General Counsel

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Yurok Tribal Council, the General Counsel will assist the Yurok Tribal Council and Tribal Departments in the legal matters related to the business of the Yurok Tribe. The General Counsel will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all activities of the Office of the Tribal Attorney. The General Counsel will ensure the efficient and economical use of the resources of the department, including budgeted funds, grant monies, personnel, facilities, and time, to accomplish short-term and long-range objectives.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 1. Juris Doctor degree required. 2. Law School graduate, licensed to practice law in the State of California and ten years practicing law as a licensed attorney. 3. Employees must be willing to acquire any special certifications or attend any training that is determined to be relevant or become required of the position in the future. 4. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education, training and experience will be considered. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Juris Doctor degree required. 2. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of California. 3. Must have sufficient computer knowledge to do legal research. JOB TITLE: General Counsel JOB GRADE: 15 REPORTS TO: Yurok Tribal Chairperson STATUS: Exempt LOCATION: Klamath DEPARTMENT: Office of Tribal Attorney DIVISION: Executive Branch ALL HIRING IS SUBJECT TO THE YUROK TRIBE’S HIRING PREFERENCE SALARY RANGE: $128,843.52 - DOE Yurok Tribe Job Description YTC Approved 10/25/23 2 4. No convictions for misdemeanor offenses within the last twelve months, no previous felony convictions. 5. Highly skilled, both orally and in writing. 6. Knowledge of tribal governments, Indian law, including issues of Tribal Employment Rights, P.L. 280, selfgovernance, NAGPRA, gaming, personnel law, ICWA, etc. 7. Ability to handle conflict and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders and constituents. 8. Supervisory experience required. 9. Ability to set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and review information for legality, accuracy and compliance with policies and procedures of the tribe and all applicable laws. 10. Ability to communicate with Yurok Tribal leaders as well as state, county and federal stakeholders and partners. 11. Understanding of the complex interaction of Tribal, state, and federal legal requirements for tribes and how they relate to tribal sovereignty. 12. Must have demonstrated experience in a senior level/management position in a law firm, public or private inhouse counsel. 13. Experience working with Tribal governments is preferred. 14. 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 with Department Director. Supervises subordinate employees including assigning and reviewing work, evaluation performance, training, taking necessary disciplinary action and making hiring and termination decisions with concurrence of Department Director. 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. Position could require travel and occasional work outside of regular work schedule. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment temperature can fluctuate between 40-90 degrees Fahrenheit due to open doors and windows. The job will require inside and outside activities. There are many distractions, and the noise level can escalate. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. With ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Knowledge of Yurok language is preferred but not required. REASONING ABILITY: Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and/or diagram form. With ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

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 in compliance with the Constitution, laws, and policies of the Yurok Tribe. 3. Negotiate Federal and State contracts. 4. Provide opinions concerning personnel policies and procedures. 5. Provide legal advice related to employment classification and dispute resolution. 6. Drafts appropriate ordinances and policies that assist in the implementation of the Tribe’s Self-Governance objectives. 7. Represents the Tribe in Indian Child Welfare cases as needed. 8. Provides opinions on draft documents, 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. Manages all outside legal counsel. 12. Promotes Tribal sovereignty in alignment with the constitution and laws of the Yurok Tribe. 13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

$128,843.52 annually