Position Summary

Assists the Tribal Court by researching law, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents.

Supervision Exercised

Reports to the Tribal Administration Manager. 

Supervises the Court Clerk, Probation Officer and Healing to Wellness Court Case Manager.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

1. Reviews documentations for accuracy and completeness.
2. Processes data into computerized format and type court documents.
3. Prepares and issues final court orders and executes judgments.
4. Clears cases by judgment authorized.
5. Notifies Tribal officials of impacting legislation.
6. Drafts correspondence, memoranda, legal documents and Tribal Council Resolutions.
7. Responsible for upkeep and maintenance of the Pueblo’s law library, updates laws, customs, fines, and Tribal Judge Handbook and Court Clerk Handbook.
8. Fills in when the Court Clerk is absent.
9. Assists the Tribal court Judge with hearings, drafting or correspondence, court orders, and court forms.
10. Assists the Judge by screening calls/visitors; schedules appointments; Court scheduling and case file preparation; prepares and distributes court orders.
11. Monitors cases proceeding through the court process ensuring that proper procedures are followed.
12. Performs legal research activities; files paperwork and related court documents; compiles, analyzes, and presents financial and statistical data and reports.
13. Prepares pre-sentence reports and available sentencing alternatives.
14. Attends arraignments; gives recommendations to the Judge; prepares conditions of probation and counsel clients.
15. Files motions, orders or delinquent charges when conditions of probation are not met.
16. Performs legal research by authorization of the Governor for other Tribal departments.
17. Performs additional duties and responsibilities as necessary or assigned

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

1. Ability to meet minimum age requirements.
2. Ability to pass stringent background investigation.
3. Ability to operate general computerized office machines and equipment.
4. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
5. Ability to deal effectively with the public.
6. Ability to work odd and unusual hours and stand-by schedules.
7. Knowledge of specialty assigned and Tribal Court clerical procedures and practices.
8. Knowledge of bookkeeping and/or accounting practices.
9. Knowledge of legal brief preparation and requirements.
10. Knowledge of Tribal Court administrative procedures and practices.

Minimum Qualifications, Education And Experience

Required

1. High School Diploma, GED certification or equivalent.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or related field from an accredited college or university. 
3. Five (5) years’ experience performing administrative functions in a legal office or courtroom setting.
4. Two (2) years supervisory experience.
5. Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted New Mexico Driver’s License.

Licensing Status

1. Must be able to successfully pass a Background and Character Investigation in compliance with PL 101.630.
2. Will require a post-offer, pre-employment and random drug screening.

Working Conditions

1. Work is performed indoors.
2. May be required to work odd and unusual hours, and on weekends.
3. Subject to standard office noise.
4. Duties may involve walking, standing, sitting, crouching, and kneeling.
5. Specific required movements include the following:  (15 lbs. Maximum)

• Lifting of legal books and boxes of documents
• Trunk-bend, twist, rotate, push, pull, carry
• Arms-reach, pull, lift
• Hands-grasp, manipulate, finger, and overall dexterity, eye and hand coordination.