JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
 
Under policy and direction from the Tribal Council, the In-House Counsel for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the Tribal Council to support and protect the Tribes legal rights and interests in regard to both Tribal governance and casino gaming operations.  In-house Counsel will be available to travel with Tribal Council and provide legal advice and representation on various political and other relevant issues. In-House Council will advise Tribal Council on any and all matters concerning pending State and Federal legislation affecting the Tribe and also from time to time participate in the drafting of new legislation. The In-house Counsel will have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and personal commitment to the advancement of Tribal Sovereignty

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(This list is not all-inclusive and other tasks or duties may be assigned by Tribal Council at any time.)
 
 

• Advise and counsel the Tribe and Tribal Departments, Programs, and Offices concerning the Tribes legal rights and interests, and develops strategies to promote and protect those interests.
• Represent or assist in the representation of the Tribe in litigation in Federal, State, or Tribal Court, or in matters before Federal or State administrative agencies.
• Draft legislation (for Tribal, federal, state and local legislative bodies) promoting and defending the legal rights and interests of the Tribal Government, Tribal members, and Tribal business and gaming operations.
• Draft, review, maintain and revise Tribal Code, ordinances and legislation.
• Draft and review legal agreements and contracts that promote and protect the legal rights and interests of the Tribal Government and its business and gaming operations.
• Negotiate settlements and agreements on behalf of the Tribal Government.
• Research matters affecting the legal rights and interests of the Tribal Government.
• Reviews and assists in the revision of employment policy and procedures with focus on California and Federal employment law.
• Administers the Tribal Law Office in an efficient manner, and monitors the performance of the attorneys and support personnel assigned to the Tribal Legal Department.
• Devotes his/her full time to the Tribe and does not engage in the representation of other clients as consultant or engage in other activities which would interfere with the legal representation of the Tribe.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree from accredited institution and Member of the State Bar of California with license in good standing.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a licensed attorney with specialized experience in Federal Indian Law and Tribal Governance  
• Considerable knowledge of Tribal Governance issues including the drafting of ordinances and resolutions as well as reviewing, amending, or creating Tribal Committee guidelines
•  Experience in contracts, internal controls, collections, real estate and business planning.   
• Strong communication, writing and interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to handle multiple matters.
•  Strong personal commitment to advancement of Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.