JOB TITLE:
Staff Attorney
DEPARTMENT:
Legal
SUPERVISOR:
General Counsel
SALARY:
DOQ – Negotiable
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the General Counsel, the Staff Attorney shall provide legal advice, representation, legal research, drafting, and collaboration to the Tribal Council and department directors on a variety of matters involving day-to-day operations of the Tribal Government, its agencies, and its enterprise.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide legal counsel and support to Tribal Council, departments, and tribal entities on a variety of legal matters;
- Assist with prosecution matters in the St. Croix Tribal Court;
- Draft, review, and revise tribal legislation, resolutions, codes, policies, contracts, and other legal documents;
- Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, opinions, and recommendations;
- Support the development and implementation of tribal governmental and regulatory programs;
- Provide guidance on matters involving employment, taxation, environmental, gaming, civil regulation, and related legal issues;
- Review and assist with personnel policies, procedures, and employment-related matters to ensure legal compliance;
- Represent and advocate for the Tribe’s legal interests while performing other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Graduate from an ABA accredited law school;
- Licensed and in good standing to practice law in at least one state. If licensed in a state other than Wisconsin, applicant is required to obtain Wisconsin licensure within one (1) year from date of hire;
- Thorough knowledge of, and commitment to, professional ethics;
- Ability to work independently and exercise initiative;
- Interest in, and familiarity with, tribal and federal Indian law;
- Graduate-level proficiency in legal research and writing with strong word processing skills;
- Proficiency in Word and other word processing and document preparation programs;
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;
- Skilled in conflict resolution and team building;
- Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills;
- Must be professional when dealing with parties and the general public;
- Valid state driver’s license and able to meet minimum insurance requirements for the use of Tribal vehicles; and
- Ability to pass comprehensive background check.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Three to five years of experience working on behalf of tribes, tribal organizations, and/or, tribal members;
- Demonstrated commitment to Indian affairs as shown through significant experience working with tribes or in Indian affairs;
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, tribal sovereignty;
- Knowledge of federal, state, and tribal law, the Constitution and By-Laws of the St. Croix Chippewa of Wisconsin, and its ordinances, codes, and all other laws governing the Tribe;
- Civil and criminal courtroom experience either in state, federal, or tribal courts.
- Knowledge of Ojibwe traditions and customs.
