Prosecutor / Presenting Officer

Job Summary: Under the administrative supervision of the General Counsel to the Pokagon Band, the Prosecutor/ Presenting Officer provides criminal and civil law enforcement services to the Pokagon Band, presents child protection and custody matters in Pokagon Band Tribal Court, and represents the Band in child custody matters in state courts. The Prosecutor / Presenting Officer will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in a manner that is consistent with applicable ethical standards and assuring that justice is upheld according to the laws of the Pokagon Band. Occasional travel within and outside Michigan and Indiana will be required.

Essential Functions

• Act as the Chief Prosecutorial Official for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and prosecute criminal violations in the Pokagon Band Tribal Court, including arraignments, motions, trials, and appeals.
• Review, authorize and prosecute violations of the Band’s Criminal Code, and other designated Codes, ordinances, and/or resolutions in Tribal Court.
• Prepare and review all requests for arrest warrants and search warrants todetermineif all Constitutional and other legal requirements have been satisfied prior to approval or authorization.
• Upon designation as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecute non-Indian misdemeanor violations in the federal courts.
• Work in conjunction with the Tribal Council, the Tribe’s attorneys, Tribal Law Enforcement and the Tribal Judiciary in establishing a working relationship and agreements with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Work in conjunction with Tribal Law Enforcement, the Tribe’s attorneys and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to establish a protocol for coordinating law enforcement in matters of concern to the Tribe.
• Work with the Tribe’s Child Welfare Committee and Department of Social Services and serve as the Presenting Officer under the Children’s Protection Code and other designated Pokagon Band law to represent the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Indian Child Welfare cases in Tribal Court and in state court.
• Prosecute juvenile status offenses and delinquency matters in Tribal Court.
• Advise the Band’s Social Service Department and Family Welfare Commission on child abuse and neglect petitions and actions to terminate parental rights.
• Work closely with the Tribal Judiciary in an effort to improve the operations and administration of the Pokagon Band Tribal Court and overall tribal justice systems.
• Coordinate with the Band’s Probation Department as necessary in all criminal matters and status offenses.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by Tribal Council or its delegate.

Position Requirements

• 5 –10 years of experience as a practicing attorney in one or more legal fields relevant to theprincipal duties of the Prosecutor / Presenting Officer.
• Licensed and member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.
• Demonstrated high academic achievement with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• High level of written and oral communication skills and superior ability to advocate and persuade.
• Exceptional ability to think on feet and to identify and analyze legal issues and present legal theories.
• Highly independent and organized and able to manage significant number of active matters simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to work the hours necessary to maintain deadlines.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.
• Professional demeanor, appearance, and enthusiasm for the law and public service.
• Thorough knowledge of and commitment to professional ethics, particularly those rules that relate to the representation of governments and other organizations.
• Excellent references with substantial personnel knowledge of applicant’s legal abilities.
• Proficiency in legal research techniques, superior electronic and library research skills, and thorough knowledge of legal and other resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other word processing and document preparation programs.
• Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a criminal background investigation and submission to drug and alcohol testing by urinalysis.
• Never have been convicted of a felony.
• Have experience in, or within three months of appointment have training in, prosecutorial skills equivalent to training required for prosecutors in Michigan.

Have a valid driver’s license and be able to meet the minimum insurance requirements regarding driving record in order to utilize GSA vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous prosecutorial experience within the Pokagon Band’s ten (10) county service area.
• Demonstrated commitment to Indian affairs as shown through significant experience working with Indian tribes or in the area of Indian affairs.
Indiana Bar License (in addition to a Michigan Bar License).

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Indian Preference

Pokagon Band Indian preference policies apply.