Closing Date: 6th October, 2026

Description:

Overview:
Position Type:

Full Time

Job Shift
Day

Education Level:
Graduate Degree

Category
Legal

Description:
Job Summary:
The Tribal Attorney will provide legal advice to the Suquamish Tribal Council and the Suquamish Tribe's government departments. The Tribal Attorney will represent the Suquamish Tribe in matters brought in Tribal, State, and Federal court. The Tribal Attorney will work cooperatively with Office of the Tribal Attorney to defend and enhance the sovereignty of the Suquamish Tribe.

Major Responsibilities & Duties:

Provides legal counsel and representation to the Tribal Council and Tribal government departments on a broad range of topics including but not limited to Tribal government, economic development, natural resources, and Federal Indian law.
Enhance and protect the Tribe's sovereignty.
Utilizes best practice methods to perform research on legal issues affecting the Tribe. Provide legal advice and analysis of tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Provide legal advice and analysis of proposed changes to tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Prepares contracts, resolutions and, other legal documents for the Tribe. This may include revising the Tribal Constitution, Tribal Code, Tribal policies and procedures, and other documents and instruments.
Negotiate, draft, review, and revise contractual agreements.
Draft, review, and revise various agreements and proposals with municipal, state, and federal government(s) and their respective governmental agencies.
Advocate on behalf of the Suquamish Tribe before executive officials, legislative bodies, and administrative bodies of Tribal, Federal, State, and local governments.
Represent, promote and defend the Suquamish Tribe sovereignty and interests in matters brought in Tribal, State, and Federal court.
Attend and render legal counsel and representation at meetings of the Tribal Council, public hearings, and other committees, boards, and/or agencies of the Suquamish Tribe at the request of Tribal Council.
Abide by the rules of professional conduct of the relevant bar association jurisdictions.
At times may work non-traditional work schedule at hours and times outside the normal business hours and days. This may include hybrid work schedule.
Other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
Staff Attorney may, depending on assignment, supervise the work of a legal secretary or paralegal, or of a contract attorney or consultant.

Qualifications:
Qualifications:

A Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school; and 3 years of general legal practice experience as a licensed attorney.
Admission and good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction with the ability to be admitted to the bar of the Suquamish Tribe within three months of hire and the State of Washington within one year of hire.
Qualified applicants must have experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject-matter areas, preferably with at least three years of experience as practicing attorney: experience in civil procedure; trial practice; legal writing; drafting and negotiating contracts; drafting statutes policies, and procedures; litigation; constitutional or business law, and representing public or private entities; natural resources; tribal jurisdiction; taxation; Federal Indian law.
Able to identify and interpret complex legal issues and matters related to the Suquamish Tribe's sovereignty.
Able to develop goals and specific plans to organize and, accomplish work. Requires ability to manage conflicting priorities and adhere to strict deadlines.
Able to effectively communicate information to others in person, in writing, or by telephone.
Able to work professionally and collaboratively within the Office of the Tribal Attorney, with various government departments, and with the Tribal Council.
Preference for an attorney with proven knowledge and experience in Federal Indian law and tribal law, or a related field.
Advance proficiency in computer operations and software applications typically used in a legal office setting including: Microsoft Office products and database applications, messaging and virtual meeting platforms, email and internet.
Ability to use other related office equipment such as copiers, fax machine, and multi-line telephone.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent advocacy and negotiation skills.
Must have excellent writing skills, and be able to proofread, edit, and perform legal research.
Ability to effectively represent and advise the Suquamish Tribe on all legal matters. Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
A willingness and enthusiasm to learn new skills as needed to better advise the Suquamish Tribe.
Must adhere to strict confidentiality requirement of records and information. Ability to uphold all principles of confidentiality to the fullest extent.
Adhere to all attorney professional and ethical standards. Cultural competency regarding Native American populations
To perform such other tasks as are necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the job.

Interpersonal Contacts:
Staff Attorney Will Have Interpersonal Contact with Office of The Tribal Attorney Employees, Tribal Council, Tribal Government Employees, Including Court Personnel, Employees of Port Madison Enterprises and Tribal Citizens. External Contacts Will Include Representatives of Federal, State and Local Government and Private Institutions. the Position Will Also Require Contact with Lobbyists, Independent Consultants or Contractors and Other Legal Experts in The Field.

Job Conditions:
The Principal Job Site Will Be at Any of The Offices of The Suquamish Tribe's Office of The Tribal Attorney. the Work Environment Is Located in A General Office Setting, Which Would Have Appropriate Lighting and Heat, Adequate Ventilation and Equipment Necessary to The Position. This Job Requires Long Hours, Often Sitting for Prolonged Periods, or For Travel. Ability to Handle Stress of Litigation, Public Speaking, and High Work Demands. Ability to Lift up To 25 Lbs. Over Shoulder Height. This Position Also Requires Access to Records Storage Areas Containing Sensitive Information that Requires Confidentiality and Discretion.

Requirements: