Attorney General - Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians (Oakhurst)

SAN JOAQUIN COLLEGE OF LAW; Oakhurst (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A Tribal organization in Oakhurst is seeking an Attorney General to advance self-governance and sovereignty. The ideal candidate will manage legal services, represent the Tribe, and ensure project documentation is comprehensive. Applicants must have a Juris Doctor degree and at least seven years of legal experience, along with a license to practice in California. This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment, handling matters related to tribal assets, governance, and legal affairs.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of legal practice experience.
• Active license to practice law in California.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Available to work flexible hours with strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise and represent PRCI in all contract matters.
• Coordinate legal work and activities.
• Draft legal documents like ordinances and policies.
• Maintain communication with outside counsel to ensure efficient resolution of matters.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Legal research

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Attorney General - Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians (Oakhurst)

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians is seeking a highly skilled attorney and dedicated and strategic leader to join the Office of Attorney General. The position of Attorney General shall be responsible for advancing Tribal self-governance and sovereignty, protecting all Tribal assets, defending the integrity of the Tribe, assisting and advising Tribal entities in their pursuit of progress on behalf of Tribal members, and managing and providing legal services and representation to the Tribe, the Tribal Council, the Tribal Government, and its Tribal Entities. The Attorney General is prohibited from offering legal advice or representing individual Tribal Members but instead serves to protect the rights of all members of the Tribe administering fair and impartial justice. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

• Advises and represents the PRCI in all contract matters; manages relations with the United States Government, federal agencies, and state and local governments and agencies.
• Appears before and responds to federal and state legislative committees, and represents the PRCI in litigation before federal, state, municipal, and tribal courts.
• Coordinates legal work and activities, ensuring accurate and comprehensive project documentation.
• Attends PRCI Council meetings, entity board meetings, and other assigned meetings to provide reports and updates on relevant legal issues.
• Provides general legal services to programs and departments, including the review of legal issues arising from day-to-day operations.
• Offers legal advice and representation on matters including, but not limited to, 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.
• Maintains effective communication with outside counsel to prevent duplication of effort and ensure efficient resolution of legal matters.
• Reviews legal documents such as court decisions, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and pending bills to protect and advance the PRCI’s interests.
• Drafts 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.
• Translates complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for Tribal leaders, departments, and staff.
• Works irregular or extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines, attend meetings, or respond to urgent legal matters.
• Travels as required to attend hearings, meetings, trainings, and other official events.
• Interacts effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, Tribal members, external agencies, and legal bodies.
• Works independently and exercises 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 the State of California and in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of legal practice experience with a law firm, legal department, non-profit organization, or legal services organization.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory experience in a law firm, legal department, non-profit organization, or legal services organization.
• Must be free of any conviction by any state or the United States for a crime punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary for a term of one (1) year, or more, or by any foreign government for a crime which would be punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year, or more, if committed in California, or must have been pardoned for such offense, or have had a conviction for offense overturned, or reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• Must be available to work flexible hours.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Organized with unfailing attention to detail and outstanding project management skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a high-performance, fast-paced, and high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and maintain a people-oriented, 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 three (3) years of substantive legal experience in Indian law, including areas such as 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.
• A minimum of three (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.