Director​/Attorney - Civil Legal Aid

Director/Attorney - Civil Legal Aid (Open Until Filled)

General Definition:
The primary responsibility of this position will be to provide civil legal services to individuals living or working at the Pueblo of Zuni. Directs and handles all legal and administrative functions necessary to provide competent legal services for the client.

Supervision Received:
Work is performed under the general direction of the Tribal Administrator.

Supervision Exercised:
Will supervise Civil Legal Assistant.

Provide legal services directly to individuals in Civil (Non-Criminal) matters.

• Client representation consistent with ethical rules governing attorneys.
• Type out routine pleadings, letters, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Legal Research & Writing; familiarity with Westlaw.
• Photocopying, faxing, and scanning documents.
• Filing of pleadings and appearances in Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Court, and in limited circumstances the possibility of appearing in state (magistrate/city, and county), federal or other tribal jurisdictions.
• Appearing in Court on behalf of a client; conducting evidentiary hearings; conducting trials; conducting appeals.
• Advising clients on the best course of action to take in order to accomplish client goals.
• Being mindful that sometimes litigation is not the best first course to take and that negotiating a mutually agreeable outcome between clients and the opposition may yield better results.
• Making final determinations on whether a conflict of interest exists in the representation of a prospective client.
• Case assignment to outside/contract attorneys or advocates employed by the Legal Aid Department (depending on funding availability).
• Serve to promote and implement restorative justice practices aligned with the history and culture of Zuni.
• Develop mediation services to all parties involved in a case, while recognizing that litigation may also be part of the responsibilities.
• Client visitation may be required; there may be civil matters to be completed on behalf of clients who may be in‑custody in separate criminal cases.
• May defend clients in civil matters, such as child custody, child support, guardian ships, probates, paternities, civil claims cases, dissolution of marriage, parental/durable powers of attorney, estate planning, Minor In Need of Care (juvenile dependency cases) etc.

• Work with other Division Directors and Departments, as necessary, to accomplish Zuni-wide developmental goals consistent with the direction of the Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Council.
• Submit all required Monthly Reports to the Tribal Administrator.
• Prepare budgets, budgets revisions and scope of work for submittal on an annual basis and as need for revision.
• Reviews and approves all expenditures for the program to ensure accuracy of the cuff account and ensure funding is available to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Prepares and submits reports on the status, annual reports, activity reports and plans for current and future operations. Submitting all timely reports to the funding agency.
• Prepares grants for additional funding to sustain the program and services including funding for further expansion.
• Review, approve, and submit staff timesheets in a timely manner; make necessary corrections.
• Review, approve, and submit staff leave requests in a timely manner; make necessary corrections.
• Develop internal policies, scope of representation policies, application forms for service, etc.

• Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting and training employees and developing personal growth opportunities.
• Supervise staff on their duties and job performance, provide direction, take corrective measures, if necessary, disciplinary action.
• Supervise staff and organizing…