Paralegal

SUMMARY

The Paralegal will provide office support to the Tribal Prosecutor including but not limited to type correspondence and documents from dictation or handwritten drafts, and conduct research. Preparation of business and legal documents; maintain federal, state, and tribal litigation files; and attends business and related tribal meetings, as requested by the Tribal Prosecutor. Schedule office appointments, answer telephones, prepare travel arrangements, and other related duties as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must be proficient with Westlaw, Lexis and other legal software.
• Draft resolutions, motions and ordinances for tribal law, as directed by the Tribal Prosecutor.
• Report to work as scheduled by supervisor.
• Comply with all Grand Traverse Band policies and procedures.
• Provide office management, administrative assistant, and paralegal skills.
• Preparation of legal documents, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Conduct legal research.
• Maintain legal documents in compliance with Federal, State and Tribal laws/regulations
• Maintain filing system (hard copy and computer).
• Maintain law library/legal research.
• Type correspondence and documents from dictation or handwritten documents.
• Computer data entry and maintain statistics (baseline measures).
• Maintain calendar, schedule appointments, make travel arrangements, and answer the telephone.
• Must maintain highest level of confidentiality on all matters involved in this position.
• Allocate and reprogram resources within the department as required to accommodate changing conditions.
• Prioritizes departmental requirements and resources.
• Establishes necessary internal controls and safeguards to protect Government owned resources against fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Provides assistance to Tribal Prosecutor with preparing determinations to ensure uniformity and consistency in carrying out policy and operational activities.
• Represents the department and the tribe at meetings that relate to department programs, as directed by the Tribal Prosecutor.
• Must maintain PAO Program Book and programmatic responsibilities as required by GTB OM&B Program Administrators Manual.
• Other duties as directed by Supervisor

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Attention to detail and accuracy is essential as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Must be computer literate, have working knowledge of Microsoft Office, database management, financial software, Excel, Word, Outlook, Explorer and other computer software.
• Demonstrate superior organizational skills.
• Must have a strong commitment to Indian people and the development of Tribal governments.
• Must complete and pass Program Directors Training when offered.
• Other duties as directed or assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibility is required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Paralegal degree and/or five years prior experience in paralegal field required.
• Basic knowledge of business and accounting systems, budgeting, planning, control methods and applications.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, procedures, and administration is required, including but not limited to criminal law and procedure, ICWA, and the Grand Traverse Band Code.

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 be adhered to at all times 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 Paralegal Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians