Directing Attorney for the Northern Office

(Applications Close:  1/31/25) 

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California – Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Northern Office, located in McKinleyville, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

CILS Directing Attorneys are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their field office. Directing Attorneys should have substantial knowledge of and experience with issues related to the client eligible Native American individuals, Tribes and groups that are in the service area for the program. A strong, demonstrated expertise in Federal Indian law and public interest law is preferred. The Directing Attorney's primary responsibility is to ensure the quantity and quality of the legal work and the effective, efficient representation of clients. The resulting responsibilities and duties include:

• Collaborate with Senior Staff Attorneys and the Legal Director for the purpose of legal work management that includes Staff Attorney mentoring and supervision, assistance and administration of legal work management systems, grant and special project development and implementation, as directed by the Legal Director.
• Office management and administration responsibilities include supervision of all attorney and non-attorney staff; ensuring that program policies and priorities are implemented; preparing any reports that are requested by the Legal Director, Director of Compliance & Legal Technology or Director of Human Resources & Administration; and participation with the Legal Director and Director of Human Resources & Administration in field office hiring of attorney and non-attorney support staff.
• Client development responsibilities include developing and maintaining effective relationships with tribal communities Tribes and Indian organizations in the service territory, including all funding sources, and ensuring that the office pursues and secures meaningful opportunities to work with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native American individuals throughout the service territory.
• The Directing Attorney will also carry an appropriately sized caseload concomitant with other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the Legal Director.
• The Northern Office Directing Attorney will have the opportunity to work under the direction of the Executive Director and Legal Director to build strong relationships with Tribes and Tribal communities in the Northern Office service area. The Directing Attorney will regularly meet with Tribal leaders and Native American individuals to ensure delivery of service meets the needs of the region’s Tribal communities.

SALARY:

The annual salary for this position is $103,644-$124,000 D.O.E. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors.

BENEFITS:

CILS provides an extensive benefits package, including:

• Multiple high-quality and low-cost medical plans.
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance: 100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical/Dental, Dependent Care, and Public Transportation.
• 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• 17 paid holidays annually (includes office closure December 24-January 1) plus an additional day for your birthday.
• Vacation time starting at 13 days accrued per year.
• Sick leave is set at 12 days per year.
• Paid leave for Jury duty/witness, Election Day, Bereavement.
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free mental health services.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program for eligible positions.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage.
• Professional Development support and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1) Must have a J.D. degree.

2) Be a licensed attorney admitted in and in good standing with the California Bar.

3) Minimum of five years of legal experience in working with low-income Native Americans and/or Tribes, substantial experience in Federal Indian law or significant legal services practice. Equivalent general practice may be acceptable.

4) Substantial experience and knowledge of civil litigation.

5) Prior management and supervisory experience preferred.

6) A commitment to high quality legal services for Native Americans.