Legislative In-House Counsel

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Legislative In-House Counsel – Tribal Council - Contractual

Hiring Range: $100,000 - $150,000

Pay Grade: E8 

Status: Exempt, Bi-weekly pay 

Background Check: Extensive

Summary: The Legislative In-House Counsel provides legal advice, guidance, direction, and representation to the Tribal Council on a wide range of issues affecting the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians including but not limited to: the preparation of legislative actions, writing legal opinions, litigation, research, and general support to the Tribal Council. The Legislative In-House Counsel is expected to maintain confidentiality of all privileged communications and information.

Employment Qualifications: 

• A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• A minimum of five to ten (5-10) years or more of law practice experience in-house for the legal department of a federally recognized Indian Tribe or at a law firm with a substantial Indian law practice.
• A substantial working knowledge of Federal Indian Law as well as the internal legal and legislative practices of tribes.
• Substantial knowledge of Indian gaming, ICWA, ICRA, business transactions, drafting codes, laws, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations, as well as experience supervising employees in a legal office.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License throughout employment and being insurable under the Band’s insurance policy.
• A passport or Real ID if working remotely to be able to appear quarterly at the Band’s government headquarters on its reservation.
• A current license to practice law in any state and be eligible to obtain a license to practice law in the State of Michigan within twelve (12) months from the date of hire.
• Be admitted to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court within ninety (90) days of the date of hire.
• Eligible to be admitted to practice in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. 
  
  

In addition, a successful candidate will possess and demonstrate proficient verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, project management skills, presentation skills, legal research and reasoning skills, excellent judgment and critical thinking skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills, an unwavering attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to work cooperatively with other Tribal employees, the ability to work independently, the ability to manage multiple tasks and assignments at once, and a strong commitment to confidentiality.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the task performed by this position and is not all inclusive.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides constitutional analysis, interprets and advises Tribal Council on legal responsibilities under applicable tribal, federal, and state law.
• Conducts research, drafts documents as needed by the Tribal Council, including but
  not limited to contracts, legislative orders, ordinances, regulations, resolutions, rules of procedure, congressional testimony, and policies relating to the affairs of the Tribal Council.
• Recommends amendments to tribal laws and proposes new laws.
• Advises and assists Tribal Council delegations in meetings with national and state
  partners.
• Advises and assists Tribal Commissions of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
• Interprets Legislative Rules during Tribal Council meetings and hearings.
• Communicates and negotiates with legal counsel for other branches of government.
  
• Prepares and presents legal briefings, case law updates, and congressional bill
  summaries.
• Litigates civil matters on behalf of the Tribal Council.
• Provides oversight of outside counsel retained by Tribal Council.
• Identifies legal issues within the Legislative Branch and suggests legal strategies and solutions.
• Assists in drafting and filing congressional testimony, Tribal Council resolutions,
  and public comments.
• Advises Tribal Council and representatives on the presentation of the Band’s policy
  position with tribal, federal, and state representatives.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and
  professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in law and other related areas.
• Able to travel, as required.
• Other duties as assigned. 
  
  

Application Instructions:
Obtain an application form and a copy of the position description by visiting our website at www.lrboi-nsn.gov or by contacting the Legislative Director: Venus Battaglia at: LRBOI Tribal Council, 2608 Government Center Dr, Manistee, MI 49660  Phone: (231) 398-6845; Email: venusbattaglia@lrboi-nsn.gov

To apply, please submit completed LRBOI application, cover letter, resume, copy of degree transcripts, a copy front/back of Driver’s License, a copy front/back of Tribal ID (if applicable) and a copy of your current license to practice law; to:

          LRBOI Tribal Council, 2608 Government Center Dr, Manistee, MI 49660
          fax: (231) 331-1233; Email: venusbattaglia@lrboi-nsn.gov

                                  Incomplete submissions will not be considered

Conditions of employment with Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Government includes superior performance in the selection process, including but not limited to all of the following: any pre-employment interviews, skills testing, credentialing, drug screening, background investigations, reference checks and previous work history, passing a pre-employment drug test and background investigation, possession of a valid Driver’s License throughout employment and being insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy, and successfully completing a ninety (90) day introductory period.

              For further information, please contact the LRBOI Tribal Council.

Posted – 07/10/2025                                         Remove - Until Filled

Dear Applicant:

Boozhoo (Hello), Miigwech (Thank You) for your interest in job opportunities with the LRBOI. We look forward to reviewing your application and qualifications. Please take a few moments to carefully read through the following instructions and notices. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Human Resources Department at 231-723-8288

 

Instructions:

If printing this form, please complete the application using blue or black ink. The information provided will be used to determine your qualifications. Missing, or illegible information may lead to a delay or loss of job opportunity. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to complete the application in its entirety, including signature and date. Applications and Indian Preference verification documents must be received by the Human Resources Department prior to the position's closing date and time to be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Special Note: If you are interested in temporary assignments, please check the temporary box, and write “temp pool” in the position desired area.

Cover Letters and Resumes:

Please provide all documents with the original application submitted. This includes any applicable licensures, certifications, degree transcripts, etc.

 

Notice of Indian Preference in Employment:

In accordance with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' Ordinance #15-600-02, the Tribe applies Indian Preference in hiring activities. When claiming Indian Preference, an applicant must identify oneself in the proper category on the application and provide the documentation noted below. Following is the order in which preference is applied during the hiring process, as well as the customary documentation used to verify.

1.       Tribal Members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Tribal identification card.

2.       Members of Federally Recognized Indian Tribes – Tribal identification card.

3.       Tribal Spouse of a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member – Current and valid marriage license and a copy of spouse’s tribal identification card, or Tribal Parent – Same documentation required for tribal spouse.

4.       Tribal Descendant (1st generation, biological parent must be a Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Member) – Birth certificate and a copy of parent’s tribal identification card.

5.       Non-preference – If not claiming Indian Preference, or if not applicable, please continue onto the application.

Submission Information:

All submissions for employment must be made via electronic submission through our on-line application.

Go to the LRBOI Employment Page - Complete the online application, upload applicable documents, and submit.

the online application, upload applicable documents, and submit.

Salary

• $100,000 - $150,000