Description

Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Job Description

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability status in employment. Individuals of Native American citizenship will be given preference by law in initial employment or re-employment.

Position Purpose:

The Staff Attorney is an entry level position that will serve as the primary legal counsel for the Peoria Tribe including the Chief, Business Committee. The position is anticipated to be for an initial hire of two years, with extensions by agreement. The In-house Counsel shall work alongside the Tribe’s General Counsel and must understand tribal and federal Indian law, willingness to learn, and a strong belief in tribal sovereignty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Nothing in this specification restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Provide legal and strategic advice to the Chief’s office, Business Committee, and other tribal entities and departments.

• Ensure the Tribe’s legal and sovereign interests are protected.

• Review and draft documents and/or contracts, legal research, and writing internal legal memoranda.

• Drafting and reviewing/revising tribal ordinances and resolutions and conduct policy analysis.

• Attend tribal department and Business Committee meetings.

• Advocate for the Tribe’s interest in negotiations and legal and administrative proceedings as directed.

• Advise on personnel issues in coordination with human resources.

• Oversee any realty transactions of the Tribe, including acquisitions, right of ways, partitions, leases, and permits in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ standards.

• Communicate effectively as a representative of the Tribe.

• Adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.

• Conducting or assisting in litigation in which the Nation, an agency or officer thereof is a party, including potentially ICWA cases, under the direction of the General Counsel.

• Travel to both in and out of state meetings and conferences.

• Annually report to the Business Committee and governing council on the affairs and status of the legal issues before the Tribe or addressed by in-house counsel for the last preceding year and on any other matters pertaining to in-house counsel.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.

• Must be admitted to the Oklahoma bar or sit and pass the next bar exam.

• Five (5) years of experience working as an attorney for a Tribe of law firm that represents tribes, or commensurate experience with tribal and federal law preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with Native American people in culturally diverse environment.

• Ability to manage time well and work under stressful conditions with an even temperament.

• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with tribal, state, federal, and local governments, public agencies, tribal citizens, other employees and the general public.

• Desire and ability to support and advocate for tribal rights.

• Knowledge of Laws, regulations, legislation, operations, rules, policies, and procedures of Dispute Resolution/Mediation and the Tribal Court.

• Knowledge of legal terminology, procedures and documents used in court cases.

• Knowledge of establishment and maintenance of filing and information retrieval systems.

• Ability to perform a wide variety of complex and specialized support duties for the Tribal Court.

• Ability to work with others on an individual basis utilizing high interpersonal skills.

• Must be able to read, understand, apply, and retain knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, and policies.

• Outstanding organizational abilities and must be able to prioritize.

• Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel) and internet resources.

• Position may occasionally require work beyond regular business hours.

Requirements:

• Possess a valid driver’s license and have proof of lability insurance.

• Maintain any training and credential requirements as per policy and procedure.

Conditions of Employment:

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• May be required to submit to and pass applicable drug test and background check.

• Adhere to all work rules, policies & procedures, and safety standards.

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is an absolute must for this position and is cause for immediate termination if not followed to the highest standard.

Work Requirements:

Position involves prolonged sitting, standing, stooping, or bending, lifting, or carrying up to 30 pounds on a daily basis. Work is generally performed in an office environment with varying levels of lighting, air quality, noise, and / or temperature.