General Counsel for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe in Akwesasne, NY

Division: Legal

Job Code: 22-1011

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Description of position:

Under the direction of Tribal Council, General Counsel is responsible for legal advice, representation, assistance and support to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, its government, departments and enterprises. General Counsel represents the Tribe in all aspects of tribal government, including, but not limited to, Commercial Transactions, Contracts, Gaming, application of environment and natural resources laws and other federal laws relating to Tribal and reservation agencies and enterprises, federal-state jurisdiction issues, taxation issues, economic development, construction law, employment law, federal administrative proceedings, Tribal court jurisdiction issues, hunting and fishing rights and tribal taxation law and policy. General Counsel advises Tribal Council on intergovernmental agreements, drafting ordinances and resolutions, advises tribal agencies such as social services, police department, and tribal enterprises, drafts leases and other commercial documents. The General Counsel is responsible for the administration of all assignments to the staff of the Office of the General Counsel including planning, development and legal strategy of all assignments and directives of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council. General Counsel will meet the aforementioned objectives by performing the following duties:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Exhibit a friendly and courteous manner when dealing with our employees and fellow associates.
• Supervise staff to include orientation, training, scheduling and evaluation. Coordinate with Tribal Council on the hiring of all professional legal staff of the Office of the General Counsel.
• Report regularly to Tribal Council on all assigned directives and assignments.
• Negotiate, draft and review contracts for the Tribe and its enterprises.
• Represent the Tribe, its government, departments and enterprises in various proceedings before federal, state, local and tribal court and administrative agencies.
• Draft and review ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and policies for the Tribal government.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to the Tribal government, departments and enterprises in various matters.
• Negotiate, draft and review agreements with other governments and governmental agencies.
• Coordinate with the Tribe’s outside attorneys any pending litigations and other legal projects to ensure that litigation does not negatively impact the Tribe’s future.
• Review and approve outside legal counsel’s bills in accordance with policies determined by Tribal Council.
• Maintains a comprehensive record of all past and pending legal matters involving or affecting the Tribe.
• Other related duties as assigned by Tribal Council.

Supervisory Requirements:

General Counsel shall carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable Tribal procedures. General Counsel’s responsibilities also include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems within the Legal Department.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Required :

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from an accredited Law School with a license to practice law in New York State.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience practicing law and must have experience working with Federal and State legislation and administrative process.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience with Federal Indian Law Field.
• At least 3-5 years’ experience working with Federal and State legislation and administrative process.
• Experience drafting ordinances, codes, resolutions, policies and procedures and other governmental and administrative documents as required.

Preferred :  

• Litigation experience preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities: Research, Strong oral and written communication skills along with research skills required in conjunction with the following:

• Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Communicating with people inside and outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Job Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Applicants must submit letter of interest, resume, supporting documents and proof of native preference eligibility by email to human.resources@srmt-nsn.gov or by mail to Human Resources, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655.

NATIVE PREFERENCE POLICY

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe strives to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the policy of nondiscrimination based on race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, physical disability, veteran status or any other non-job related factor. Among qualified applicants, the SRMT will give preference to the qualified native applicant.

DRUG TESTING POLICY

The successful applicant for employment must submit to and pass a drug test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed.

BACKGROUND CHECK

All positions require candidates to successfully pass a background check prior to employment.  Some positions require candidate(s) to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment, used solely for employment related purposes.

FLEET POLICY

Must be at least 21 years of age, have and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driver abstract.

ELIGIBILITY LIST

A list of qualified candidates is created from interviews that may be used to appoint individuals to similar positions within the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe for a period of six months.

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http://www.srmt-nsn.gov/employment/detail/general_council

Aimée Benedict

Publications Manager / Webmaster

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

412 State Route 37

Akwesasne, NY 13655

518-358-2272 ext. 2285

www.srmt-nsn.gov

Iakhiienawá:se’ Sénha Aioianerénhake ne Enióhrhen’ne

(Helping Build A Better Tomorrow)