Staff Attorney

Reno-Sparks Indian Colony • Reno, NV

25d • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the RSIC Tribal Chairman, Tribal Council, and staff under the supervision of the Senior Staff Attorney, supporting sound governance and defensible decision-making. The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony represents descendants of three Great Basin Indigenous peoples: the Numu (Northern Paiute), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Washeshu (Washoe). These communities lived in harmony with the land for generations before European contact, following seasonal cycles and forming small, efficient social groups for survival. Each group's name means "The People" in their own language, reflecting their deep cultural identity and connection to the Earth. They maintained strong traditions, respected neighboring tribes, and engaged in trade throughout the region. Today, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony continues to honor these traditions while supporting the well-being, culture, and future of its tribal community.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school at hire
• Minimum 2 years of law practice (tribal government preferred)
• Policy/ordinance/regulatory drafting experience
• Contract review experience (work product required)
• Knowledge of Tribal, Federal, and Nevada law
• Strong written/verbal English skills
• Advanced computer skills
• Respect for tribal culture
• Eligibility for RSIC Vehicle Insurance Program
• Ability to complete a pre-employment criminal background check, drug screen, and confirmation of professional references.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel and representation to the RSIC Tribal Chairman, Tribal Council, and staff.
• Prepares legal opinions with supporting research.
• Drafts and reviews ordinances, rules, regulations, applications, and other legal or quasi-legal documents.
• Writes, reviews, and approves vendor/consultant agreements.
• Develops a searchable database of RSIC laws, resolutions, and records while assisting with a recorder's office.
• Researches and prepares legal analysis and proposed legislation for the Nevada State Legislature and/or U.S. Congress.
• Attends Tribal Council and related meetings to provide counsel.
• Delivers requested monthly verbal and written reports.
• Collaborates closely with the Senior Staff Attorney and RSIC leadership.
• Prioritizes requests for counsel, reviews drafts in progress, and coordinates with staff to clarify timelines and needed background.
• Conducts focused research and writing.
• Checks in to keep documents moving and records organized.
• Prepares to advise in real time, occasionally attending evening Tribal Council sessions and other gatherings.
• Organizes deliverables, tracks open items, and prepares requested updates.

Benefits

• Medical: Hometown Health PPO Plan (RSIC pays 100% employee-only; cost-sharing for dependent tiers)
• Dental: Lincoln Dental Insurance Plan (RSIC pays 100% employee-only; cost-sharing for dependent tiers)
• Vision: Lincoln Vision Insurance Plan (RSIC pays 100% employee-only; cost-sharing for dependent tiers)
• Life & AD&D: $50,000 policy paid by RSIC (reduces to $25,000 after age 70)
• Optional additional coverages available for purchase (e.g., AFLAC, LegalShield)
• Annual Leave: 4 hours accrued per pay period; usable after probation; increases after 5 years per policy
• Sick Leave: 4 hours accrued per pay period; available for immediate use
• Paid Holidays: 13 per calendar year
• 401(k): eligible for employee contributions after 60 days; discretionary RSIC contribution; employer match begins after 1 year

What This Job Offers

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