DIRECTOR/ATTORNEY

FT/

EXEMPT - LEVEL 16 

SALARY: $43.10

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.

Attorney Duties: 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, guardianships, probates, paternities, civil claims cases, dissolution of marriage, parental/durable powers of attorney, estate planning, Minor In Need of Care (juvenile dependency cases) etc.

Administrative Duties:

• 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.

Directly supervise and coordinate program activities to perform program goals and objectives to complying with all funded contracts and other applicable regulations.

• 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 and monitoring work processes and conducting performance appraisals.
• Maintain safe and healthy work environment by establishing and enforcing standard operating procedures and adhering to personnel policies and procedures.
• Monitors operation of the program by developing schedules, assigning and monitoring work, gathering resources, implementing productivity standards, resolving operation problems, maintaining reference manuals, and implementing new procedures.
• Provide quality service by enforcing quality and customer service standards.
• Conduct staff meetings to enhance communication among staff related to program goals and objectives.

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Become familiar with the Pueblo of Zuni Personnel Policies.
• Become familiar with the Constitution and Law & Order Code of the Pueblo of Zuni.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  The ideal candidate should have the following skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Office software; Excellent typing skills, including spelling and grammar; Excellent computer skills; Excellent online research skills; Westlaw legal research skills; The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with clients; The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with staff; Familiarity with legal pleadings and documents; Basic accounting skills; Knowledge of office procedures; The ability to work as a team or on an individual basis; Strong self-motivation and the ability to motivate others; Demonstrated knowledge of local and federal court systems as well as knowledge of tribal, state and federal laws; Good interviewing techniques; Ability to read and interpret legal documents; Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence; Knowledge of court processes, administrative law processes, and legal terminology; Knowledge of legal strategies, their development and presentation; Ability to effectively present information and response to questions/inquiries from judges, attorneys and the general public; Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of the philosophy and practice of legal advocacy, laws, ethics, and policies; Strong ability to identify and understand complex legal problems and concepts, apply logical thinking and methods to gathering and analyzing evidence and information; Organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple on-going cases, as well as the ability to provide status updates on cases and hearings at a moment’s notice; Good oral and written communication skills; Ability to write reports and complete forms as may be required; Must have an awareness, sensitivity and understanding of the Zuni culture, and tradition; Ability to maintain good working relationship with the Zuni Office of the Prosecutor, Zuni Tribal Court, Zuni Public Defender, Healing to Wellness Court Team, clients and the general public.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:  Juris Doctor with admission to the highest Court of any state, with a preference for the State of New Mexico and/or Arizona, as appearance in those state courts may be required.  A minimum of three years of post-law school work experience in a legal setting is required; clerkships may be considered as part of this time calculation.  Litigation experience is desired, particularly jury trial experience.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES:  Must have a valid New Mexico Driver's License with no DWI convictions or any criminal convictions within the past three (3) years.  Current Licensed Attorney issued by Supreme Court of New Mexico and/or Arizona. Driving is an essential part of the duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, driving an automobile, etc.  No special physical demands are required to perform the work.  Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing.  The position is Safety Sensitive and will be subject to random drug screening for duration of employment.  Must undergo and successfully pass a thorough character background check and FBI Fingerprint check. Must maintain total abstinence from alcohol and other chemical use upon post offer of employment. Must not have been in a domestic violence situation within a year prior to employment. Position is temporary for three years with the ability to reapply for CTAS funds to extend program. Confidentiality: all employees are required to uphold all principles of confidentiality to the fullest extent (including the specific rules governing attorney-client confidences); this position has access to sensitive information and a breach of these principles shall be grounds for immediate termination.