Civil Pro Se Legal Assistant

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation • Toppenish, WA

19d

About The Position

Performs highly confidential and specialized legal and administrative services. Provides direction and assistance to Tribal members in preparing and filing civil pro se motions, complaints, or petitions in Tribal Court. Prepares monthly statistical reports as directed to the Program Manager. Assists Public Defender attorneys/advocate with civil case issues and/or Guardian ad Litem investigations and interviews as assigned. Communicates and works collaboratively with Tribal court clerks in assisting Tribal members file civil pro se documents. Works with Court Administrator in developing new user-friendly Tribal Court pro se forms. Position requires a high degree of initiative, independence, accuracy, and public relations. May be required to assist the Office in reception duties and/or filing documents with the courts and/or calendaring cases and hearings. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be proficient writer.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and security of client and program information.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Revised Law & Order Code.
• Knowledge of the Indian Civil Rights Act and Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Knowledge of legal systems and court procedures relating to civil and criminal law.
• Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to conform to a legal office environment and maintain a professional appearance congruent with the mission of a law office.
• Ability to use a computer and assorted software proficiently.
• Ability to work independently and productively.
• Ability to work under stress.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Ability to handle people problems that involve personal or family issues and adverse situations.
• Requires an AA degree in legal or related field or three years work experience as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal in Legal Office. OR two years or more of higher education with focus in Federal Indian Law and/or history of Native American culture, customs, and Codes AND one year work experience as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal.
• Ability to compose a sample writing upon request.
• Ability to pass a financial background check.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Must be of good moral character.
• Must be a Washington State Licensed Notary or have the willingness and ability to obtain license within the first six months of the job, and prior to the end of probationary period.
• Must have no felony convictions or crimes of moral turpitude within the past 5 years.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assists Tribal members to prepare legal pleadings and motions for court hearings that may include Motions, Complaints, Petitions, Answers, Proposed Orders, continuances, docket hearings, and other legal documents pertaining to civil matters in Tribal courts.
• Meets with Tribal members to ascertain their civil legal issue and determine appropriate course of action.
• Communicates and works collaboratively with Tribal Court clerks to assist Tribal members in civil issues.
• Works with Court Administrator in developing new user-friendly Tribal Court pro se forms.
• Maintains confidentiality and security of all legal documents and files.
• Conducts interviews and/or investigations regarding civil cases or Guardian ad Litem assignments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree