Public Defender

HS- Administrative Assistant II
Reviewed/Revised 04/2023

Position Title: Public Defender
Department: Tribal Court
Employment Status: Exempt Grade: E4/Negotiable DOE
Opening Date: July 22, 2024 Closing Date: Open until filled

Job Summary
The Public Defender will represent individuals subject to any criminal complaint filed in the Mescalero Apache
Tribal Court. The Public Defender will work with the Chief Prosecutor’s Office to resolve criminal cases by
deferred prosecution for treatment, counseling, family therapy or other options, or plea agreement or trial or
sentencing and/or appeal. The Public Defender will work to resolve matters in an ethical and professional
manner.
This position description may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which
may be found or assigned to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Represent individuals in criminal court for all matters filed against them. 

Conduct legal research and compose motions and pleas on behalf of the defendants. 

Create forms for eligibility of representation, conflicts, and any other document needed to represent
individuals in criminal court. 

Work with the Tribe on any issues involving code development. 

Assist the Chief Judge in the development of the court rules of criminal procedure. 

Develop relationships with the local, state and federal Public Defender's and Prosecutors office and where
necessary, other Tribal Prosecutors and Public Defenders 

Work with the Wellness Court Team to help admit potential individuals into that program, and 

Adhere to the Professional and Ethical Rules of Responsibility 

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 
A law degree from an ABA approved law school. 
I to 5 years working in a court as a public defender or in a tribal court setting or a court setting of any

jurisdiction; 
If no experience, law courses in trial practice, clinical practice, law journal or moot court competition 
Basic understanding of Federal Indian Law, and 
Knowledge of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. 
Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Licenses and Certifications: 
A state or tribal bar license is preferred although not a pre-requisite to obtaining the appointment.

However, the candidate must obtain license to practice law within one year of the date of hire. 
Must possess a valid New Mexico driver's license and be insurable, and 
Must submit to a background check.
Tribal preference and Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions.

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

HS- Administrative Assistant II
Reviewed/Revised 04/2023

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to perform legal research and

possess analytical skills commensurate with the position of a public defender. 
Demonstrate knowledge of general legal principles in all areas listed in "Duties and Responsibilities". 
Demonstrate knowledge of Mescalero Apache Law, Federal Indian Law and other relevant law. 
Understand, appreciate and promote the ideas of tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty as it

relates to individual rights. 
Possess and demonstrate a respect and proper candor to the court., and 
Possess a working knowledge of computers and software and office management.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit for prolonged periods, walk; stand;
use hands for dexterity of motion; stoop, bend, kneel or crouch, and have normal auditory and verbal
communications skills. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment
Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular

shifts may be required. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple

demands are common.

Tribal Preference Policy: Tribal Ordinance 06-02, preference will be given to qualified Mescalero Apache Tribal
Members, members of other federally recognized tribes, and then to Tribal Affiliates. Applicants not entitled 10
the preference will receive consideration without discrimination based on age, sex, disability or national origin.

Please submit an application, cover letter, resume and 3-5 page-writing sample for employment to the Human

Resources Department located at the Tribal Offices. Call 575-464-9276 or email

HResources@mescaleroapachetribe.com for more information.