Tribal Attorney

SUMMARY :

At the direction of the Senior Attorney, the Tribal Attorney performs in-house general legal work, including but not limited to, general legal advice to the Nooksack Tribal Council and Tribal departments and agencies, representation in other Tribal, State, Federal courts and hearings, code writing, and legal research.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Represent and advise all departments of the Nooksack Tribe and subordinate entities.
• Draft, review, revise, and act as consultant concerning Tribal legal codes and legislation.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Tribal officials, employees and the community.
• Provide training to employees of the Nooksack Indian Tribe on legal issues.
• Manage case load, prepare cases for trial, to include pre-trial investigations, consultation with Tribal law enforcement officers, other law enforcement agencies and witnesses, and negotiate with opposing counsel or parties.
• Complete legal research and writing necessary for the preparation of complaints, petitions, motions, pleadings, other court documents, follow-up on all assigned cases.
• Maintain case and research files according to office systems and follow general office procedures.
• Continue professional development, including continuing legal education and/or training in the areas of Indian law, criminal law, law enforcement, Indian Child Welfare Act, natural resources, and other issues relevant to job duties.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Tribal Attorney.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association (“WSBA”) or obtain membership within 6 months of date of hire.
• Member in good standing of the Nooksack Tribal Court Bar or obtain membership within 6 months of date of hire.
• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in tribal attorney’s office.
• Good working knowledge of or interest in Tribal, State, and Federal Indian law.
• Minimum of five (5) years of litigation experience.
• Excellent legal research, writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to organize and maintain clear, concise, and accurate records, and follow office procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal officials, supervisor, fellow employees, Tribal members and the general public.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Indian communities and people, including traditions and customs.
• Must be dependable, trustworthy, maintain confidentiality, and be able to work flexible hours when necessary.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must p ass all Nooksack Tribal hiring prerequisites.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodations, to enable the employee to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the
• Employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related office equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without accommodation, to enable the employee to efficiently function in a general office environment.