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Position 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. Occasional travel required. 

 

Job Duties:

  • Assist in the provision of legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the Tribal Council, department directors/managers, and the Tribe’s entities, and perform general in-house duties, as directed and assigned;
  • Assist the Tribal Prosecutor in the St. Croix Tribal Court;
  • Assist with the development of governmental and tribal regulatory programs; 
  • Assist with drafting tribal legislation, resolutions, administrative rules, and other documents;
  • Prepare legal documents;
  • Conduct legal research and draft memoranda;
  • Provide counsel and representation regarding issues such as: taxation, environmental, employment, gaming, civil regulation, etc.;
  • Review and assist in revision of personnel manuals, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable tribal and federal law;
  • Research and interpret tribal, federal, and state law; 
  • Review contracts;
  • Draft, review, revise, and act as consultant in in the development of tribal codes;
  • Assist with personnel issues, employment disputes, and other personnel matters; and 
  • Other duties as assigned.  

 

Note: The essential functions are intended to describe the general contents and requirements of this position and are not intended as an exhaustive statement of duties. 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

  • May supervise Tribal Legal Department staff based upon qualifications

Directly Reporting to:

  • General Counsel / Tribal Council 

Matrix of INDIRECT Reporting

  • St. Croix Department Directors

 

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin staff will strive to uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization. They will serve as role models for staff and act in a people centered, service excellence-focused and results oriented manner.

 

Scope and Complexity:

Interacts with all levels of management and employees; trusted with maintaining confidentiality and relaying highly sensitive messages, and appropriate application of business operations and practices.

 

Physical Demands/Environment Factors:

  • Typical office environment;
  • Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking;
  • Requires significant use of computer, phone, and general office equipment;
  • Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in-person, by telephone, or via email; and
  • Off-site travel by vehicle or air.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Graduate from an ABA accredited law school;
  • Wisconsin licensed attorney in good standing; 
  • 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 Qualifications:

  • 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.
  • Willing to work evenings, weekends, or holidays when the need arises.

 

Native American Preference Given in Accordance with P.L. 93-638 and Amendments