Attorney General

prci; Oakhurst (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians is seeking an experienced Attorney General to join the Office of Attorney General. The Attorney General advances tribal self-governance and sovereignty, protects tribal assets, advises tribal entities, and leads legal services for the Tribe and its entities.

Essential duties include advising on economic development, gaming, taxation, and environmental regulation, managing outside counsel, drafting ordinances and policy papers, and coordinating

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA‑accredited or State Bar–accredited law school; active license to practice law in California and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 7–10 years of legal practice experience in a law firm, legal department, nonprofit organization, or legal services organization.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience in a law firm, legal department, nonprofit organization, or legal services organization.
• Free of any conviction for crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more; or have been pardoned, or had a conviction overturned on appeal.
• Available to work flexible hours.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; excellent project management.
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑performance, fast‑paced, and high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds with a collaborative approach.
• Must successfully pass all required criminal, character, and background checks.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent PRCI in all contract matters; manage relations with the United States Government, federal agencies, and state and local governments and agencies.
• Appear before and respond to federal and state legislative committees; represent PRCI in litigation before federal, state, municipal, and tribal courts.
• Coordinate legal work and activities, ensuring accurate and comprehensive project documentation.
• Attend PRCI Council meetings, entity board meetings, and other assigned meetings to provide reports and updates on relevant legal issues.
• Provide general legal services to programs and departments, including the review of legal issues arising from day‑to‑day operations.
• Offer legal advice and representation on matters including economic development, gaming, taxation, tribal lands, energy and natural resources, environmental regulation, child welfare, cultural resources, civil and criminal law, administrative matters, health and welfare issues, and employment law.
• Maintain effective communication with outside counsel to prevent duplication of effort and ensure efficient resolution of legal matters.
• Review legal documents such as court decisions, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and pending bills to protect and advance PRCI’s interests.
• Draft legal documents, including ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, position papers, legal memoranda, correspondence, and executive summaries.
• May be assigned to support various PRCI Boards, Commissions, and Committees, including attending meetings and addressing issues of concern.
• Translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for Tribal leaders, departments, and staff.
• Work irregular or extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines, attend meetings, or respond to urgent legal matters.
• Travel as required to attend hearings, meetings, trainings, and other official events.
• Interact effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, Tribal members, external agencies, and legal bodies.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment in performing legal assignments and responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Contract matters

Litigation representation

Legal research

Communication skills

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Active California Bar license

Job description

Job Title: Attorney General

Department: Legal

Reports To: Tribal Council

Classification: Exempt

Status: Full-Time w/ Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 – $180,000 DOE

Location: Onsite – Hybrid work arrangements may be considered for qualified candidates

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians is seeking a highly skilled attorney and dedicated, strategic leader to join the Office of Attorney General. The Attorney General is responsible for advancing Tribal self-governance and sovereignty, protecting Tribal assets, defending the Tribe’s integrity, advising Tribal entities, and managing and providing legal services to the Tribe, the Tribal Council, the Tribal Government, and its Tribal Entities. The Attorney General does not offer legal advice or represent individual Tribal Members but protects the rights of all members and administers fair and impartial justice. Confidentiality of privileged information must be maintained.

Job Summary

Essential responsibilities include providing legal services across programs and departments, reviewing legal issues arising from day-to-day operations, and advising on matters such as economic development, gaming, taxation, tribal lands, energy and natural resources, environmental regulation, child welfare, cultural resources, civil and criminal law, administrative matters, health and welfare issues, and employment law. The Attorney General shall maintain effective communication with outside counsel and ensure efficient resolution of legal matters.

Essential Duties

• Advise and represent PRCI in all contract matters; manage relations with the United States Government, federal agencies, and state and local governments and agencies.
• Appear before and respond to federal and state legislative committees; represent PRCI in litigation before federal, state, municipal, and tribal courts.
• Coordinate legal work and activities, ensuring accurate and comprehensive project documentation.
• Attend PRCI Council meetings, entity board meetings, and other assigned meetings to provide reports and updates on relevant legal issues.
• Provide general legal services to programs and departments, including the review of legal issues arising from day-to-day operations.
• Offer legal advice and representation on matters including economic development, gaming, taxation, tribal lands, energy and natural resources, environmental regulation, child welfare, cultural resources, civil and criminal law, administrative matters, health and welfare issues, and employment law.
• Maintain effective communication with outside counsel to prevent duplication of effort and ensure efficient resolution of legal matters.
• Review legal documents such as court decisions, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and pending bills to protect and advance PRCI’s interests.
• Draft legal documents, including ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, position papers, legal memoranda, correspondence, and executive summaries.
• May be assigned to support various PRCI Boards, Commissions, and Committees, including attending meetings and addressing issues of concern.
• Translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for Tribal leaders, departments, and staff.
• Work irregular or extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines, attend meetings, or respond to urgent legal matters.
• Travel as required to attend hearings, meetings, trainings, and other official events.
• Interact effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, Tribal members, external agencies, and legal bodies.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment in performing legal assignments and responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA‑accredited or State Bar–accredited law school; active license to practice law in California and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• 7–10 years of legal practice experience in a law firm, legal department, non‑profit organization, or legal services organization.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience in a law firm, legal department, non‑profit organization, or legal services organization.
• Free of any conviction for crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more; or have been pardoned, or had a conviction overturned on appeal.
• Available to work flexible hours.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; excellent project management.
• Ability to work effectively in a high‑performance, fast‑paced, and high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds with a collaborative approach.
• Must successfully pass all required criminal, character, and background checks.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 3 years of substantive experience in Indian law (trial practice, government or municipal law, civil rights, land use, energy and natural resources, corporate and business law, gaming law, real estate law, tax law, or civil legal services).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with Tribal business entity formation and regulation.
• Familiarity with the Tribe’s Constitution, laws, and culture is preferred but not required.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Completed application form
• Cover letter highlighting tribal law experience and interest
• Legal writing sample (no more than ten pages)
• Current resume
• Three professional references
• Three documents of higher education (if applicable to the position or qualifications claimed)
• Verification of Tribal or Native enrollment (required if claiming Tribal or Indian Preference)

• Submission Instructions: Applications may be submitted through our online platform at www.chukchansi-nsn.gov, in person, or by regular mail.
• Send all application materials to: Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 2226, Oakhurst, CA 93644

Tribal and Indian Preference Statements

Tribal Preference: In accordance with applicable Tribal law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PRCI provides employment preference to enrolled PRCI Tribal Members. To qualify, applicants must submit valid proof of enrollment. Tribal Members meeting the minimum qualifications will receive preference in hiring, promotion, transfer, and layoff decisions. During the interview process, PRCI Tribal Members will receive 7.5 additional points (10% of the 75-point interview rubric). Non-PRCI Native American candidates will receive an additional 5 points (6.7% of total points).

Indian Preference: In compliance with 25 CFR Part 276 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employment preference shall be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled members of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and secondarily to another qualified American Indian/Alaska Native candidate.