Staff Attorney I

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE • Vancouver, WA

3d • Remote

About The Position

Under the direction of the Tribal Attorney, performs a variety of complex and specialized legal functions for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and represents the Tribe in litigation, negotiation, and other legal proceedings. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Legal department. This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association or admitted to practice in another state bar with the ability to obtain Washington state bar within one year of employment.
• Member in good standing of the Cowlitz Bar Association (within 90 days of hire).
• Three years’ experience in Indian Law and tribal court, federal and constitutional law, litigation, environmental and natural resources, employment law, or a closely related field dealing with tribal interests.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.
• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.

Nice To Haves

• If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and recommends actions on a wide range of complex legal issues for Tribal Council and its departments; provides legal advice, interpretations, and opinions on all legal matters.
• Represents the Tribe in judicial, executive, or administrative proceedings and in litigation in with federal, state, and tribal courts as requested.
• Conducts legal research and provides legal advice to departments regarding legal rights, obligations, and privileges.
• Prepares and reviews legal work products, including resolutions, policies, contracts, and memoranda.
• Studies federal legislation, federal regulations, constitutions, statutes, decisions, and ordinances of judicial bodies.
• Examines legal data and researches assigned legal matters; drafts legal memorandums summarizing results and legal conclusions.
• Negotiates contracts, purchases, and employment disputes.
• Communicates with other specialized attorneys to discuss legal strategies.
• Acts as a liaison for the Tribe between federal, state, or local intergovernmental entities.
• Prepares and presents litigation documents for tribal, state, or federal court hearings and trials.
• Keeps leadership informed of the status of department activities by attending meetings and submitting reports.
• Represents the Tribe in ICWA cases; meets with ICWA Committee for litigation direction as requested; attends hunting and fishing meetings as requested.
• Keeps current on new legal developments, court decisions, and pending legislation.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Maintains the confidentiality of records, conversations, and tribal issues.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.
• All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level