What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Department Director position at Standing Rock Sioux Tribe?
POSITION: Legal Department Director
SALARY: Negotiable based on experience
OPENING DATE: March 27, 2025 CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Legal Department Director shall provide legal assistance and representation for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
SUPERVISION: The incumbent will work under the supervision of Tribal Chairperson and Tribal Council.
GENERAL DUTIES:
1. Provide legal advice, counsel and legal services to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council, Executive Committees: (Judicial, Health Education & Welfare and Economics), Tribal Administration and Tribal Programs.
2. Render legal opinions on matters of concern to the Tribe, including but not limited to interpretation of the Constitution, Code of Justice and applicable State and Federal law.
3. Act as legal counsel for the Tribe in legal disputes with entities and/or individuals as the Tribal Council or administration shall direct.
4. Draft, review, revise and assist in updating the Tribe’s Code of Justice.
5. Act as representative of the Tribe in matters or assist in drafting of testimony for matters that have a legal impact on the Tribe.
6. Perform other duties as assigned or delegated by the Tribal Council, Tribal Chairperson, Executive Committees or Tribal Administration.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
1. Consult with the Judicial Committee on code revision, additions and development of new ordinances.
2. Consult with the Human Resource Department in developing employment laws and policies, such as revision of the Title XVIII, Title XXVII, Code of Justice and Personnel Policies and Procedures.
3. Draft and revise contracts and agreements involving the Tribe and its entities.
4. Present recommendations to the Indian Child Welfare Act cases in state courts; including submitting appropriate paperwork to proper courts.
5. Advise Tribal boards and commissions on procedural and substantive law and assist with administrative hearings and appeals.
6. Supervise, train and provide guidance to staff attorneys in the SRST Legal Department.
7. Refer all major litigation and other issues involving federal policies to the Tribes general counsel.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Possess Juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law and be in good standing with all courts, such as Standing Rock Tribal Court, federal district courts and state courts.
2. Solid knowledge of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, The Constitution and Code of Justice of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, The Indian Civil Rights Act, The Indian Child Welfare Act and any other laws pertaining to the rights of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.
POSITON REQUIREMENTS:
1. Pass appropriate Public Trust Background Check.
2. Submit to pre-employment drug testing.
NOTICE:
No Tribal Housing is available. The position is located at the Standing Rock Administrative Service Center Building in Fort Yates, ND.
APPLICATIONS:
Submit a resume with supporting documentation including Juris Doctorate Degree, writing samples and references to:
Violet Schmeichel, Human Resource Director
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
P.O. Box D
Fort Yates, ND 58538.
Email: vblackcloud@standingrock.org
Phone: (701) 854-8616
