POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel Attorney will assist the Tribal Council and Tribal Departments in the legal matters related to the business of the Tribe. The Associate General Counsel Attorney completes a variety of professional assignments on behalf of the Council and departments as assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel. Incumbent works closely with paralegals and department staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Perform legal research including extensive analysis of legal positions. Determine and apply legal principles and precedents to problems and issues.
2. Provides legal advice, counsel and assistance to the Tribal Council and departments in relation to their duties and the operation of the Tribe and its programs, projects, and services.
3. Assists Departments and Council in negotiation and drafting of contracts.
4. Assists Human Resources Department in drafting and provides legal opinions concerning personnel policies and procedures.
5. Provides legal advice related to employment issues.
6. Drafts appropriate ordinances and policies that assist in the implementation of the Tribe's self-governance objectives.
7. Represents the Tribe in Tribal, state, and Federal Court, and Indian Child Welfare cases as needed.
8. Provides opinions on drafts, documents, and policies, and attends meetings concerning regulatory and environmental matters.
9. Reviews and approves contracts entered into by the Tribe.
10. Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of a case.
11. Represents the Tribe and its entities in court and administrative hearings as assigned.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
1. G12: Graduation from an accredited law school, one year of experience in either tribal, state or federal courts, is a member of good standing of the California Bar.
2. Employee must be willing to acquire any special certifications or attend any training that is determined to be relevant or becomes required of the position in the future.
3. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education, training and experience will be considered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Must have computer knowledge sufficient to do legal research; ability to use the Internet and e-mail correspondence.
2. No convictions for misdemeanor offenses within the last twelve (12) months, no previous felony convictions, or bar ethics violations or on-going ethical violations.
3. No findings of a breach of bar ethics. Candidate must disclose if one has occurred or is pending review.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills using professional etiquette with sensitivity to the diversity of a multi-cultural audience and with cultural sensitivity. Extensive experience with drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and analyzing contracts (e.g., construction, purchasing, governmental, employment, labor, agricultural, real estate, leases, gaming, human resources, maintenance, and environmental agreements). Experience in administrative hearings preferred.
5. Natural resources or real estate law experience preferred.
6. Indian law experience and specifically Yurok Tribe experience preferred.
7. Tribal, federal, state, or local governmental experience preferred.
8. Recognition that in order to serve Yurok People one must know as much as possible about Yurok history, culture and values.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs the full range of supervisory duties and responsibilities. Plans work of subordinates based on priorities, nature of assignment. Develops work performance plans and evaluates the performance of subordinates. Provides advice, instruction, and guidance to subordinates on work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary actions and determines developmental training needs of employees. Supervises subordinate employees including assigning and reviewing work, evaluation performance, training, taking necessary disciplinary action and making hiring and termination decisions. Use and promote a team approach to management and ensure accountability throughout the workplace.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
1. All applicants are subject to the Tribe's Drug and Alcohol Policy including pre-employment screening.
2. All applicants will acknowledge and follow all Yurok Tribe personnel and other policies and procedures.
3. The Yurok Tribe is an equal opportunity employer who exercises Indian preference; Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472).
4. Valid state issued driver's license and/or the ability to obtain a California driver's license. Must be insurable on the Tribe's insurance policy.
5. Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint clearance.
6. This position requires compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act Public Law 101-630; 25 Code of Federal Regulations Part 63 - Indian child Protection and Family Violence Prevention; Crime Control Act of 1990, Employee Background Checks; and Executive Order 12968, Adjudicative Guidelines.
7. Position could require travel and occasional work outside of regular work schedule.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $79,921.92 - $142,321.92 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
