Description:

The Board Counsel serves as a trusted legal advisor to the Seneca Gaming Corporation's Board of Directors, providing expert guidance on legal, regulatory, and governance matters that impact the organization. This role ensures the Board operates within the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and transparency by interpreting laws, drafting and reviewing corporate documents, and advising on complex issues related to corporate governance and business operations. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong judgment and a deep understanding of corporate and regulatory law who can navigate sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism. All work is performed in accordance with the Seneca Gaming Corporation's policies, Internal Control Standards, Charter, By-Laws, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, and all applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

Advise the Board on legal issues and other matters, as required by the Board, including but not limited to the following:

Attend regular, routine, special, and Committee meetings, and executive sessions of independent Directors.
Ensure a sound relationship exists between the Board, Board Counsel, Senior Management, Chief Legal Officer, Seneca Nation Executives and Council, and Seneca Nation Legal Counsel.
Ensure open communication exists for the Board.
Provide advice on matters of priority as developed by the Board.
Provide advice on regulatory compliance, to include matters related to the NYS Compact, NIGC regulations, and IGRA.

Advise and assist the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities.
Assist Directors with, but not limited to, the following:

Asking educated questions and making informed decisions.
Understanding the Corporation and its risks.
Providing advice on ethics and compliance.
Developing a crisis management plan.
Speaking out on potential crises.
Understanding the Attorney-Client privilege.
Respecting applicable regulations and regulators.
Identifying and understanding risks that may lead to unnecessary conflicts of interest.
Educating the Board to address specific risks and opportunities for the Board's consideration; development and rationale of by-laws and implications; Board compliance, competency and expectations.
Ensuring effective communication.
Promoting ethical behavior and compliance.

Work closely with the Corporate Secretary to ensure that minutes are accurate/sufficient to meet specific legal requirements for internal/external audits and avoid litigation; include specific terminology and overall positioning.
Advocate, document, and promote the Board's position(s).
Oversee Board resources and ensure access exists for all Directors.
Assess Board activities, responsibilities and external environmental factors relevant to identified needs.
Gather information – regarding legal responsibilities (i.e. work with the Chief Legal Officer to obtain and review existing legal documents pertaining to the Board), understandings, and expectations.
Draft legal documents with focus on wording, length, complexity as appropriate with the intended audience/implementers.
In addition, an essential part of this position includes the following items:

Attend Board, Committee and Special meetings.
Monitor legal issues.
Make appropriate recommendations.

Responsible for all drafts/versions of Board documents, consolidate and/or compile all suggested changes/edits from the Board, make final versions of all documents drafted, keep records of all legal documents developed on behalf of the Board, and ensure that all Board members have access to such records.
Responsible for ensuring the SGC Board of Directors adheres to all company policies and internal controls, including but not limited to Compact, Human Resources, TERO compliance guidelines and Purchasing.
Liaise with other department/company management to ensure consistency and smooth flow of information, policies and procedures.
Maintains a strong network of contacts throughout the industry to facilitate both formal and informal gathering of information.
Keeps abreast of industry trends, new technology and practices as they relate to his/her area(s) of responsibility.
Attends all necessary meetings to stay informed; including company and community meetings.
Oversees an operation that is 24/7 and requires hours that can extend up to sixty (60) hours per week or more, and be inclusive of work weeks that consist of six (6) or seven (7) days. This individual is on-call and requires accessibility 24/7.
Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:
Education/Experience:

Must be 18 years of age or older upon employment.
A LLD or JD from a recognized law school.
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant experience with a background in Indian/Native American law.
Excellent oral, written, analytical, and organizational skills are required. Successful candidate must be results oriented, and a hands-on professional.
Have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, and provide legal guidance regarding such matters.
Must be capable of defining problems, collection of data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions and providing solutions.
Must demonstrate leadership skills.
Admission to New York Bar.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to substantiate a safe driving record within the parameters acceptable to our liability insurance carrier.

Language Skills and Reasoning Ability:

Ability to write routine correspondence and to speak effectively to the public, employees, Seneca Nation and other governmental officials, and customers.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Must have the ability to deal effectively and interact well with the customers and employees.
Must have the ability to resolve problems/conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud. When on the casino floor, the noise levels increase to loud. Must be able to work in an environment where smoking is permitted.

Must be able to effectively understand and communicate to candidates and employees.
Must be able to stand, walk, and move through all areas of the casino.
Maintain physical stamina and proper mental attitude to work under pressure in a fast-paced, casino environment and effectively deal with customers, management, employees, and members of the business community in all situations.

Salary Starting Rate:
$1.00

Compensation is negotiable based on experience and education.

Each position has varying minimum qualifications. In the absence of fully qualified candidates, some requirements may be waived.