Under general direction of the Legal Services Managing Attorney provides supervision and guidance to the staff of the Salt River Legal Services Office (SRLSO); provides legal services and representation to eligible clients.
This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.
Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).
1. Assists the Managing Attorney with the operation of the Salt River Legal Services (SRLSO) in order to provide basic legal services to eligible clients; develops the necessary administrative policies, procedures and forms for the SRLSO.
2. Provides legal services and representation to eligible clients of the SRLSO through tasks illustrated by, but not limited to, the following: interviewing clients, providing legal advice, conducting necessary research, and drafting correspondence and legal documents.
3. Reviews laws, rules, regulations and legal documents as appropriate to serve clients and to meet the needs of the office; complies with ethical guidelines governing the performance of legal services both within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and all other jurisdictions were appearing and where applicable.
4. Drafts and prepares legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs and appeals; represents clients in tribal, state and federal forums, whether in court, administrative hearings, or other appropriate forums.
5. Advises supervisor, on a routine basis, of legal matters affecting clients; represents SRPMIC Legal Services Office on committees, at conferences or other external meetings related to the various interests of clients, the office and the Community. Ensures continued communication with supervisor on legal issues affecting clients within the office.
6. Assists the Managing Attorney administrative supervision to advocates, attorneys and support staff. Assists the Managing Attorney in ensuring that legal supervision, guidance and any necessary training is given to legal advocates, attorneys and support staff. Assigns work activities and projects, monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures. Assists the Managing Attorney in completing performance evaluations, approves leave requests and approval of time for assigned staff.
7. Assists the Managing Attorney in preparing the proposed annual budget for the SRLSO and monitors expenditures; as requested, prepares and submits quarterly and annual reports.
8. Assists the Managing Attorney in promoting the existence of a team environment and facilitates positive motivation; encourages staff growth and professional development with an emphasis on Community member development and promotion; encourages staff participation in on-going training and professional development and strengthening of individual skill levels; coaches, motivates, and mentors' employees to perform their best.
9. Assists the Managing Attorney in managing the day-to-day administrative operations of the department and coordinates internal operations with appropriate Tribal Administration staff to ensure that administrative goals and planning objectives are being met; coordinates departmental operations with the court(s) and other relevant department/agencies for the purpose of meeting overall objectives within the provision of the tribal strategic planning.
10. Prepares and participates in community legal education projects for community members.
11. Performs other related duties, as assigned, to assist the Managing Attorney in maintaining and enhance departmental operations.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
- ·Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
- ·Knowledge of Community Code of Ordinances, and Community, State and Federal laws, rules, regulations and policies, including Federal Indian law.
- ·Knowledge of the principles and practices of the legal profession.
- ·Knowledge of legal research methods, legal research software, and use of databases.
- ·Knowledge of case law appropriate to the issues and cases being prepared.
- ·Skill in interpreting and applying statues, ordinances and other laws as they pertain to cases.
- ·Skill in interpreting and applying rules, regulations, and policies as they pertain to cases.
- ·Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the community’s administration, Council members, community members and appropriate outside entities.
- ·Skill in communicating with, and instructing others, using both technical and non-technical language as appropriate to provide legal counsel and explanations to those for whom the subject matter is unfamiliar and/or difficult to understand.
- ·Ability to get along well and cooperate with others.
- ·Ability to communicate orally and in writing with administrative staff, community members, outside entities and co-workers.
- ·Ability to perform legal research.
- ·Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal issues and apply legal principles.
- ·Ability to adapt to changing work situations and assignments.
- ·Ability to exercise resourcefulness in addressing new problems.
- ·Ability to provide legal and administrative supervision in a mature and respectful manner.
- ·Ability to set priorities to meet established as well as changing deadlines.
Education & Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor
Degree, and four (4) years of law practice, which includes general administrative experience
and two or more years of trial experience in state and tribal court; one year of supervisory experience preferred.
- Equivalency – Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.
- Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.
Special Requirements: Membership and good standing in the State Bar of Arizona is required. Must
demonstrate a commitment to ongoing training and education.
- Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working with Children”
In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).
Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:
1) attach to application
2) fax (480) 362-5860
3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.
Documentation must be received by position closing date.
The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted.
Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.
