Tribal Attorney

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• J.D. from accredited law school required.
• Admittance into a state bar with willingness to take the Michigan Bar Exam or obtain reciprocity admittance if admitted in another state is required: recent law school graduates must secure admission to the Michigan Bar within two bar exam cycles.
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• Recent law school graduates must supply law school transcripts and writing sample.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft resolutions, motions, and ordinances for tribal law.
• Interprets regulations, laws, and policies.
• Reviews draft documents, analyzes factual situations, and reviews agreements and contracts.
• Participates in tribal public hearings
• Prepares litigation reports, as directed by the General Counsel, to assist the Tribal Council in all aspects of 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.
• Identifies potential conflicts and issues; conducts necessary legal research and recommends solutions.
• May attend public meetings, participate in the Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) 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 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 for hearings in tribal court for housing and personnel issues.
• 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.
• Represents the department and the tribe at meetings that relate to Department programs, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Represent the Council in housing, personnel, tribal land use and other tribal regulatory matters.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Use of Microsoft Office, Professional, Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, Westlaw, Lexis, and Adobe for litigation, other legal software 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

J.D. from an accredited law school required. Admittance into a state bar with willingness to take the Michigan Bar Exam or obtain reciprocity admittance if admitted in another state is required; recent law school graduates must secure admission to the Michigan Bar within two bar exam cycles. Preferred candidates are recent graduates within the top 30% of their class or those with less than two years' experience as a practicing attorney.

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 Tribal Attorney Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians