General Counsel

Under direct supervision of the Washoe Tribal Council, the General Counsel is responsible for providing legal advice on matters affecting the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. Prepares legal research and writings as required; reports to Tribal Council the findings of all assigned tasks. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

Preferred Skills
Minimum Qualifications:

Degree of Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
For applicants seeking compensation at the highest end of the payment scale, at least five years of increasingly responsible experience representing clients, preferably tribes, in the legal field is required.
For applicants seeking compensation at the lower end of the payment scale, a demonstrated interest and knowledge of Federal Indian law for at least one year is permitted.
Must be admitted to the bar of the States of Nevada and/or California.
Must possess and maintain a valid California or Nevada driver’s license or be capable of obtaining one within thirty days (30) of employment.
Must be able to be insurable by the Tribe’s Driving Policy.
No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions, which involve a crime of moral turpitude.
Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.
Preference will be given to Qualified Native American Indians.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Serves as General Counsel for the Washoe Tribal Government.
Provides general legal counsel to the Tribal Council, Tribal Chairperson, Administration, Community Councils and all Tribal Departments.
Serves as counsel for all Tribal Council meetings; and on request for Tribal Health Board meetings, Community Council meetings, and meetings of standing Tribal Council committees.
Advocates for and defends the interests and trust assets of the Tribe and negotiates inter-governmental agreements with Federal, State and local governments.
Drafts, advocates for and secures Federal and State legislation to protect and further Tribal interests.
Drafts and revises Tribal ordinances, regulations, procedures, plans and policies, on behalf of the Tribal Council or Tribal departments.
Prepares response for any legal correspondence.
Conducts legal research and draft memoranda or reports on a variety of legal issues.
Researches and reads all pending litigation and regulations affecting the Tribe and submits comment letters when necessary.
Represents the Tribe in litigation or manages outside counsel, including contract disputes, insurance disputes and jurisdictional questions.
Ensures compliance with civil regulatory ordinances of the Washoe Tribe.
Performs constitutional analysis and drafting of memos on various constitutional questions.
Reviews contracts and ensures compliance with procurement policies.
Assists the Gaming Commission with licensing procedures, licensing forms, Minimum Internal Controls and other issues as needed.
Reviews lease and land assignment issues.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
Supervises work of Legal Secretary.
Knowledge of Federal Indian law.
Experience representing tribes or tribal entities.
Experience working for governments, preferably tribal governments.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and negotiate legal actions.
Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
Skill in the preparation and trial of legal cases and corresponding documents.
Skill in supervising assigned staff.
Skill in operating business computers, including various database, spreadsheet, and word-processing programs.
Skill in working effectively under pressure.
Performs other duties as required.