Paralegal I

General Position Summary:

The Paralegal I position assists in the management and administration of the day-to-day operations of the Port Madison Enterprises (“PME”) Legal Department and the PME Board of Directors. The Paralegal I’s administrative support tasks will include but are not limited to: producing and maintaining corporate meeting minutes and similar records, coordinating business travel arrangements, maintaining and improving document filing and organizational systems, and monitoring expenses and budgets. The Paralegal I will also be required to perform paralegal duties requiring knowledge of legal concepts, issues, and research, which, in his or her absence, would be performed by a senior paralegal or an attorney. The PME General Counsel will evaluate his or her job performance.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:

• Analyze and summarize complex legal issues;
• Under the supervision of the PME General Counsel, perform administrative duties of the General Counsel’s Office including coordinating department activities and schedules; monitoring and tracking department expenditures; developing and recommending office procedures and systems; and making business travel arrangements for the Legal Department and PME Board of Directors;
• Assist with monitoring PME Board of Directors and subsidiary Board of Directors budget expenditures and preparing regular budget reports;
• Assist in the management of the PME Board Donation Fund and other Board projects and initiatives as assigned;
• Under the supervision of the PME General Counsel, maintain efficiency of the electronic contract management system including coordination of any necessary trainings;
• Prepare reports and correspondence related to assigned work;
• Prepare for, coordinate, and attend Board meetings and take and maintain meeting minutes and records;
• Coordinate Board activities and schedules;
• Under the supervision of the PME General Counsel, complete legal research and writing necessary for the preparation of advice and recommendations to the PME Board of Directors, Executives, Departments, and staff;
• Under the supervision of the PME General Counsel, complete research and writing necessary for the development of resolutions, agreements, grants, policies, procedures, and protocols for PME;
• Monitor proposed or pending changes in federal, tribal, and state programs, laws, rules, regulations, eligibility criteria, etc. in terms of potential impact to PME and the Suquamish Tribe, as requested by the General Counsel or the Board.
• Draft legal documents such as resolutions and contracts;
• Participate in any and all projects of the PME’s Legal Department as assigned by the PME General Counsel;
• Attend meetings and trainings as directed and approved by the PME General Counsel or the PME Board of Directors;
• Continue professional development, including training in the areas of Indian law, or other issues relevant to his or her job duties;
• Establish and maintain an effective system of communication throughout Port Madison Enterprises and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Oversee efficient filing and the management of all PME Legal and PME Board files;
• Maintain confidentiality of all records, materials and communications concerning PME and the Suquamish Tribe;
• Perform all other duties as required or assigned by the PME General Counsel.

Specific Job Skills:

• Working knowledge of tribal, state and federal law;
• Proficiency in MS Office Software, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook;
• Exceptional writing, communication, research and decision-making capabilities;
• Working experience with WestLaw or LexisNexis;
• Some knowledge of principles of organizational structure, management, risk management, human resources and employee relations;
• Ability to deal well with people in highly emotional and adversarial situations; ability to communicate well with people of all ages, and to speak clearly and ability to form rapport with groups;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal officials and employees and the general public;
• Must be dependable, trustworthy, and able to work flexible hours;
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Indian community and its people, including traditions and customs, preferred;
• Type, take dictation and edit documents;
• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to problems;
• Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Effectively use legal research methods;
• Provide complex office administrative support in the areas of procurement, budgeting, report preparation and staff communication;
• Interpret and implement policies and procedures;

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent is required.
• At least one year of experience working in an executive secretary, office administrator, paralegal, or office manager capacity required.

Job Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in an indoor office setting with frequent sitting and occasional standing and walking. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines. Frequently necessary to work beyond normal office hours for evening and weekend meetings or projects. Business travel within the state and to other states may be required. Necessary aptitude include understanding instructions; reason to make judgments; numeric aptitude; problem solving and analytic abilities; initiative, ingenuity and imagination; memory and concentration.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift 50 lbs. while standing, twisting, or bending. Must be able to stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. Manual and finger dexterity for operation of computer and routine paperwork.