Author Archives: Indian Legal Program

Indian Legal Clinic Sponsors Native Vote

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Election Day 2014 allowed the Arizona Native Vote-Election Protection Project to pursue its goal of reducing the number of tribal members denied the ability to vote. The project was coordinated by  the Indian Legal Clinic at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, the National Congress of American Indians, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona and the Native American Bar Association of Arizona. The Indian Legal Clinic students recruited and trained nearly 50 volunteers.  These volunteers served 18 polling locations across eight tribal communities throughout Arizona. On-site volunteers assisted tribal members by answering questions regarding their voting rights.

Read full article here:  https://www.law.asu.edu/news/CollegeofLawNews/TabId/803/ArtMID/7835/ArticleID/4816/Indian-Legal-Clinic-Sponsors-Native-Vote-.aspx

Judicial Branch of Arizona – Judge Pro Tempore

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The Pro Tempore recruitment is now accepting applications between
January 2, 2015 – January 30, 2015

for the next appointment term,
7/1/2015 – 6/30/2016.

Superior court pro tem requirements:
12-142. Qualifications of judge pro tempore; residence; salary; exclusion from retirement provisions

  1. A judge pro tempore of the superior court shall be:

    1. Not less than thirty years of age.

    2. Of good moral character.

    3. Admitted to the practice of law in this state for not less than five years next preceding his appointment.

    4. A resident of this state for not less than five years next preceding his appointment.

  2. A judge pro tempore may be appointed to serve in the county of his residence or in a county of which he is not a resident.

  3. The salary of a judge pro tempore shall be paid for the period of the appointment based on an annual salary equal to that of a superior court judge. A judge pro tempore may agree in advance to donate any or all of his services.

  4. Judges pro tempore are not subject to any provision of law relating to the retirement of judges.

If you are interested in serving as a Judge Pro Tempore for the 2016 term, you will need to apply by logging on to our website at: http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/JudgeProTempore/application/index.asp.

 

Those who are currently Pro Tems and would like to renew their application will also need to log on to our website and click on the “update” prompt located at the bottom of the page.

 

We have a new application this year, so please make sure you carefully review and complete all the requested information.  Also important – please make sure to verify the departments you have selected to serve in as well.  Once completed, please also return your notarized oath and acknowledgement to my attention at the address below.

 

The application opens today, January 2, 2015 and closes on January 30, 2015. 

Please mail to:
ATTN: Judge Pro Tempore Coordinator
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

For hand-deliveries:
Patricia Schuler
Old Courthouse – 5th Floor
125 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Job Opportunity – Director, Defense Services

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Job Title: Director
Closing Date: 02/17/2015

Job Number: 15-238
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Defense Services Office
City: Sacaton
Location: Defense Services Office, 165A S. Bluebird Rd., Sacaton, AZ
Area of Interest: Legal
Salary Type: Depending on Experience
Salary/ Hourly Rate: $96,251 Salary
Tribal Driving Permit Required: Yes
____________________________________________________

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT INFORMATION
• Term of Contract is three years and subject for renewal
• Compensation reflected on the Job Announcement and finalized in the Contract will remain the same, any increases (merit, cost of living for employees, Director Contract will also be eligible for increase)
• Annual Leave – Allowed a capped amount of leave each fiscal year, (amount of leave determined upon start date of position). Leave is not carried over into next fiscal year and paid at end of each fiscal year.
• Sick Leave – Allowed a capped amount of leave each fiscal year, leave is not paid at end of each fiscal year.

MEDICAL BENEFIT INFORMATION (effective immediately upon hire date, no probationary period required)
• Medical – EPO or PPO Self-Funded Plan utilizing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Network
• Prescription Program
• Dental – Plan is provided through CIGNA with no deductible for preventive services or $50 (individual)/$150 (family) deductible for basic and major services
• Vision – plan benefits are provided through Sight Care of Arizona and carry a $10 co-pay for exams, zero co-pay
• Life and AD&D – Basic, dependent, and/or voluntary benefits provided through CIGNA Group Insurance. GRIC pays the full cost of your basic Life and AD&D.

Other Voluntary Benefits
• Aflac offers various supplemental benefits plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

TWELVE (12) PAID HOLIDAYS

 **THIS IS A CONTRACT POSITION**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
 The Director, Defense Services serves as the lead defense attorney responsible for planning, directing, managing, supervising, implementing and achieving department strategic goals of the Defense Services Office of the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). Work involves hiring and supervising attorneys to serve as defense attorneys; formulating and monitoring a departmental budget, reviewing proposed legislation; ensuring compliance with tribal, state, and federal governmental regulations; providing leadership and guidance; monitoring and evaluating case files; developing, implementing, and interpreting policies; and handling high profile cases on behalf of GRIC.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Perform complex professional and managerial work directing the operations of the Defense Services Office.
• Plan, organize, manage, coordinate and prioritize work load of assigned staff.
• Coordinate the work of full-time professional and support staff to provide representation to defendants of the Community’s court system.
• Administer, maintain and update employee records, including conducting timely employee performance evaluations on staff.
• Formulate and monitor overall departmental operating budget; maintain records on all departmental projects and activities; authorize and approve departmental expenditures.
• Conduct staff meetings, provide reports/updates, and presentations before Council and other Tribal Officials.
• Coordinate and assign cases based on workload; review case files to ensure compliance with departmental policies and procedures and evaluate work performed.
• Review, evaluate, and provide recommendations on proposed code and legislative changes with practical impact on civil rights of Community members.
• Review and analyze statutes, case law, and practices to keep staff updated on current legal and defense service trends.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and interpret policies, projects and procedures for the Defense Services Office.
• Prepare and maintain a database containing statistical information of client cases accepted and served.
• Responsible for handling appeals process.
• Serve as lead defense attorney of cases with court-wide impact and as the technical authority on complex legal defense cases.
• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Ensure staff comply with tribal, state, and federal governmental regulations.
• Ensure staff maintain an ethical practice in respect to the Community, Tribal Courts, judicial system and clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
§ Knowledge of Community codes and state statutes with emphasis on criminal law and procedures.
§ Knowledge of Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
§ Knowledge of principles of criminal law and of appeal procedures of the Community and other jurisdictions.
§ Knowledge of principles of office management, and contract management.
§ Must be a person with high integrity, honesty and display professional decorum.
§ Possess excellent leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
§ Skill in research legal court decisions of U.S. Supreme Court, Circuit Courts of Appeal, U.S. District Courts and the State of Arizona.
§ Possess excellent writing skills with the ability to produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling and legal citations.
§ Ability to communicate orally in the English language with judges, attorney and the public using a telephone and in group, face-to-face, one-to-one settings.
§ Ability to apply critical thinking and utilize effective communication and problem solving skills using a high degree of independent judgment and personal initiative to develop integrated strategies to efficiently identify issues, concerns and interests and provide effective solutions and to analyze, appraise, research and organize facts, evidence, and precedents.
§ Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material.
§ Ability to utilize effective communication and problem solving skills.
§ Ability to effectively plan, supervise, organize, direct the activities of a professional and administrative staff, and evaluate internal controls.
§ Ability to enter and retrieve data or information from a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device.
§ Ability to understand and accept cultural background of the Community and the clientele to be served.
§ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
§ Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school; member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing; and a minimum of eight (8) years experience as a licensed attorney with criminal litigation or defense representation, including a minimum of four (4) years supervisory management experience in a Public Defender’s Office.
Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application.
Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Sections 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly.
Supervisory, Salaried Position
Reports to Division Manager or designee

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

DEADLINE: Employment Applications are available at all District Service Centers, the Human Resources Department, and online at www.gilariver.org. All Employment Applications and copies of required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle Record, must be received in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm on the closing date. Late Applications or documents will not be considered.

