Description:

Summary: The Assistant Attorney General of the A Native American Tribe provides legal advice, representation, assistance and support to the A Native American Tribe, its government, departments and enterprises. The Assistant Attorney General, under the direction and supervision of the Attorney General and Chief Deputy Attorney General, represents the Nation in all aspects of tribal government, including but not limited to, contracts, employment and human resources, law enforcement, gaming, Tribal Code development, application of federal laws relating to Tribal agencies and enterprises, federal-state jurisdictional issues, taxation issues, economic issues, hunting and fishing rights, tribal environmental and natural resource law and policy, housing and land issues, Indian Child Welfare Act, social services and enrollment issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conducts legal research and prepares matters for trial.
  • Serves as legal advisor to Tribal Council, tribal government departments, and economic enterprises.
  • Represents the Tribe's interest in civil and criminal matters in tribal, state and federal court actions.
  • Assumes responsibility for matters assigned by the Attorney General.
  • Drafts ordinances, code revisions, and resolutions.
  • Drafts and negotiates commercial and other contracts.
  • Prepares legal memoranda and opinions at the request of the Attorney General.
  • May handle criminal cases on behalf of the Tribe and fill in for the Lead Prosecutor including cases involving child dependency, Indian Child Welfare cases and civil infraction allegations in the Tribal Court.

Requirements:
  • D. Degree from an ABA accredited law school. New graduates may apply but 3 years' experience is preferred.
  • Admittance to practice, and in good standing, in any state and eligible to be admitted in Meskwaki Tribal Court. Prefer admission in or ability to be admitted in Iowa Bar. New graduates must be willing to take the next offered Iowa Bar.
  • Skill in legal research, writing and analysis.
  • Knowledge of legal principles, practices and proceedings.
  • Prior legal experience in areas of Indian housing, environmental issues, ICWA, employment law, Indian gaming, contracts, employment, taxation, jurisdictional issues, and economic development in Indian Country desirable.
  • Litigation experience and familiarity with federal, state, and local court rules and procedures desirable.
  • Must be able to interpret and apply case law, codes, ordinances and administrative rules.
  • Must be able to work in a properly collegial relationship with co-workers and be able to interact with other departments within the Tribe in the spirit of cooperation and compromise.
  • Must be able to take on additional responsibilities in the spirit of cooperation and teamwork.
  • Must be able to maintain an atmosphere of trust, fairness and respect and be mutually supportive with co-workers.
  • Must be committed to concepts of tribal sovereignty, self-government and Indian self-determination.
  • Must understand, appreciate, and promote tribal governments and Native American people.

Preference:
Indian preference applies to all positions with the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa.