Public Defender

Job Details

Job Location:

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma - McLoud, OK 74851

Position Type:
Contractor Job Category:
Legal PUBLIC DEFENDER – INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is seeking a qualified attorney to provide legal services as a Public Defender for the Kickapoo Tribal Court on an independent contractor basis.

The Public Defender will provide competent and professional legal representation to indigent defendants appointed by the Tribal Court. The attorney will exercise independent professional judgment in representing clients while complying with applicable Tribal laws, Court rules, ethical standards, and licensing requirements.

This position is an independent contractor position and is not considered employment with the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.

The Public Defender's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide legal representation to indigent defendants appointed by the Kickapoo Tribal Court.
• Attend all scheduled hearings, trials, mediations, and other court proceedings in person, unless otherwise approved by the Court.
• Meet personally with each client prior to scheduled court hearings, as reasonably necessary to provide competent legal representation and fulfill the duties of counsel.
• Maintain appropriate communication with clients regarding their cases, court dates, legal options, and responsibilities.
• Conduct legal research and prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, correspondence, and other necessary legal documents.
• Review case files, evidence, reports, and other materials relevant to assigned cases.
• Advise clients regarding their legal rights, available defenses, potential outcomes, and other matters related to their cases.
• Advocate for clients during hearings, trials, negotiations, and other proceedings before the Tribal Court.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client, Court, and Tribal information obtained while providing contracted services.
• Promptly identify and disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest and decline appointments when representation would violate applicable ethical requirements.
• Maintain appropriate records supporting services and invoices.
• Perform other legal services reasonably necessary to fulfill appointments made by the Kickapoo Tribal Court.

Applicants must:

• Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Be an attorney licensed and authorized to practice law.
• Maintain all licenses and credentials necessary to perform the contracted legal services.
• Remain in good standing with the applicable licensing authority.
• Be eligible to practice before the Kickapoo Tribal Court or satisfy applicable Tribal Court admission requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of criminal law, courtroom procedure, legal research, and client representation.
• Be able to effectively represent indigent defendants in Tribal Court proceedings.
• Maintain professional malpractice insurance at the contractor's expense and provide proof of coverage upon request.
• Comply with applicable Rules of Professional Conduct, the Kickapoo Tribal Code, Tribal Court Rules, applicable federal law, and accepted standards of legal practice.

The successful contractor should possess:

• Strong courtroom advocacy and litigation skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong legal research and legal writing abilities.
• Ability to analyze complex legal and factual issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, deadlines, hearings, and client responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully with clients, Court personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, and other parties.
• Knowledge of or willingness to become familiar with Tribal law, Tribal Court procedures, and principles applicable to Tribal justice systems.
• Ability to work independently while meeting all requirements established by the Court.

The Public Defender shall exercise independent professional judgment in all matters involving legal strategy and advocacy.

The contractor must maintain the confidentiality of all privileged, client, Court, and Tribal information and comply with all applicable ethical requirements governing the attorney-client relationship.

The contractor must immediately disclose any suspension, disciplinary action, loss of licensure, or…