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

To avoid delays, application can be mailed or faxed to:
Gila River Indian Community
Human Resources Department
Post Office Box 97
Sacaton, Arizona 85147
Fax: (520) 562-9809

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

If a Tribal Driving Permit is required on this posting, please provide a current 39 month Motor Vehicle Report (mvr) and it must not be over 60 days old. Please refer to www.servicearizona.com to obtain a Motor Vehicle Report.

If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Department @ 520-562-9808. Thank you for your interest with the Gila River Indian Community.

To view the job posting, please view at the following link: http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/5228-14-2036-secretary-ii

 

Recruitment of Brief and Oral Argument Judges for Moot Court

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The Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) at The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law is hosting the 2015 National NALSA Moot Court Competition. The competition will be held in Tucson, Arizona on March 6-7, 2015. We are expecting over 70 teams from law schools across the United States to take part in this year’s competition. We need your help to make this the best competition ever.

This year’s moot court problem contains two issues. The first explores tribal adjudicatory jurisdiction over a civil case in which a non-Indian sues a non-member Indian (the widow and mother of tribal members) for the return of a deposit after a business transaction falls through. The second issue explores a tribe’s ability to charge the same non-member Indian with a civil infraction. The full moot court problem is available from the competition website at http://www.law.arizona.edu/iplp/moot_court/.

With the expected number of competitors, we need approximately 57 judges for the briefs and 126 oral argument judges. We are seeking volunteers willing to help fill these crucial spots. We have outlined below the responsibilities of judges. If you are willing to volunteer, please complete the attached form and email to: nnalsamootcourt@gmail.com. Please feel free to pass this request along to others who might be interested.

Brief Judges:
The moot court rules require that briefs be scored anonymously by a panel of three judges. We are trying to get enough volunteers so that each panel will need to judge only four briefs (each of the three judges on a panel will receive and score the same four briefs). Briefs from the student competitors are due on January 12, 2015, and we plan to have the briefs in the hands of the judges a week later. We will send each judge a copy of the briefs, a score sheet, and a copy of the bench brief, which contains a guide to the issue and arguments. Judges agree to return the completed score sheets by March 1.

Team coaches are ineligible to judge the briefs, and brief judges may not judge any team’s practice rounds or otherwise discuss the problem with participants, team faculty advisors, coaches, or other persons directly associated with preparing teams for competition.

Oral Argument Judges:
We will have four sets of preliminary rounds on Friday, March 6—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. We will also have several elimination rounds on Saturday. We will hold an orientation session on Friday morning, Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, and will also provide score sheets and a guide to the issues and arguments (bench brief).

The competition rules require that judges must fit one of the following categories: (1) passed a federal, state, and/or tribal bar exam, and is a current member of a bar in good standing; (2) currently a sitting judge or served as a judge for at least 2 of the previous 5 years; (3) law school graduate currently clerking for a tribal, state, or federal judge; or (4) full-time law professor. Team faculty advisors, coaches, or other persons directly associated with preparing the teams are ineligible to be competition judges.

If you are interested in judging, please complete the 2015 Judges’ Information Sheet and return it to me at nnalsamootcourt@gmail.com. If you have any questions, you can reach me at the same email address or at (520) 907-8682. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Sincerely,

Chase Velasquez

President, UA NALSA
Vice President, National NALSA

Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)
Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program
The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Tel: (520) 626-6497 Fax: (520) 626-1819
http://www.law.arizona.edu/iplp

 

ILP Alumni Awards – Call for Nominations

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2015 Indian Legal Program ALUMNI Awards

Call for Nominations

 

The Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has created three awards to be given annually to recognize the ILP’s distinguished alumni.  The awards will be presented at the ILP Alumni & Friends Reception on April 9, 2015.  Awards will be given in the following categories: the Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award, the Indian Legal Program Alumni Service Award, and the Indian Legal Program Emerging Leader Award. 

