Chief Prosecutor

Chief Prosecutor – Yakama Nation

Hourly Wage: $58.84-$66.23 (Regular/Full-Time/Supervisory)

Employee serves as the Chief Prosecutor and Chief Legal Officer for the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to defend the Treaty of June 9, 1855 (12 Stat. 951) and the inherent sovereignty of the Yakama Nation by seeking enforcement of duly enacted Tribal Laws. The Primary goal for the Prosecutor's Office is to improve safety in its communities by working to prevent and reduce criminal activity and victimization on the Yakama Reservation, including the Usual and Accustomed territories, through vigorous and effective prosecution of civil and criminal cases in both the adult and juvenile courts.

• The Chief Prosecutor works with Public Safety, CRITFC, Indian Child Welfare Programs, Probation Services, Youth Court Services, Office of Legal Counsel, and other tribal programs and/or agencies to help assess tribal interests, jurisdiction, and provide vigorous and effective prosecution of crimes, juvenile delinquency and status offenses, child abuse/neglect, fish and wildlife offenses, traffic violations/offenses (and infractions as determined by the Courts), exclusion matters, and other appropriate civil or criminal offenses occurring within tribal jurisdiction.
• Provides legal support to the Tribal Police Department, Nak-Nu-We-Sha (NNWS), State Child Protective Services (CPS), Probation, Youth Court Services Program, and other tribal regulatory and service providing programs in submitting, supporting, or presenting our cases in Tribal Court.
• Maintains contact with attorneys and other jurisdictions regarding tribal, state, and federal court matters affecting the Yakama Nation.
• Is expected to independently present and perform attorney functions in the Tribal and State Courts on behalf of the Yakama Nation.
• Administratively, responsible for establishing goals and objectives, budgets, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, staff supervision and development.
• Participates in meetings or projects relative to the Yakama Tribal Justice System.
• Represents the Yakama Nation in the prosecution of adults and juveniles within the tribal jurisdiction.
• Represents the Yakama Nation in civil actions involving child abuse/neglect, in civil ICWA proceedings.
• Drafts notices of intervention and/or petitions to transfer which represent the best interest of the child(ren) and the tribe as provided under tribal and federal law.
• Represents the Yakama Nation in civil prosecution of traffic offenses, fish & wildlife offenses, exclusion matters, and other Titles under the RYC wherein the Yakama Nation is the plaintiff as allowed under RYC 3.01.29.
• Advises the Tribal Police, NNWS and CPS in investigation, evaluating evidence, case preparation and preparation of legal pleadings including subpoenas, search warrants, arrest warrants, and pick up Orders/Detention Orders.
• Works with and refers cases as appropriate to the U.S. Attorney's Office for federal prosecution or the County Prosecutor for state prosecution of non-Indian offenders.
• Conducts all necessary case preparation before Tribal Court hearings and trials, including drafting and filing written complaints, motions, proposed orders, legal briefs, jury instructions, sentencing/release recommendations, and other legal documents as appropriate.
• Zealously argues and presents cases as appropriate in Tribal Court and Tribal Court of Appeals.
• Trains and consults with the Tribal Police and other agencies as appropriate regarding tribal justice and victimization issues.
• Assists in a variety of department operations; performs special projects and assignments as requested or directed by the Justice Services Administration Office, including code revisions.
• Prepares and explains key policy issues regarding tribal justice and victimization through written and/or oral reports to key stakeholders that include the JSA, Tribal Administration, and/or Tribal Council/General Council.
• Prepares and distributes education and outreach materials, which may include organizing and/or attending community events, forums, and trainings.
• Ensures the availability of 24‑hour legal support services…