General Counsel

Kickapoo; Eagle Pass (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas is seeking an in-house General Counsel to represent the Tribal Council and its enterprises. The role requires leading the Legal Department, supervising attorneys, and handling complex matters across tribal, federal, and state law with emphasis on federal Indian law and governance.

The position requires a J.D. from an ABA-accredited school, Texas licensure within one year, and experience with tribal governments.

Qualifications

• Must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and be admitted to practice law in Texas within one year of hire.
• Experience representing Native American Tribal governments or tribal enterprises in commercial, judicial, administrative, and legislative issues is required.
• Strong ability to supervise and coordinate a legal department and contract attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Advise Tribal Council, Tribal Administrator, and enterprise leadership on legal matters including ICWA, IGRA, contracts, employment law, and gaming.
• Oversee and manage the Legal Department, including hiring staff and supervising external counsel.
• Draft, review, and negotiate government and commercial contracts for Tribal governance and enterprise activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies, and monitor legal risk across the organization.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Legal advisory

Negotiation

Supervision

English/Spanish bilingual

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

In order to be considered for any vacancy within the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, an application must be fully complete. If you are among the qualified candidates, you will receive a call or email from our Legal Counsel Recruiter to schedule an interview.

In House Only Applicants (Tribal Members and Employees currently working within a Kickapoo Entity)

• POSITION: General Counsel
• SUPERVISOR: Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Tribal Council
• DIVISION: Tribal Council
• DEPARTMENT: Legal
• CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
• LOCATION: Eagle Pass, Texas (In-Person)
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

RESPONSIBILITIES

The General Counsel for the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (KTTT) represents and advises the Tribal Council, the Tribal Administrator, and the KTTT’s economic enterprises in all areas of law and specifically federal Indian law and tribal law, on all matters affecting the KTTT government, businesses, and all subsidiaries in-person. The General Counsel’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing legal advice and analysis of Tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations, specifically in relation to issues involving Tribal sovereignty, civil and criminal jurisdiction, contracts, employment law, federal Indian gaming, federal grants, placing land into federal trust status, business entity formation, Tribal and corporate governance, construction, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and water and environmental law and policies; drafts and revises the Tribal Constitution, Law and Order Code, other Tribal laws, ordinances, and policies of interest to the KTTT; and represents the KTTT and its subsidiaries in court or before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of any government. Works with and/or supervises other attorneys representing the KTTT as contract attorneys. Collaborates with legal representation in the United Mexican States.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

• Provide timely, practical legal guidance to the Tribal Council on a variety of legal issues facing the KTTT and other Tribal entities, including the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), Tribal enrollment, Tribal civil and criminal jurisdiction, federal and state tribal consultation, and the applicability of federal laws and regulations to the KTTT.
• Serve as an advisor to the Tribal Council and the Tribal Administrator; works alongside employees in strategic business units, tribal enterprises, Human Resources, and international divisions of the KTTT.
• Ensure and advise the Tribal Council, Tribal Departments and Tribal enterprises on following applicable local, state and federal laws while designing governing policies to lower legal risks.
• Supervise the Legal Department, including hiring staff, overseeing other attorneys’ legal work, hiring, supervising, and managing outside counsel, contract attorneys with the advice and consent of Tribal Council, planning for efficient and effective processes to provide the legal needs of the KTTT, and preparing budgets for the Legal Department and contract attorney activities.
• Report to Tribal Council on a regular basis and as requested on the activities of the General Counsel, Legal Department, and contract attorneys.
• Draft, review, and negotiate government and commercial contracts on behalf of the Tribal Council, the Tribal government departments, and/or Tribal enterprises.
• Oversee corporate records, intellectual property, and labor or employment issues affecting the KTTT.
• Research legal issues affecting the KTTT by identifying applicable statutes, judicial decisions, and codes.
• Keep apprised of legislative changes and new court decisions that may affect the KTTT and timely advise the Tribal Council, accordingly.
• Perform pre-litigation work to minimize risks and maximize legal rights, implementing strategies with Tribal, federal, state, and local legislative bodies.
• Review advertising and marketing material to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Negotiate settlements and agreements on behalf of the KTTT and its subsidiaries for review and approval by authorized entities.
• Litigate and/or supervise litigation on behalf of the KTTT and its subsidiaries before Tribal, federal, and state courts and administrative agencies as necessary and appropriate with the approval of Tribal Council.
• Draft legislation for Tribal, federal, state and local legislative bodies promoting and defending the legal rights and interests of the Tribal government.
• Draft and review legal agreements that promote and protect the legal rights and interests of the KTTT and its subsidiaries.
• Lobby on behalf of the KTTT and its subsidiaries before the executive officials, legislative bodies, and administrative bodies of Tribal, federal, state, and local governments.
• Participate in public relations promoting and defending the KTTT’s legal rights and interests.
• Comply with Tribal laws and administrative policies.
• Abide by the disciplinary rules and other requirements of the bar association(s) of which the attorney is a member, as well as any disciplinary rules adopted by the KTTT Court to govern attorney practice within the jurisdiction of the KTTT. Maintain a high level of professionalism and ethics at all times.
• Accomplishing duties and responsibilities may require travel throughout the State of Texas, within the United States outside the State of Texas, and to locations in the United Mexican States as necessary or as directed by Tribal Council.
• Collaborate with legal counsel from United Mexican States in efforts to work together towards international projects or tasks.
• All other duties assigned by the Tribal Council and the Tribal Administrator.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR THE POSITION