 

Nomination materials are due by March 2, 2015.  Nomination materials should be sent by email or mail to:

 

Kate Rosier

Indian Legal Program

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law

PO Box 877906

Tempe, AZ  85287

Kate.Rosier@asu.edu



 2015 Indian Legal Program ALUMNI Awards

Nomination Guidelines

Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award

The Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in Indian Law or Tribal Law throughout an individual’s career.  The award honors ILP alumni whose achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law have brought distinction to themselves and real benefit to the Indian community.

Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the unique professional achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law that has brought distinction to the candidate.  (maximum two pages)
  • Describe the recognized contributions made by this candidate that demonstrate a benefit to the larger community? (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways in which the candidate’s achievements are truly extraordinary or exceptional.  (maximum one page)
  • Provide at least two letters of support from individuals that can speak to the candidate’s impact on his or her profession.
  • Letters of support should speak to the magnitude of the individual’s impact in the practice of Indian or tribal law or in the Indian community.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee. 

     

    Indian Legal Program Alumni Service Award

    The ILP Alumni Service Award is given for outstanding service to the Indian Legal Program, and is awarded for extended, extraordinary service to the Indian Legal Program.

    Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the ways in which the candidate has served or supported the ILP and the ILP alumni.  Examples can include serving on committees, boards, CLEs, mentoring ILP students, or other volunteer or fundraising efforts or funding commitments.  (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways this service been truly extraordinary.  (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has benefited the ILP.  (maximum one page)
  • Please provide at least two letters of support from ILP alumni as part of the nomination package.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee. 

     

    Indian Legal Program Emerging Leader Award

    The ILP Emerging Leader Award acknowledges and encourages service to Indian Country and the ILP by alumni who are less than ten years out of law school.  The award recognizes outstanding achievements in their professional career, volunteer work, and promotion or support of the ILP and/or ASU NALSA.  Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe how the candidate has achieved professional success in their legal career.
  • Describe the candidate’s volunteer work.
  • Describe how the candidate achieved an exceptional level of service while balancing the demands of being a recent graduate. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate was proactive in efforts to become involved in ILP and/or ILP alumni activities.  (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has been sustained over a long period of time or how the service has been innovative or beneficial.  (maximum one page)
  • Provide two letters of support from fellow ILP alumni.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee. 

     

Job Opportunity – Chief Presiding Judge

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Chief Presiding Judge Recruitment – closes 5:00 p.m., January 30, 2015

Salary Based on Experience

The City of Phoenix is accepting applications for the position of Chief Presiding Judge of the Phoenix Municipal Court.

DUTIES:  The Chief Presiding Judge is responsible for the leadership and management of all professional, legal and judicial functions of the Phoenix Municipal Court.  This includes compliance with administrative authority of the Arizona court system.  The court is staffed with approximately 279 employees including 22 full time judges and 4 full time hearing officers.  The Court adjudicates annually over 250,000 criminal misdemeanor cases, probation violations, criminal traffic, civil traffic, civil code violations, orders of protection, civil and work place injunctions, animal seizure and viciousness petitions and parking violations.  The court maintains a jury center, customer call center, accounting staff, collections and administrative staff.  The court has an annual operating budget of $35 million.  Performance of the Chief Presiding Judge is evaluated annually on the basis of results by the Mayor and City Council.

Requires administrative, managerial and supervisory experience; five (5) years of legal practice including considerable public contact; and, responsible experience with community or civic organizations.  Other combinations of relevant experience and education including judicial bench experience may be substituted for meeting minimum requirements.  The ideal candidate will also possess excellent leadership, management and communication skills.

REQUIREMENT: Admission to the Arizona State Bar and a minimum of five years practice of law or equivalent legal experience is required.  Only the highest rated candidates will be considered for an interview.  City of Phoenix residency is required within 24 months after the date of hire and must be maintained.

Applications are available through the Judicial Selection Advisory Board, c/o Phoenix Municipal Court, 300 West Washington Street, 9th Floor, Phoenix, Arizona 85003, (602) 262-1608 or may be downloaded below.

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., January 30, 2015.

