status, and such other reports as requested by the Tribal Court Chief Clerk Administrator.
• All other job related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• Licensed or qualified attorney at law is required
• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar in good standing, as well as being admitted to practice in federal court, District of Nebraska, (any jurisdiction), and have at least 2-3 years post‑J.D. professional experience.
• Outstanding academic record, criminal litigation experience, including substantial trial and courtroom experience.
• Experience in managing investigations, violent crime experience, as well as appellate experience and strong legal research and writing ability.
• Investigative grand jury experience would be helpful.
• Experience in Indian Country criminal prosecution is preferred.
• Have never been convicted of a felony for which he/she did not receive a full pardon.
• Must be of high moral character.
• Must be familiar with the Code of Professional Ethics for attorneys.

Training Requirements:

As Directed by management

Physical Requirements:

Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment. While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

Mental Requirements:

• Reading, writing, calculating
• Above average social interaction skills
• Reasoning/Analysis
• Works with minimal to no supervision.

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check. A copy of Degrees earned must be provided by applicant. Satisfies Tribal Code requirements to practice law.

Travel:

Frequent travel will be required. Mileage will be reimbursed.

Relocation Expenses:

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

USAO Department Policies:

SAUSAs generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed. See 28 U.S.C. § 545 for district‑specific information.

Veterans Preference:

There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10‑point preference must submit Standard Form (SF 15, Application for 10‑Point Veteran Preference) and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10‑point preferences and the required supporting document(s)). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service‑connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice‑connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service‑connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

EEO Statement:

The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non‑membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any non‑merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug‑free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. citizens may apply for employment with other organizations but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.