Closing Date: 12th November, 2026

Description:

Closes: 11/12/2026

Public Defender (In House)

Reports to: Chief Clerk/Tribal Court Administrator

Salary: Negotiable, D.O.E.

Status: Reg. Part-Time (Exempt)

Location: Tribal Court, Winnebago NE 68071

Job Purpose & Position Overview:

The Public Defender conducts the defense of adult criminal cases, juvenile delinquency cases, and civil offenses involving violations of the Winnebago Tribal Code, representing the defendant at all stages of these proceedings in the Winnebago Tribal Court.
The Public Defender works with Tribal Organizations, law enforcement agencies, both on and off the Reservation, including the FBI and the US Attorney's Office, and prosecutor's offices in other jurisdictions.
This position will be considered a full-time employee and will be located within the Tribal Court building.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Demonstrates the Winnebago Tribe's core mission, vision, and values.
Represent defendants in adult criminal cases, youth in delinquency and status offense cases, and parents or other legal custodians in child dependency cases.
Advise clients on rights and responsibilities and/or choices and consequences.
Maintain contact with clients, communicate effectively, respond promptly to questions and messages.
Meet with clients in person as necessary, sometimes at off-Reservation locations such as lockup facilities.
Maintain regular office hours.
Review police reports and obtain additional information from law enforcement personnel when required.
Appear in court at all stages of criminal prosecutions including arraignments, pre-trial conferences, trials, sentencings or dispositions, and all other evidentiary and procedural hearings.
Perform case preparation including review of discovery materials, investigation, interview of clients and witnesses, evaluation of evidence, legal research, and development of case strategy.
Prepare written pleadings, motions, legal memoranda and briefs, proposed orders, proposed jury instructions, sentencing recommendations, appellate notices and briefs, and other legal documents and forms as appropriate.
Communicate, coordinate, and negotiate with the Tribal Prosecutor and with Counsel simultaneously representing the Public Defender's clients in other jurisdictions.
Assist clients to comply with court orders and to obtain assessments and services related to drug/alcohol, mental health, domestic violence, and other psychosocial issues.
Assist in improving the Tribe's justice system, including development of codes and court rules, participation in meetings and trainings, and preparation and implementation of grants.
Attend continuing legal education programs, seminars, and trainings, as necessary to perform the duties of Public Defender and to maintain professional licensing.
Reviews pertinent decisions, policies, regulations and other legal matters that pertains to case.
Works with community resources to develop alternative sentencing.
Prepares monthly reports on case status, and such other reports as requested by the Chief Clerk Administrator.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all professional and ethical standards required by the Nebraska State Bar and any other bar associations of which the Public Defender is a member.
All other job related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
Duties listed are only an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

Licensed or qualified attorney at law is required
Two (2) years legal experience is preferred
Have never been convicted of a felony for which he/she did not receive a full pardon
Must be of high moral character
Must be familiar with the Code of Professional Ethics for attorneys.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
N/A

Training Requirements:
As Directed by management

Physical Requirements:

Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.

Mental Requirements:

Reading, writing, calculating
Above average social interaction skills
Reasoning/Analysis
Works with minimal to no supervision.

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

Certificates, Licenses & registrations:

All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.
A copy of Degrees earned must be provided by applicant.
Satisfies Tribal Code requirements to practice law.

How to Apply:

Apply at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Please submit to Jennifer.berridge@winnebagotribe.com. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.
If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.
Call Winnebago Tribal Court at 402-878-2570 for further information.