Yurok Tribal Court Staff Attorney Position

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Tribal Court Director (and Chief Judge), the Staff Attorney will assist the Chief Judge and the Yurok Tribal Court in its legal matters.  The Staff Attorney will complete a variety of professional assignments on behalf of the Yurok Tribal Court as assigned. The Staff Attorney will work closely with the Chief Judge and department staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Perform legal research including extensive analysis of legal positions.  Determine and apply legal principles and precedents to problems and issues.
  2. Provides legal advice, counsel, and assistance to the Yurok Tribal Court in relation to its duties and the operation of the Court and its programs, projects and services.
  3. Assist in legal matters related to negotiating agreements with county justice agencies including Superior Courts in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, and the drafting of Memoranda of Understanding outlining the roles and responsibilities of partner agencies.
  4. Provides opinions on drafts, documents, and policies, and attends meetings concerning the Court.
  5. Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of a case.
  6. May appear in court hearings to represent the concurrent jurisdictional positions of the Tribal Court.
  7. Performs a variety of professional legal work in child support civil and criminal cases.  
  8. Assists in the coordination of Tribal Court programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Provides advice, instruction and guidance to subordinates on work matters. Aids in the developmental and training needs of subordinates.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

  • Must have computer knowledge sufficient to do legal research; ability to use the Internet and e-mail correspondence.
  • No convictions for misdemeanor offenses within the last twelve (12) months, no previous felony convictions, or bar ethics violations or on-going ethical violations.
  • No findings of a breach of bar ethics.  Candidate must disclose if one has occurred or is pending review.
  • Highly skilled, both orally and in writing.
  • Must have transactional experience i.e., drafting of legal opinions and legislative drafting, etc.
  • Experience in Administrative hearings, two (2) years preferred.
  • Indian law experience, Yurok Tribe preferred
  • Federal, State and local governmental experience

 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

 

  • Grade 11:  Graduation from an accredited law school, and is a member of good standing of the California Bar.

 

  • Grade 12:  Graduation from an accredited law school, 4 years experience in either State or Federal courts, is a member of good standing of the California Bar, and three years experience in government, preferably tribal or Yurok.

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

 

  • All applicants are subject to the Tribe’s Drug and Alcohol Free Work Place Policy including pre-employment screening.
  • All applicants will acknowledge and abide by all Yurok Tribe personnel and other policies and procedures.
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those anemployeeencounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
  • Must have a valid state issued driver’s license (CA or OR) and able to be insured through the tribal insurance agency.
  • This position requires passage of a comprehensive background check.
  • THIS POSITION REQUIRES COMPLIANCE WITH THE INDIAN CHILD PROTECTION and FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT PUBLIC LAW 101-630 ; 25 CODE of FEDERAL REGULATIONS PART 63 – INDIAN CHILD PROTECTION and FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION; CRIME CONTROL ACT OF 1990, EMPLOYEE BACKGROUND CHECKS; and EXECUTIVE ORDER 12968, ADJUDICATIVE GUIDELINES

 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must have the ability to read, write and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  With ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

 

 

 

REASONING ABILITY:

Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and/or diagram form.  With ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

 

VISION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
  • Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors).
  • Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships).
  • Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).