ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY - Native American Law

We’re looking for highly motivated, creative, and collaborative associate attorneys to join Kaplan Kirsch. Operating outside the “Big Law” model, our collegial firm empowers associates to gain momentum in their careers and further their professional development through meaningful involvement on public and private projects that benefit communities across the United States.

Why consider us?

We are a fast-growing national law firm focused on helping clients address Indian law issues, as well as energy, environmental, transportation, and infrastructure matters. We pride ourselves on complex and collaborative work that does not always fit neatly within traditional practice group boundaries, and associates will regularly work with colleagues across multiple practices and sectors within the Firm.

Many of our practice groups, partners, and associates have been recognized by leading legal directories such as Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers, and Law360, reflecting our Firm’s outsized achievements and national recognition. The work we do is rewarding and we are tremendously proud of the superior client service our team is able to provide.

We focus on our colleagues as well as our clients. We believe that professional life can be more enjoyable and rewarding when you work with a great team, know that your contributions make a difference, and can pursue a fulfilling career without compromising personal responsibilities and choices.

We are also proud to be recognized for creating opportunities for our associates to learn and grow. Associates at Kaplan Kirsch are uniquely positioned to have a significant impact from day one, while also gaining valuable experience and training. We believe in maintaining a clear, supportive path toward partnership, and our collective mentoring approach has resulted in a significant number of internal promotions.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as a key member of our Native American Law practice; and you may be asked to help with environmental, energy, transportation, infrastructure, and real estate matters as workflow needs arise
• Work directly with partners and clients.
• Be admitted to practice law in one of the states in which Kaplan Kirsch has an office (San Francisco, District of Columbia, New York, Denver)

You will excel in this role by:

• Having 2-4 years of relevant experience in Native American Law or legal work on behalf of Indian Tribes.
• Demonstrating exceptional writing, analytical, and advocacy skills
• Adapting quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment to successfully manage deadlines and proactively complete time-sensitive tasks
• Being comfortable working both independently and as part of a larger team
• Taking initiative and responsibility for meeting client needs and pursuing opportunities for individual skill development and improvement
• Having the ability to successfully interact with clients and colleagues

You will stand out from other candidates if you have:

• Substantive experience in Indian law, including work on issues related to specific legal authorities available to Indian Tribes in statute and regulation, such as the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the Indian Reorganization Act (25 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.); the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA); and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA); among others
• Experience in the development and restructuring of Tribal legal infrastructures, intergovernmental agreements and similar legal instruments, and business transaction documents
• Experience or interest in policy matters affecting Tribal governments
• An entrepreneurial mindset for work in Indian Country and a clear understanding of work on behalf of Indian Tribes
• A collegial, team-focused approach to the practice of law
• A strong record of academic excellence and leadership
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both with Indian Tribes and otherwise
• Demonstrated interest (personal or professional) in Native American culture, history, and public policy

Position details: This is a full-time position which may be located in San Francisco, or potentially in one of our other offices (Washington, DC; New York City; Denver). You will need to be admitted to practice in your resident office. We have an annual expectation of 1,600 billable hours for our associates, and we have incorporated our values into this target by including an unlimited amount of approved pro bono hours. We are currently working in a hybrid environment, where all team members are expected to work in the office, but which may allow for remote work as business needs allow. The salary range is $155,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. We offer medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, STD, LTD, group term life insurance, 401(k), flexible PTO, and parental leave. The Firm will also cover some public transportation costs.

The Firm is actively committed to fostering the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity, disability, marital status, military status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out by emailing HR@kaplankirsch.com