The Tribal Prosecutor, under the direction of the General Counsel, is responsible for independently prosecuting criminal, juvenile, landlord-tenant, and child welfare cases in Tribal court and handling Indian child welfare cases in state court.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)
• The Tribal Prosecutor is authorized and directed to make independent decisions, which shall be in the best interest of the Tribe, on whether to file formal charges against suspects in criminal proceedings, the nature of those charges being brought, and whether to recommend a plea bargain utilizing the Sault St. Marie Tribal Law and Order Code.
• Providing consultation to Tribal law enforcement and assisting them in obtaining search warrants.
• Conduct legal research, analysis, and document production as it relates to the litigation of criminal, and civil cases in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Court;
• Attend court arraignments, initial hearings, pretrial conferences, status conferences, review and evidentiary hearings, and trials on behalf of the Tribe.
• Maintain case files, calendars, and database for criminal and civil cases. Negotiate the just resolution of assigned cases and complies with victim rights.
• Gather and analyze evidence in criminal and civil cases, which may include interviewing witnesses regarding facts as needed in the prosecution of the cases.
• Supervises and directs the activities of the Assistant Prosecutor and Legal Secretary.
• The Tribal Prosecutor shall conform own conduct to the Code of Judicial Conduct as adopted by the Sault St. Marie Tribe Law and Order Code
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)
• Compose memorandums and pleadings regarding legal issues of concern for cases;
• Draft legal pleadings for submittal to the Tribal court.
• Advises other Tribal organizations, including, but not limited to: Sault Tribal Law Enforcement, Anishnaabek Community and Family Services (ACFS), DeMawating Development and Sault Tribe Housing Authority as needed.
• Travels within the Tribe's seven-county service area for court proceedings and job trainings, if required.
• Maintains regular contact with tribal officials, Board of Directors and other Tribal organizations.
• Maintains regular contact with federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement prosecutors.
• Maintain a drug-free workplace.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.
CONTACTS:
Immediate peers, peers in other departments, subordinates, immediate supervisor/manager, executives, Board of Directors, customers, Tribal officials, Tribal organizations and Federal, State, local and Tribal Law Enforcement officials.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position light with lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision; frequent sitting and occasional standing, walking, carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, stooping, reaching, manual handling, color, field of vision, bending, typing and driving. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather. Potential hazards include frequent computer use and occasional client contact and equipment use.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: A Bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law by the American Bar Association.
Experience: Prior prosecutorial experience and understanding of federal Indian law preferred.
Certification/License: Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan. Must be a current member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver's license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of Tribal and federal laws which relate to the criminal prosecution of suspects in Tribal court is required. Must have ability to distinguish Tribal court jurisdictional issues from the relevant case facts. Knowledge of criminal law case preparation and litigation required. Must have ability to comply with all rules regulating professional responsibility including specific regulations addressing the prosecutorial function. Must have ability to maintain professional relationships with victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, and members of the community. Ability to work independently and in intensive concert with others is a must. Ability to clearly and succinctly articulate ideas and logical analysis orally and in writing required. Must have ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Tribal community officials and the general public. Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position. Native American preferred.