Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana, or the state bar association in which the applicant currently practices. Applicants to the Montana Bar waiting for admission may be considered on a contingency basis. Entry level attorneys will be considered depending on their interest and other qualifications.

2. Must have demonstrated knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and ability to function in the courtroom.

3. Must have knowledge of the social and cultural lifestyles of the reservation community and be able to communicate effectively with native clients and the native community.

4. Must be willing to prepare correspondence and court documents with limited assistance from clerical staff.

5. Must have solid legal research and writing skills.

6. Must be able to prioritize and manage a high volume of cases in an extremely fast-paced atmosphere. This includes the ability to think on one’s feet in a pressured situation and to perform under stress, but also do the necessary preparation work all with effective assistance to clients as a priority. A sense of humor also goes a long way.

7. Must be committed to the holistic defense model that is innovative, client-driven, and team based. Holistic defense focuses on the client in the context of their community, not the disposition of a case.

8. Must have a demonstrated interest in working with the disenfranchised, the criminally accused, and those suffering from mental illness and addiction, knowing that clients of the Tribal Defenders Office are resilient and capable of change.