Tribal Court Advocate-Civil Pro Se Legal Assistant

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement #

2025-267

Issue Date:

08-28-25

Closing Date:

09-17-25

Tribal Court Advocate/Civil Pro Se Assistant

Public Defender

Department of Justice Services

Hourly Wage: $23.28/Regular/Full-Time

The Public Defender Office provides legal representation in criminal court, children's court, and dependency matters, as well as civil pro se assistance in civil matters. The Tribal Court Advocate/Civil Pro Se Assistant, hereinafter "Advocate" acts as a lay counsel in Tribal Court matters as assigned. The Advocate must qualify to be admitted to practice in Tribal Court, pursuant to RYC Section 3.01.25, such that the Advocate must be an enrolled member, twenty-one (21) years of age or older, who has not been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor in the past year, is of good moral character, and demonstrates to the Court a thorough knowledge of the RYC, the Rules of the Tribal Judiciary and knowledge of the culture, traditions and laws of the Yakama People. The Advocate must have the ability to write clearly and concisely and communicate verbally. The Advocate position must have the ability to review cases, evidence, and the law to competently handle complex matters in Tribal Court. The Advocate may be responsible to assist Program lawyers with case preparation as assigned. The Advocate is available to assist walk-in requests for assistance in completing the Court's civil forms for filing pro se. The Advocate may be responsible for performing administrative duties, such as report preparation, program statistics, office supply ordering, travel, mileage reimbursement, and other duties as assigned.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Prepares forms for filing in cases, including Notices of Appearance, continuances, note for docket hearings, and other forms as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality and security of all legal documents and files.
• Reviews discovery with clients.
• Conducts investigations, performs witness interviews.
• Representation may include intake, case assessment, review of incident reports, appearances in court on behalf of the client.
• Assists Tribal members in filling-out court forms for filing in Tribal Court civil matters on their own.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and security of client and program information.
• Ability to read, review and understand the RYC.
• Ability to read, review and understand the Indian Civil Rights Act and Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Ability to learn and practice court procedures relating to civil and criminal law.
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with difficult clients in emotional and stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to conform to a legal office environment and maintain a professional appearance congruent with the mission of a law office.
• Ability to use a computer and assorted software proficiently.
• Ability to work independently and productively.
• Ability to work under stress.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to handle people problems that involve issues and adverse situations.

General Recruiting Indicators:

• Requires an AA degree, or two years work experience in public administration or law related field.
• Ability to pass a criminal background review with no prior felonies and no criminal convictions in Tribal Court within the past 3 years.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must be an enrolled Yakama member of at least 21 years of age, of good moral character.
• Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions within 3 years.
• Must apply and meet eligibility requirements for admission as lay counsel under RYC 3.01.25.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.