What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Staff Attorney position at Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi?
JOB TITLE: Associate Staff Attorney
Supervisor: Chief Legal Officer
Status: Exempt
Salary: Grade 09
Wage: $91,771 - $97,510
Posting Ends: April 14, 2025 5:00pm
Excellent Benefit Package
- Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
- Excellent medical coverage plan supplemented by Employer's HRA for minimal cost sharing by its Team Members
- 100% Employer Paid premiums for dental and vision coverage
- 100% Employer Paid premiums on short term disability, life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment
- Flexible Spending Account for Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care
- 401K Plan with eligible match with 100% invested in employer contributions
- A generous paid time off program where all employees begin earning accrued paid time off immediately upon hire
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program with Educational Release Time
- Thirteen Paid Holidays
- Employee wellness and fitness programs
- Opportunities to participate in NHBP Sponsored activities
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Staff Attorney position is an entry level Staff Attorney position in the Legal Department. Under the direction of the Chief Legal Officer and the Tribal Council, the Staff Attorney provides legal advice to the Tribal Council and various programs being operated under the authority of the Tribal Council. Represents the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi in court actions in Tribal, State and Federal court proceedings. Reviews and prepares legal documents, advises client constituents within the Tribal government as to legal rights, and practices other phases of law by performing the following duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi reserves the right to change, amend, add,
delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and positions titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the government.
- Attend meetings of the Tribal Council, Committees, regulatory board/commissions and Membership meetings as requested.
- Under the general supervision of more senior attorneys in the Legal Department, researches and drafts resolutions, Tribal laws, regulations, and policies for Tribal Council approval.
- Provides timely legal advice/counsel to, and draft legal opinions for, the Tribal Council and other subdivisions and instrumentalities of the Tribal government on a broad range of legal issues.
- Prepares legal memoranda and conducts legal research as directed.
- Develops and implements policies and procedures. Works with Department Leaders to create policies/procedures and compose resolutions for Tribal Council.
- Establishes and maintains necessary professional relationships with Team Members, Tribal Members, Tribal Management and other Tribal Government Employers.
- Research legal questions as requested or presented by other attorneys within the Legal Department, the Tribal Council or other Tribal government entities.
- Represents NHBP in Tribal court, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
- Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for the Tribal Council and other Tribal government entities.
- Under the supervision and direction of the Chief Legal Officer, advises NHBP concerning transactions of business involving internal affairs, Tribal Council, officers of NHBP and Tribal relations with general public.
- Manages delivery of Legal Services as defined by Chief Legal Officer to ensure services are provided in a timely manner by appropriate personnel consistent with NHBP business needs.
- Maintains current, accurate and complete records as required by federal, state and all regulatory agencies.
- Drafts and reviews contracts, memorandums of understanding and other legal documents for the Tribal Government and its departments and entities.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An applicant's education, training and experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the ability to successfully perform each of the essential functions. The requirements listed below are generally representative of the education, experience, and skills and/or ability required to enable one to successfully perform the essential functions associated with his position:
- Juris doctor degree (J.D.) from accredited law school.
- Currently admitted to the practice of law in the State of Michigan, or must become admitted to practice in the State of Michigan within 1 year from date of hire.
- Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and must not have had his/her license or admission to practice suspended or revoked in any state or tribal jurisdiction.
- Admitted to practice law for at least 1 year, awaiting Bar Exam results or registered to take the Bar Exam within 6 months of hire.
- Knowledge of and experience with tribal, local, state government, and federal laws pertaining to Indian tribes and with legal principles defining jurisdiction of Indian tribes.
- Demonstrated experience drafting laws and policies specific to Indian Tribal governments, organizations and Reservations.
- Must maintain a valid driver's license with good driving record.
- Must be able to travel between tribal facilities and outside the state for meetings, trainings and conferences.
- Must be able to successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening. Must not have ever been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor crime involving theft, fraud or dishonesty.
- Demonstrated experience working on complex legal projects with little or no direct supervision.
- Ability to comprehend and abide by Tribal, federal and other relevant environmental regulations/codes.
- Ability to work well independently and with team members and other staff in a team-oriented environment.
- A willingness to initiate contacts with new people.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Must be able to adjust schedule as needed or required.
- Have the ability to use discretion and problem solving methods in the course of conflict management.
- Ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.
- Ability to read and interpret documents.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment with capacity to change priorities quickly.
- Proficient in general computer skills and applications, including Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to efficiently organize and present information in individual and group settings.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, when necessary or as directed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Familiarity with Native American communities, culture and tradition.
SECURITY SENSITIVE
This position will involve information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional confidentiality provisions. This includes but is not limited to information obtained which is required to be protected under IHS/HIPAA/HITECH policy rules and regulations.
INDIAN PREFERENCE
Tribal preference will be applied in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in Employment Code which requires that preference in employment be afforded to NHBP members, spouse/parents of NHBP members and Native Americans who meet the minimum qualifications and can successfully perform the essential functions for the position.
Fair Employment Practices Code (FEPC)
All applicants are subject to a comprehensive background check and must pass a drug screen.
NHBP does not recognize the use of recreational or medical marijuana.
Salary : $91,771 - $97,510
