Staff Attorney, ANJC

Description:

General Functions:
The Staff Attorney/Sr. Staff Attorney provides comprehensive, high-quality legal services to Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC) clients, working collaboratively with ANJC's multidisciplinary team of Attorneys, Paralegals and Tribal Justice Facilitators. This position represents Alaska Tribes in child welfare matters under the Indian Child Welfare Act, provides technical assistance and training to tribal justice systems and assists and represents Tribes in many other arenas. Working in partnership with our people to develop opportunities that fulfill our endless potential, the Staff Attorney/Sr. Staff Attorney ensures access to justice and protects the rights of Alaska Native communities through direct legal representation and culturally responsive advocacy. At the Senior level, the attorney also mentors staff attorneys and handles the most complex cases with minimal supervision. The role requires strong legal expertise, cultural competency, and dedication to advancing justice for Alaska Native communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Staff Attorney

• Meet with clients to gather information, assess legal options, and provide timely legal assistance while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
• Represent clients in court proceedings through case resolution, including trial representation when necessary.
• Prepare comprehensive legal documents including pleadings, motions, briefs, and other court filings.
• Maintain confidential client files in accordance with legal ethics and organizational policies.
• Provide training and technical assistance to Alaska Tribes.
• Collaborate effectively with ANJC Attorneys, Paralegals, and Tribal Justice Facilitators.
• Deal effectively with diverse personalities and complex situations requiring sound professional judgment.
• Network with service providers and partners to stay informed of ongoing efforts related to ANJC services and projects.
• Participate in pro bono clinics and ANJC outreach efforts to expand access to legal services.
• Maintain positive working relationships with ANJC staff and external stakeholders.
• Provide information as requested for grant and funder reporting requirements.
• Attend conferences and workshops as directed and approved to maintain professional development.
• Perform special projects as directed by supervisory staff.
• Perform all related duties as needed and assigned.

Sr. Staff Attorney

• Perform all duties and responsibilities above with an advanced level of proficiency.
• May supervise Law Clerks and Law Fellows
• Oversee the most complex cases with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment and strategic thinking.
• Mentor staff attorneys and other ANJC staff in their practice areas, providing guidance on complex legal issues.
• Provide timely legal assistance in ICWA, Tribal Justice, and other matters as assigned.
• Participate in strategic planning for important legal cases and organizational expansion efforts.
• Track data and prepare grant reports, ensuring deliverables and deadlines are met for all funding requirements.
• Coordinate services with service providers and partners to stay current on efforts related to ANJC's mission.
• Foster a collaborative team environment within ANJC.

Job Specifications:

• Demonstrated strong ability in reading, interpreting, drafting, and revising legal documents.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to produce succinct, well-written memoranda, reports, and legal analyses and to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Alaska Rules of Court, State Statutes, and preferably the Indian Child Welfare Act.
• Ability to identify needed social and community services, make appropriate referrals, and advocate for client services while maintaining interagency relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal effectively with a variety of personalities and situations.
• Demonstrated capacity to handle multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines at various stages of completion in a fast-paced environment, with strong attention to detail.
• Disciplined organizational skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a positive, professional attitude demonstrating sound judgment, flexibility, determination, and good humor.
• Proficient in the use of computers and relevant legal software applications.

Minimum Core Competencies:
CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

Minimum Qualifications:
Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Staff Attorney

• Experience is not required. Training will be provided as needed.
• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the Alaska Bar Association in good standing.
• Ability to travel to both rural and urban areas as required.

Sr. Staff Attorney

• Must meet all minimum requirements of the Staff Attorney.
• Five (5) years of experience in the practice of law.
• Experience working with Alaska Native legal issues and/or experience and knowledge in the Indian Child Welfare Act, Child in Need of Aid cases, ANCSA, and Native law.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Tribal, state, and federal relations and jurisdictional issues.
• Demonstrated experience serving Alaska Native and American Indian communities with understanding of their values and belief systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the social, health, educational, training, and cultural needs of the Alaska Native and American Indian community.

Physical Requirements:

• 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.
• May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.
• The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner.

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