Job Information
Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe Tribal Attorney II in Kingston, Washington
The Legal Department helps the Tribe exercise its jurisdiction to the fullest extent possible. The Department aims to protect and strengthen the Tribe's sovereignty over its land and resources and to help the Tribal Council and Tribal staff promote the health, safety, and welfare of the Tribe.
The Legal Department is staffed with Tribal Attorneys. Tribal Attorneys are supervised by the Lead Attorney and serve as in-house counsel consistent with priorities determined by the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Council. Tribal Attorneys are classified into different bands, reflecting their level of authority, trust, knowledge, and experience.
The Tribal Attorney II is a senior attorney position expected to work independently and conduct themselves with minimal supervision. The position reflects an increased level of responsibility and authority. The Tribal Attorney II has a heightened capacity and trust -- as assigned by the Lead Attorney -- in representing the Tribe and its interests regardless of the forum or issue. The Tribal Attorney II may be asked to act as the Lead Attorney's designee or cover in the Lead Attorney's absence, including during nights, weekends, and holidays.
Duties Include:
- Review documents and provide legal advice, information, and drafting
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``` - Represent the Tribe in litigation as needed - Provide limited legal advice, information and referrals to the general Tribal membership (no direct representation of tribal members) - Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, especially contracts with sensitive terms, high dollar amounts, or waivers of sovereign immunity - Attend Tribal Council meetings and other functions regularly on behalf of the Legal Department - Attend tribal board and committee meetings and support board and committee members by providing regular trainings - Serve as a legal resource, reference, and expert to tribal leadership, staff, and entities - Oversee and help administer processes related to the Tribe's most foundational executive, legislative, and judicial functions (for example, public meetings, code amendments, hearings before Tribal Council, etc.) - Draft and assist with amendments, as directed, to the Tribal Constitution, Tribal Council Policy Manual, PGST Code, various Tribal charters, by-laws, and policies, and all other written governance for the Tribe. - Strategize with and advise Tribal leadership, staff, and entities on how to protect and defend the Tribe's sovereignty - Manage and administer various special projects, as directed by tribal leadership and the Lead Attorney - Serve as a representative of the Tribe and participate in various stakeholder groups, as directed by tribal leadership and the Lead Attorney - Interface with other sovereign and local governments on behalf of the Tribe - Act as the Lead Attorney's designee when needed - Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications:
- Juries Doctor required
- Admission to the Washington State Bar required
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``` - Admission to the Port Gamble S'Klallam Community Court Bar required - Knowledge of federal Indian law required - Ability to work under the stress of deadlines and multiple complex tasks
Knowledge of and experience with tribal law and tribal communities highly desirable
Substantial experience in multiple substantive practice areas related to tribal government, such as governance and administration, employment, natural resources, land use/development, human services, treaty rights, and tribal sovereignty
10+ years of practice is highly preferred; less may be considered based on a determination of sufficient knowledge, quality, and experience.
Ability to work in fast faced, demanding work environment