In House Counsel

Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Tribal Administration (EDTA), the In-House Counsel shall provide legal analysis and policy advice to the Tribal Council and Tribal Departments. The In-House Counsel shall perform general legal work and oversee the Tribe’s Legal Department, supervise all staff within the department, and coordinate with all legal partnerships with the Tribe.

Four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney for an Indian Tribe or four (4) years of relevant legal experience working in Federal Indian law. • Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited law school. • Must be a state bar licensed attorney and/or be admitted to the California State Bar Association within 12 months following commencement of employment. • Must maintain a current and valid California driver’s license throughout employment and must be insurable under the Tribe’s policy. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Knowledge and experience of Federal and State regulations affecting Tribal Sovereignty, Revenue Allocation Plan, General Welfare Exclusion Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, Tribal housing, and Environmental and Land Use Laws. • Litigation experience involving Federal Indian law. SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Federal Indian Law and tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations, particularly in regard to Tribal administrative and regulatory functions. • Knowledge of the methods and techniques of legal research, use of online resources, and state and federal court legal processes and procedures. • Knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of the Indian Self-determination Act, P.L. 93-638, and related federal and state laws affecting Tribal activities and processes. • Exhibits the ability to manage time well and to work under stressful conditions with an even temperament. • Ability to work independently within established policies, procedures, and schedules. • Ability to exercise sound judgement and possess problem-solving skills in supporting Tribal Council and administrative decisions that may be varied and/or for which there is little or no precedent to draw upon. • Ability to establish and maintain strong professional relationships with employees at all levels throughout an organization and to lead, create and promote a positive and supportive work environment. • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion, particularly regarding sensitive or confidential personnel or organizational matters. • Ability to work efficiently and effectively when in high-pressure situations and under deadlines. • Ability to delegate and conduct oversight appropriately to ensure timely completion of all required tasks and projects. • Ability to understand, explain, and prepare legal memorandums concerning complex financial issues and investment and finance-related policies and procedures including the Tribe’s fiscal policies, Tribal government’s 401(k) Plan, Tribal Leadership Retirement Plan, the Tribe’s Investment Policy Statement, and the Tribe’s annual budget process. • Ability to master and effectively use the database and software systems used at FIGR, if applicable. • Demonstrate sound judgement and adherence to legal requirements and the highest level of professional ethical standards. • Demonstrate advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. • Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, with the ability to monitor your work and the work of others to ensure quality. • Demonstrate a record of satisfactory performance in prior employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous employers. • Demonstrate strong cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively within a Native American Tribal government environment. • Knowledge and experience in working with Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint or the equivalent. • Successful clearance of all pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and criminal background and consumer credit checks. • Ability to perform other duties as assigned. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job. Normal office conditions exist, and the noise level in the work environment can vary from low to moderate. Early morning, evening, and/or weekend work may be required. Limited overnight travel may be required from time to time.

Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the Tribal Council, EDTA, and departments in relation to their duties and the operation of the Tribe and its programs, projects and services. • Oversees the Tribal Legal Department in drafting legal documents and providing advice on a range of legal and policy matters affecting the Tribe. • Collaborates with external legal partners and outside counsel to review and ensure the timely delivery and high quality of documents submitted to the Tribal Council and its subcommittees for policy review and decision-making. • Reviews and develops internal policies and procedures in collaboration with the Tribal Council, Tribal Council subcommittees, the EDTA, and department directors, as assigned. • Reviews and provides legal advice to the Tribal Council regarding the legal implications of all draft, proposed, and existing tribal regulations, statutes, policies, and procedures. • Provides legal opinions on draft documents, policies and attends meetings involving legal and policy matters that affect the Tribe. • Assists Tribal Council, EDTA and departments in negotiation, drafting, and enforcement of contracts, agreements, and other documents, as assigned. • Drafts and finalizes Tribal statutes, policies, legal memorandums, and other documents as required by the Tribal Council for each Tribal Council meeting. • Provides regular updates and reports to the Tribal Council regarding legal and policy matters. • Performs other duties as assigned by the Tribal Council and/or the EDTA. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES • Daily supervision of all staff within the Legal Department. • Responsible for evaluating the performance of all Legal Department staff, including completion of staff performance evaluations as required. • Reviews and approves trainings for all Legal Department staff.

$190,000 - $293,165 annually