Successful applicants will be required to take and pass a drug test and employment will be contingent upon successful completion of any required drug test and consideration of background, references, and other job-related selection information.

AA/EEO/D Employer

CPJApplication.doc

Job Opportunity – Assistant Prosecutor

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Job Title: Assistant Prosecutor 
Department/Group: Legal 
Location: Crow Agency, MT
Pay Range: DOE
Contact: Melissa Holds the Enemy
Managing Attorney
406-638-2059
Job Category: Crow Tribal Courts
Position Type: Full-time Employee
Date posted: December 17, 2014
Posting Expires: January 7, 2015

 

Applications Accepted By:
Fax or E-mail:
(406) 638-2614 (fax)
Melissa.Holdstheenemy@crow-nsn.gov
Attention: Melissa Holds the Enemy

Mail:
Attn: Executive Legal department
P.O. Box 340
Crow Agency, MT 59022

 

Job Description
Qualifications and Education Requirements
The position of Assistant Prosecutor primarily involves working on juvenile delinquency and juvenile prosecution matters, including representing the Crow Tribe in Crow Tribal Court in juvenile delinquency, misdemeanor and felony proceedings; negotiating plea bargains with delinquency respondents and criminal defendants; and reviewing, drafting and making decisions regarding the filing of charging documents in Crow Tribal Court.  The Assistant Prosecutor will also assist the Crow Tribal Prosecutor with general prosecution matters and prosecution-related grant funding and administration, including DOJ grants for juvenile justice and sexual offender registration.  Interested applicants must be admitted to practice or become admitted to practice in Crow Tribal Court and possess a J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Tribal Member and Indian Preference
Preference will be given to qualified Crow Tribal members and members of federally-recognized Indian tribes.

Job Opportunity – Assistant General Counsel

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Assistant General Counsel

DEPARTMENT: Legal Department

REPORTS TO: General Counsel

DEFINITION/PURPOSE:

Provide legal advice to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council, tribal departments and economic enterprises. Represent the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in matters brought in Tribal, State and Federal court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

TASKS:

Serves as legal advisor to the Tribal Council, tribal government departments and economic enterprises; Provides legal advice and analysis of tribal, state and Federal laws and regulations; Drafts and revises the Tribal Constitution, Law and Order Code, other tribal laws, ordinances, and policies; Works at hours and times outside of normal business hours and days; Drafts, reviews and recommends changes to contracts; Reviews other agreements, proposals; Represents the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in Tribal, State and Federal court actions; Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution, Law and Order Code, Arizona Revised Statutes, Federal Indian Law, Indian Civil Rights Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, Tribal Case Law, Federal Rules of Evidence;
  • Knowledge of contract and employment law;
  • Knowledge of state and Federal court protocol, proceedings, and practices;
  • Knowledge of legal research utilizing books and electronic research systems;
  • Skill in interpreting and applying complex laws, statutes, ordinances, and rules to the facts and evidence in individual cases;
  • Skill in drafting complex court orders;
  • Skill in utilizing a computer and in software capable of word processing;
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with other departments of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, state and Federal officials, departments, and agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

1) An attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona; 2) Two years experience as an attorney; 3) Current AZ drivers license and meet FMYN insurance standards.

POSITION STATUS: Regular-Full-Time

PAYRATE: $69,965.48 to $83,958.57

OPEN DATE: December 10, 2014

CLOSE DATE: Open Until Filled

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resources Department
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-789-7118
Fax: 480-816-0419
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org or
sgonzales@ftmcdowell.org

INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of federally recognized Indian tribes. To be considered for Indian Preference, you must submit your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) with your application.

WILL REQUIRE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK WHICH MAY REQUIRE FINGERPRINTING

 

Job Opportunity – Attorney

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JOB TITLE: ATTORNEY

LOCATION: Wild Horse Pass Development Authority (WHPDA)

Administration Office

COMPENSATON: $113,229 – $154,249, annually depending upon experience.

HOURS OF WORK: Minimum 40 hours per week; may include attending evening and weekend meetings.