• Knowledge of Tribal, federal, state, and local regulatory matters and ability to effectively achieve compliance as applicable.
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues to the Tribal Council and other Tribal Staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while remaining organized and meeting deadlines including drafting codes, ordinances, resolutions, memos, briefs, and pleadings.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of non-legal staff and policy makers.
• Ability to report on lobbying efforts to benefit the KTTT.
• Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards in all written and oral communications.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Basic competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop solutions to complex legal issues.
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Ability to understand, provide and follow written and verbal direction.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage and maintain security of confidential data and information.
• Attention to exercise independent and sound judgment.
• Cultural awareness of and sensitivity of Kickapoo traditions, religious beliefs and way of life.
• Ability to read and write English and Spanish (preferred).
• Must maintain a current license to practice law in the State of Texas.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the KTTT’s organizational policies and applicable laws. The General Counsel is responsible for supervising all Legal Department staff and contract attorneys.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA accredited law school;
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas or gain admission to the Texas Bar of Texas within one (1) year of hire;
• Must remain in good standing within any jurisdiction where licensed to practice law;
• 3-5 years of demonstrated legal experience representing Native American Tribal governments and businesses in commercial, judicial, administrative, and legislative issues;
• Successful completion of background check necessary to obtain attorney licensure;
• Must be admitted to practice before the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Tribal Court within one (1) year of hire;
• Responsible to ensure that all KTTT and attorney licensure-related documents are current and valid; and
• Reports daily on-site at the designated workplace location.

Preferred Qualifications: Fluent in Spanish or Algonquin language speaking and writing; experience with international commercial law and diplomacy; Law School certificate, L.L.M. degree, M.B.A., M.A./M.S., or Ph.D./Ed.D. involving federal Indian law, tribal governance or tribal administration, or similar course of study.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE IS OBSERVED

KTTT recognizes preference for KTTT tribal members and qualified enrolled Native American tribal members including preferential treatment in recruitment, hiring, promotions, layoffs and reductions in force so long as candidates meet all minimum job qualifications.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

• Must have a valid Texas State Driver’s license and must be insurable within three (3) months of hire.

• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas within one (1) year of hire.
• Must adhere to KTTT’s Personnel Policies and Alcohol Policies.

DISCLAIMER

Employment in this position is at will, which means that employment may be terminated at any time by the employer or employee without cause or notice and specifically supported by an attorney’s professional responsibility and legal ethics requirements, including the client’s fundamental right to hire private legal counsel of their own choosing. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the General Counsel position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.