General Counsel - Contractual

SUMMARY

Serves as the General Counsel responsible for rendering legal advice and services for the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Council on a wide range of legal issues. The client of the GTB Legal Department is the elected Tribal Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as chief legal counsel to the Tribal Council in specific areas of Native American governmental law, including, but not limited to: self-governance, office of management and budgets, treaty rights, land into trust, corporate law, Native American gaming, trusts, Native American housing law, contracts (employment, vendor, etc.), Indian Health Services, Indian Child Welfare, government to government relations with local, state and federal governments, legislative and judicial knowledge of tribal governmental structure, civil and criminal jurisdiction regarding Native Americans, employment law, elders and youth, contract claims, torts, and comprehensive knowledge of complex financial transactions of tribal governments
• Must have extensive experience in tribal governmental law.
• Draft resolutions, motions and ordinances for inclusion into tribal law.
• Reviews and interprets draft documents; analyzes factual situations; and reviews agreements and contracts; assists with contractual disputes, claims, appeals, and litigation on behalf of the tribe.
• Attends public meetings and participates in public hearings to provide legal viewpoints.
• Recommends litigation actions; participates and/or advises in alternative dispute resolution.
• Prepares litigation reports, assists the Tribal Council, and represents Tribe in all aspects of tribal, state, and federal court or administrative actions involving the Tribe.
• Negotiates with federal, state or local officials to resolve all matters of the tribe.
• Identifies potential issues and conflicts; conducts necessary legal research and recommends solutions.
• Assists in acquisition planning and contract formation for all tribal programs, as directed by the Tribal Council.
• Approves internal policies and operational changes within authority granted and is responsible for the overall legal department.
• Evaluates results achieved in terms or objectives, goals and costs.
• Directs the formulation of program changes as required through the subordinate staff.
• Assists in analyzing workload, the achievement of objectives and goals, the total cost of each tribal program, the quality of performance, community/public response and satisfaction (or marginal impact, if any), etc.
• Provides legal reviews for policies and practices involving tribal departments.
• Receives and evaluates recommendations and criticisms among staff and makes or recommends adjustments or changes as deemed appropriate.
• Keeps Tribal Council updated on significant actions planned, in process, or completed, and on problems of interest regarding the tribe.
• Supervises staff of attorneys and legal assistants, including monitoring department work assignments and aiding staff subordinates on preparing documents to ensure uniformity and consistency in carrying out policy and operational activities.
• Represents the department and the Tribe at meetings as required.

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 business and accounting systems and methods.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, procedures, and administration is required.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, planning, control methods, and applications.
• Advanced supervisory skills.
• 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.
• Advanced knowledge of leadership and management skills and techniques.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Employee must be able to read and write legibly.
• Acceptable background and employment history investigation results.
• Current driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans the work, sets priorities for completion and assigns work to subordinate.
• Evaluates subordinates' performance and advises, counsels, and instructs them on work and administrative matters.
• Oversight of Program Director, program books, and all reports associated with program.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• D. from an accredited law school. Admittance into Michigan bar or qualify for admission by reciprocity.
• Must have extensive experience in tribal governmental law.
• Must be able to work with all branches of Tribal government, as well as external governmental entities.
• Must have a strong commitment to Indian people and the development of Tribal governments.

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 through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

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