Senior Staff Attorney III-OLC

Overview

Senior Staff Attorney III – Office of Legal Counsel

Hourly Wage: $68.11-$72.25/Regular/Full-Time/Supervisory

Serves as legal counsel to the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and the Yakama Nation government as a whole, including all departments and programs. Representation includes appearance before tribal, state, and federal courts, and other adjudicatory bodies. While services may encompass in various legal subjects, Senior Staff Attorney III's may focus on one or more specific practice areas (e.g., transactions, litigation, governmental affairs, environmental/natural resources, cultural resources, land use, healthcare, insurance, employment, etc.).

In these areas, the incumbent supervises Staff Attorneys I and II and provides regular reports to the Lead Attorney and Tribal Council. Dependent upon supervisory approval and the current needs of the Office, this position may be suitable for flexible work hours.

• Provides a full range of legal services as needed by the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, and government programs and departments.
• Conducts legal research and delivers written legal advice on questions related to federal, state, and tribal law, the Treaty of 1855, and Tribal Sovereignty.
• Drafts and reviews complex legal instruments, including agreements, contracts, codes, policies, pleadings, and legal briefs.
• Drafts and reviews legislative documents, including resolutions, committee actions, government-to-government letters, comment letters, briefing documents, and talking points.
• Litigates as lead counsel or co-counsel on behalf of the Yakama Nation in tribal, federal, and state courts, and other administrative agencies or adjudicatory bodies.
• Assists the Lead Attorney in mentoring and supervising Staff Attorneys I and II on legal projects and requests for legal services.
• Analyzes recent developments in Indian law and reviews findings with the Lead Attorney to determine impacts on the Yakama Nation.
• Performs other any and all other related duties as assigned by the Lead Attorney, Executive Committee, or Tribal Council Committees.

• Ability to exercise advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to research, formulate, and present legal issues, ideas, and arguments.
• Ability to develop innovative and defensible legal theories.
• High level of independence in prioritizing, organizing, and managing a full, independent caseload.
• Ability to supervise, manage, and mentor junior attorneys.
• Proficiency in standard office computers and software, including Word, Excel, Adobe, Lexis Nexis, Zoom.
• Knowledge of Indian law, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, federal/state statutes and regulations, case law, executive orders, and civil procedures.

• Graduate from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant legal experience. (Six (6) years of relevant legal experience may be considered if combined with specialized knowledge).
• Admission in good standing to the Washington State Bar and the Yakama Tribal Court Bar (or ability to acquire admission within six (6) months of employment).
• Submission of cover letter, updated resume, and legal writing sample(s).
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit. Or ability to obtain a Washington State Driver's License and tribal driver's permit within 30 days upon hire.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

• Prefer Yakama Nation Tribal Members, or candidates with Indian heritage, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.