POSITION SUMMARY:

The Legal Aide Attorney, under the direction of the Advocacy Resource Center Program Director, is responsible for representing clients of the Advocacy Resource Center in civil proceedings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Prepares complaints, pleadings, responses, and other legal documents.
• Represents clients in Friend of the Court hearings and in family litigation.
• Mediates on behalf of client in front of mediators, Friend of the Court staff, or direct mediation with opposing counsel.
• Meets and counsels clients.
• Prepares for trial; interviews witnesses, interacts with law enforcement from State, County and City Police and gathers evidence.
• Attends trainings specific to representation of victims of domestic violence via teleconference, webinars and personal training and study.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Performs legal research.
• Updates and maintains client files on a daily basis and keeps accurate and current records of correspondence sent, work performed and results achieved.
• Participates in community domestic violence groups and coalitions.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, customers/clients and outside vendors/service providers, Federal, State and Tribal Court personnel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position medium with lifting of 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant sitting, use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, travel within the United States for trainings and conferences and driving to court hearings within 7 county service area, typing; frequent standing, occasional walking, pushing/pulling, reaching, manual handling and use of smell. Working conditions include exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold, wet/humidity, noise, and air quality. Potential hazards include constant client contact and computer use and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, chemicals, insecticides/pesticides, infectious exposure and equipment use.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Graduate with J.D. from accredited law school required.

Experience: Five years of trial experience required.

Certification/License: Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Must be admitted to practice in the Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Court or be eligible for admission. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass background check. Must maintain good moral character standing. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing. Must have a valid driver license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual license review and insurability standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have or be willing to complete training related to domestic violence, sexual assault and related legal issues. Must have the skills and knowledge needed for competent representation of victims of domestic violence. Knowledge of family law statutes, case law, and court rules required. Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence required. Knowledge of the Violence against Women Act required. Knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault related legal issues required. Knowledge of legal research procedures required. Knowledge of Tribal Jurisdiction required. Must have the ability to use judgment, tact, and discretion. Must be able to maintain and prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports, letters, memoranda, policy and procedural drafts, and other written documents. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, subordinates, coworkers, agencies and the general public. Must be able to work within multiple jurisdictions. Must be able to schedule and maintain a large case load of emergency-based cases. Knowledge of the Sault Ste Marie Tribal Code required. Knowledge of the Tribal Law and Order Act required. Must be able to work in a high stress environment and handle difficult situations. Must be able to work extended hours when needed. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

GRANT FUNDED: Grant Funded End Date: September 30, 2025

* If Applying through INDEED please visit www.saulttribe.com