Assistant General Counsel - Environmental - Contractual

SUMMARY To Assist in the work of the GTB Legal Department. Such work would include litigation in tribal, state and federal courts, as well as research, code development and negotiations on behalf of the Tribe, as directed by Tribal Council. This position will assist in litigation on behalf of the Grand Traverse Band in Federal, State and Tribal Courts on all treaty fishing rights related activities and will mentor under the tutelage of Bill Rastetter for the purpose of transition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• JD from an accredited law school required and admittance into the Michigan State Bar to practice law.
• At least two (2) years of practicing law in Michigan and in Native Country.
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft resolutions, motions and ordinances for tribal law.
• Advice and services related to regulatory and environmental law, tribal law, civil works planning, federal procurement law, non-contractual or contractual claims, personnel and discrimination law, litigation matters, general law and preventive law.
• Reviews, analyzes and furnishes legal advice on regulatory permit decisions.
• Interprets regulations, laws and policies.
• Reviews draft documents, analyzes factual situations, and reviews agreements and contracts.
• Participates in public hearings to provide legal viewpoints.
• Recommends litigation actions; participates and/or advises in alternative dispute resolution.
• Prepares litigation reports, as directed by the General Counsel, to assist the Tribal Council in all aspects of federal court litigation of regulatory enforcement and defense actions involving the tribe.
• Negotiates with federal, state or local officials to resolve regulatory disagreements, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Provides legal advice and performs the full scope of legal services associated with civil works planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Reviews civil works project documents and provides advice regarding adherence to governing laws, including but not limited to environmental laws, hazardous/toxic materials requirements, project authorization, cost sharing and other fiscal laws, and non-federal cooperation requirements, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Identifies potential conflicts and issues; conducts necessary legal research and recommends solutions.
• May attend public meetings, participate in the ADR(Alternative dispute resolution) process, and negotiate with other federal, state, tribal, or local officials to resolve legal issues, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Provides legal advice and performs the full scope of legal services associated with Tribal procurement activities, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Reviews, analyzes and advises on contractual disputes, claims, appeals, and litigation, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Serves as trial attorney.
• Analyzes and advises on contract performance or termination problems, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Provides legal support for post-contract actions such as architect-engineer responsibility or warranty actions, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Advises Tribal Council on matters of personnel and discrimination law, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Prepares pleadings, interviews and selects witnesses, prepares witnesses, conducts direct and cross examination, researches and briefs legal issues.
• Provides legal support to the Tribal Council in various areas of general law, including tort claims, Native American law, maritime law (including removal of sunken vessels), Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, fiscal law, taxation, and reports of survey, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Represents the department and the tribe at meetings that relate to Department programs, as directed by the Tribal Council.
• Assist in litigation on behalf of the Grand Traverse Band in Federal, State and Tribal Courts on all treaty fishing rights related activities.
• Other duties as directed by the Tribal Council.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Use Office 2000 Professional, Westlaw, Lexis, and other legal software, Excel, Word and other computer software.
• Duties, responsibilities, requirements and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, procedures, and administration is required.
• Advanced proficiency in computers, including Microsoft Office products and database applications, e-mail and Internet.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Able to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Acceptable background and employment history investigation results.
• Current driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Other duties as directed or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

1. D. from an accredited law school required and admittance into the Michigan State Bar to practice law; and at least two (2) years of practicing law in Michigan and in Native Country.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Computer, copier, fax machine, and phone.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Must be able to deal effectively with employees, court personnel, and consultants at all levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office setting. Some travel may be required.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Extreme confidentiality must always be adhered to due to access of such private and personal client information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Assistant General Counsel Environmental Contractual Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians