Legal Director

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide comprehensive legal services to the Nisqually Tribal government and departments. Lead and oversee the Nisqually Legal Department to advance and protect the Tribe's interests.

This role requires maintaining strict confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of all records, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with Tribal members, employees, and community stakeholders. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to effectively collaborate across departments and leadership. Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support critical Tribal initiatives. The position also requires maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance in all interactions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are representative of the responsibilities assigned to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Leadership & Department Management

• Lead and manage the administrative and strategic operations of the Nisqually Tribe Legal Department
• Collaborate with Tribal Council to establish departmental priorities and implement strategic plans that strengthen the Legal Department's capacity and effectiveness.
• Oversee the Legal Department's budget, grants, and resources ensuring responsible and strategic
  allocation.
• Lead, mentor, and supervisor attorneys and staff to foster professional development and achieve
  departmental goals.
• Provide guidance and support to Legal Department staff on complex legal matters, projects, and
  departmental initiatives.

Legal Advisory & Compliance

• Deliver expert legal counsel to the Tribal Council on governance, policy, contracts. and compliance matters
• Retain, coordinate, and oversee outside counsel to support the Tribe's legal priorities and strategic
  objectives.
• Negotiate, review, and manage commercial contracts on behalf of the Tribe.
• Act as liaison for Tribal business, financial, and real estate planning and development projects.
• Advise Tribal Council on federal, state, and tribal law compliance, grant obligations, contracts, and
  internal policies.
• Draft, review, and manage contracts, ensuring legal compliance, accuracy, and risk
  mitigation.
• Collaborate with the Tribe to develop, amend, and enforce tribal laws, codes, and policies.

Litigation & Tribal Representation

• Serve as chief legal advisor to all Tribal departments, including law enforcement, health, housing, HR, finance, social services, land planning, natural resources, and other administrative units.
• Represent the Tribe in judicial, legislative, executive, and administrative proceedings, advocating for Tribal interests and sovereignty.
• Litigate civil, criminal, and Indian Child Welfare cases in tribal, state, and federal courts as required to protect the Tribe's legal interests.
• Advocate and negotiate on behalf of the Tribe across local, state, and federal matters, promoting Tribal priorities and sovereignty.
• Participate in Tribal Council meetings, providing legal guidance and strategic recommendations.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school, with a strong foundation in federal, state, and Indian law.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Washington and in federal court.
• At least fifteen (15) years of legal practice, with progressively responsible experience in litigation, contracts, and advisory roles.
• Eight (8) or more years of Indian law experience.
• Extensive experience in Indian law, including federal, state, and tribal legal matters, ideally 10 years.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position supervises Legal Staff and reports to the Tribal Council. This department follows administrative and personnel policies.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

• Strong negotiation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent research skills and resourcefulness, including the ability to effectively and efficiently use Westlaw as a research tool.
• Ability to write with simplicity and clarity in a variety of formats including memorandums; professional letters; resolutions; grants; contracts; agreements; presentations; and documents relating to legislative, judicial, administrative, and other various legal issues.
• Aptitude in understanding, responding to, and problem-solving with sensitivity in nuanced legal and cultural situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to
successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

The signature below represents that I have read and understand all the prerequisites for the above position, and I acknowledge that I can perform the essential functions and physical requirements of the position.