Public Defender - Open until filled jobs in United States
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Southern Ute Indian Tribe · 4 hours ago

Public Defender - Open until filled

Southern Ute Indian Tribe is seeking a Public Defender to represent eligible Native American or other defendants in criminal proceedings in the Southern Ute Tribal Court. The role involves representing respondents in various legal proceedings and requires a strong background in criminal law and trial experience.

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Responsibilities

Represents eligible Native American or other defendants as authorized by applicable Tribal or federal law in criminal proceedings prosecuted in the Southern Ute Tribal Court
Responsibilities include representing respondents in involuntary commitment proceedings, representing juveniles in delinquency proceedings, truancy proceedings, and serving as guardian ad litem in dependency and neglect proceedings brought in the Southern Ute Tribal Court

Qualification

Law degreeLicensed to practice lawCriminal law experienceTribal jurisdiction knowledgeTrial experienceLegal research techniquesPublic administration knowledgeBackground check complianceSoft skills

Required

Must have a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and be in good standing with the Colorado Supreme Court or eligible to waive into admission in that State within a year of hiring
Must be admitted or eligible for admission to practice before the Southern Ute Tribal Court and possess and maintain necessary licensing and eligibility to practice
Must have 2 years of criminal law experience with robust trial experience
Must have general knowledge of Tribal jurisdiction and Indian Law
Must be familiar with or have the ability to quickly become familiar with the Tribe's Criminal Procedure Code and other relevant Tribal Codes, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and applicable federal laws governing jurisdiction on the Reservation, such as the Major Crimes Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Tribal Law and Order Act, and the Indian Civil Rights Act, in order to prepare and present an effective defense in court or administrative proceedings
Must have an understanding of the legal reference resources, research techniques, and practices and procedures needed for effectively representing those charged with criminal offenses
Must have knowledge of basic public administration principles and practices, including budgeting, policy/procedure development, and employee training and supervision
Must have a valid Driver's License for state of residency and be insurable through the Tribal Vehicle Insurance policy
Must pass a thorough background check including professional references, Criminal History, fingerprint check, and pre-employment drug test

Preferred

Experience in Tribal court
Direct representation of criminal defendants
Jury trial experience
Experience with Juvenile Court Proceedings
Have an understanding of programs to which respondents may be assigned as a result of involuntary commitment proceedings
TERO preference

Company

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a sovereign nation rooted in ancestral stewardship and guided by a commitment to self-determination, prosperity, and cultural preservation.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$0.2M
Key Investors
Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka
2025-10-28Grant· $0.2M

Leadership Team

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Daniel Gottlieb
Chief Investment Officer
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