Staff Attorney (Conflict Counsel)

Under general supervision of the Managing Attorney, this position provides legal services, advice, and representation to clients of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) involving a broad range of civil, criminal, juvenile, and administrative matters. This job class is treated as an FLSA Exempt position.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary according to job-specific demands, but may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, skills, abilities and general professional qualifications.   This list of tasks are ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).

1. Provides legal services, advice and representation to eligible clients of the SRPMIC Conflict Counsel Office with civil actions in Community, AZ State, Federal and Tribal Courts, through tasks illustrated by, but not limited to, interviewing clients, assessing legal needs, conducting research, and preparing legal documents and correspondence. 
2. Provides legal services, advice, and representation to eligible juvenile and adult clients of the SPRMIC Conflict Counsel Office with delinquency and criminal proceedings in Community Court, through tasks illustrated by, but not limited to, interviewing witnesses, performing legal research, and preparing legal documents and correspondence for an appropriate defense. 
3. Provides legal services, advice, and representation to eligible clients of the SPRMIC Conflict Counsel Office with dependency actions in Community Court, through tasks illustrated by, but not limited to, interviewing witnesses, performing legal research, and preparing legal documents and correspondence. 
4. Drafts, prepares, and files legal pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, appeals, and related documents; represents clients in court hearings, trials, administrative hearings, appellate matters, and other relevant forums.
5. Manages an assigned caseload and maintains accurate, organized casefiles ensuring all documentation is completed, current and retained in accordance with legal and organizational requirements. 
6. Conducts legal research and writing; analyzes applicable case law, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, and policies to support advocacy efforts. 
7. Reviews laws, regulations, policies, and legal documents to advise clients and to meet office requirements; ensures compliance with legal ethics, SRPMIC rules, and all other applicable professional standards.
8. Coordinates and communicates with prosecutors, social workers, law enforcement personnel, child protection workers, substance abuse counselors, court staff, and other agencies or entities as required for case preparation and representation.
9. Maintains strict confidentiality of client information and ensures compliance with Rules of Professional Conduct ethical standards. 
10. Provides community legal education through informational sessions, presentations, or participation in community outreach efforts.
11. Performs other job-related duties that enhance and facilitate department operations.

Knowledges, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of SRPMIC history, culture, and customs.
• Knowledge of SRPMIC Code of Ordinances, Tribal, State, and Federal Laws and regulations applicable to civil, criminal, juvenile, and child welfare matters. 
• Knowledge of legal research methods, legal databases, legal principles, and applicable case law.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal advocacy, litigation, and trial procedures. 

• Skill in preparing and presenting effective legal arguments in civil, criminal, juvenile, traffic, and child welfare matters. 
• Skill in applying and interpreting statutes, ordinances, case law, rules, and regulations.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including drafting legal documents clearly, accurately, and persuasively. 
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, Community administrators, Department Directors, social services personnel, law enforcement, court staff, Tribal Council members, and outside agencies. 

• Skill in managing multiple cases, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities. 
• Ability to perform legal research and analyze complex legal issues. 
• Ability to organize evaluate, and present facts, law, and arguments clearly in written and oral formats. 
• Ability to handle legal correspondence and documentation efficiently and in accordance with professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to exercise resourcefulness, sound judgement, and professionalism in resolving new or complex issues. 
• Ability to draft and review proposed legislation or policy changes as needed. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including clients under stress or facing sensitive legal issues. 
• Ability to interact professionally and compassionately with clients experiencing trauma, crisis, substance dependency issues, or involvement in the justice system. 

• Education & Experience: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and at least three (3) years of litigation experience. Experience and familiarity with both criminal and civil law preferred. 

• Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that would allow the candidate to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position, will be considered.
• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

• Membership in the State Bar of Arizona is required. If not already admitted, must be willing to take and pass the Arizona Bar Exam within one (1) year of employment. 
• Must complete a minimum of 15 hours annually of continuing legal education related to job duties and approved by supervisor. 
• Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test. 
• No felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions within the previous year. 
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working with Children”

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

 In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date. 

TheIHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted. 

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.