Tribal Attorney Starting $126K-$170K Annual

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Tribal Officers responsibilities of the General Counsel include, but are not limited in-house legal advisor, representative, and counselor. Ensures the adherence to applicable laws to protect and enhance tribal sovereignty, to avoid or prevent expensive legal disputes and litigation, and to protect the legal interests of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Advises and represents the Tuolumne Band of the Me Wuk Indians and all owned and/or managed entities in matters, relations with the United States Government and federal agencies, relations with state and local governments and agencies.
2. Appears before and responds to federal and state legislative committees, litigation in federal, state, municipal or tribal courts on behalf of the Tuolumne Band of the Me Wuk Indians.
3. Coordinates legal work and activities; maintains comprehensive records of projects.
4. Attends Tuolumne Band of the Me Wuk Indians Council meetings, entities board meetings, and other meetings as directed to provide reports on relevant legal issues.
5. Provides general legal services to programs and departments; reviews legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operations.
6. Provides legal advice and representation on relevant legal matters which include but are not limited to economic development, gaming, taxation, tribal lands, natural resources, environmental resources, cultural resources, civil and criminal law, administrative matters, contracts, health and welfare issues, and employment law.
7. Maintains active communication with outside counsel as needed to prevent duplication of effort and to assure an effective resolution of problems.
8. Reviews legal documents, including but not limited to court decisions, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and pending legislation to protect the Tuolumne Band of the Me Wuk Indians interests.
9. Staying up-to-date with changes to legislation, particularly in relation to laws, rules and regulations that directly affect Tuolumne Band of the Me Wuk Indians and all of its entities.
10. Drafts legal documents, ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, position papers, legal memoranda, correspondence, and executive summaries.
11. Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

1. J. D. Degree from an ABA accredited or State-Bar registered law school required.
2. At least four (4) years practicing law required
3. Two (2) or more years of law practice experience with a law firm, legal department, non-profit, or legal services organization required
4. A working knowledge of Federal Indian Law with prior experience working in Native American government highly preferred.
5. A current license to practice law in the State of California highly preferred.
6. Demonstrated written and oral communication/interpersonal skills and public relations skills.
7. Computer literate in various word processing and spreadsheet programs.
8. Must possess a valid California drivers license and comply with the requirements of the Tribes driving policy and insurance requirements.

Uphold Tribal Vision Statement:

The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is a Sovereign Nation that is dedicated to uphold the Social and Economic Stability through Self-Reliance and to promote the Health, Safety and Welfare of our Indian People.

Physical Requirements:

This position is deemed a Level 2 and requires walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting up to 30 lbs.; raising objects overhead, manual dexterity for operation of computer, phones and small office machines; hearing, talking, good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Indian Preference:

Preference in filling vacancies shall be given first to qualified Tuolumne Me-Wuk Community Council Members and then to enrolled Native Americans of any federally recognized tribe. Documentation for claiming preference must be provided with the application for consideration. Other than the above, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe is an equal opportunity employer.

Pre-employment Requirements:

Employment is contingent on pre-employment background and drug test results.