REPORTS TO: General Manager

OVERVIEW: As directed by the General Manager and the Board of Directors, perform legal work and represent the interests of WHPDA and WHPDA business enterprises in Community, Federal and State Courts / Administrative Adjudicatory Proceedings. Negotiate and prepare real estate leases, design and construction contracts and management agreements. Draft organization documents and policies and procedures. Review and prepare business and employment contracts. Provide analysis and counsel on legal and policy issues. Anticipate and guard against legal risks facing the organization and WHPDA business enterprises. Develop and make recommendations to the General Manager and the Board of Directors on policy and legal issues. May direct the work of subordinate staff.

The Attorney’s duties and responsibilities include legal work for and the representation of business enterprises under WHPDA’s management and oversight. The WHPDA business enterprises include: Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Whirlwind Golf Course, Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse, Four Points Hotel by Sheraton Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Hotel; Toka Sticks Service Station, Komatke Service Station, Wild Horse Pass Service Station, Sacaton Service Station, Casa Blanca Service Station, Gila River Displays, and other future business enterprises placed under WHPDA’s management and oversight

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  •  Advises WHPDA on real estate leasing activities and represents WHPDA in all real estate negotiations; preparation of real estate leases and related documents; and processing leases for federal and Gila River Indian Community (“Community”) approval.
  •  Assists in negotiations and prepares design and construction contracts for projects up to $20,000,000 in size.
  •  Assists in negotiations and prepares management agreements for the operation of all assigned WHPDA businesses.
  •  Provides analysis and counsel on legal and policy compliance matters.
  •  Advises WHPDA on general business law and employment law issues.
  •     Represents WHPDA or its officials and employees in issues arising from actual or anticipated lawsuits.
  •  Anticipate and guard against legal risks facing the organization.
  •  Develop and make recommendations on policy and legal issues.
  •  Conduct and coordinate research into a variety of legal issues and proceedings.
  •  Prepare legal pleadings, motions, discovery, stipulations, etc.
  •  Write, review, and edit resolutions, forms, reports, opinions, correspondence, articles, and other documents.
  •  Write and administer complex vendor, client and employment contracts; negotiate terms and conditions.
  •  Represents WHPDA before the Community Council and Community Council Standing Committees with jurisdiction over WHPDA.
  •  Works in cooperation with the Community’s Office of General Counsel.
  •  Performs all other duties as assigned by the General Manager or Board of Directors, at regular or special meetings.

JOB SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

  •  Extensive knowledge and experience in the practice of Federal Indian law
  •  Knowledge and experience in applicable Federal and Arizona law.
  •  Experience in the application of general business law and real estate transaction law.
  •  Expert ability to analyze policy, regulation and case law and provide recommendations.
  •  Experience representing Federal Indian tribes or tribal entities.
  •  Familiarity with, and knowledge of, the Gila River Indian Community, its governmental agencies and departments.
  •  Knowledge and experience in all legal aspects of design and construction work.
  •  Exhibit a high level of professionalism; lead with diplomacy and tact.
  •  General knowledge of civil trial practice.
  •  Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail.
  •  Knowledge of data gathering and summarization methods and techniques.
  •  Intermediate math skills: ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret graphs. Ability to compute and calculate figures such as discounts and commissions.
  •  Required Language Skills: ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries and complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctor from an accredited university/law school and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law.
  •  Current membership in the Arizona State Bar as an attorney qualified to practice law in the state.
  •  Prefer candidate who has experience providing legal services to a wide variety of businesses and has experience working with Native American businesses.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Outlook; Internet Explorer.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Employee must be in a physical condition adequate to meet the physical and emotional demands of the assigned duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-free Work Place as a condition of employment.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Section 472 and 473). Preference is given to qualified members of the Gila River Indian Community.

The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Questions with Contact
Niki Ramirez (520) 796-5389
careers@wildhorsepass.com

Submit Resume and Cover Letter to:
Human Resources
5700 West North Loop Road Chandler, Arizona 85226