Associate Attorney

Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP•Louisville, CO

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is a national, majority Native-owned law firm dedicated to representing American Indian tribes, tribal entities, and individual Indians. The firm serves as general and special counsel to tribal governments and enterprises, supporting their laws, regulations, policies, and priorities, and advocating for tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction. The Associate Attorney will provide legal counsel to Tribal governments and enterprises across the United States on matters involving governance, regulatory compliance, transactions, jurisdiction, sovereignty, and federal Indian law. The role works closely with Tribal leadership, boards, departments, and agency representatives, and offers the opportunity to contribute to matters shaping governance, policy, and economic development in Indian Country. The position is in person at the firm’s Louisville, Colorado office. It follows a Monday–Friday schedule, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. MT, and requires frequent travel for client meetings, hearings, and other matters nationwide.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the bar of Colorado or another state jurisdiction.
3–5 years of experience with a foundation in tribal and federal Indian law.
Experience working with Indian tribes or tribal entities on legal issues, such as business transactions, housing, education, finance, gaming, government affairs, social services, child welfare, energy, natural resources, or taxation.
Familiarity with tribal and federal Indian law.
Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently.

Responsibilities

Provide counsel and legal services to new and existing clients in a professional and timely manner.
Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, pleadings, agreements, and other legal documents.
Communicate with tribal clients and federal, state, and tribal agency representatives.
Apply knowledge of legal procedures and case law to advise clients.
Advise tribal governments and enterprises on governance, regulatory compliance, and policy matters.
Draft and review tribal ordinances, resolutions, and administrative regulations.
Provide legal guidance to tribal leadership, boards, and departments.
Draft and negotiate contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and commercial agreements.
Assist tribes with regulatory compliance involving federal and tribal programs.
Support development of tribal enterprises and economic development initiatives.
Provide strategic legal guidance on jurisdiction, sovereignty, and federal Indian law issues.
Work with tribal leadership to address emerging legal and policy challenges.
Participate in business development activities, including conferences and seminars, to build and maintain client relationships.
Comply with court, state bar, and firm policies and procedures.
Travel frequently to attend client meetings, hearings, and other matters across the United States.