Senior Staff Attorney

Navajo Tribal Utility Authority; Fort Defiance (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority in Fort Defiance, Arizona, seeks a legal supervisor with a Juris Doctor and substantial experience in law. The candidate will oversee in-house legal teams, manage performance, and handle complex legal issues related to utility operations.

Preferred qualifications include 7 years of legal practice experience, supervisory skills, and a strong understanding of utility and Navajo law. This position promotes equal opportunity for all candidates.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in the practice of law in private, public, or government.
• 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Member of the Arizona State Bar or obtain an Arizona license within one year.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the work of NTUA in-house attorneys and Legal Department staff.
• Oversee Legal Department personnel management and problem resolution.
• Provide legal advice and interpretations on complex issues.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Legal research

Negotiation

Utility law experience

Navajo law experience

Education

Juris Doctor

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Arizona State Bar or admitted to practice law in another state or obtain an AZ State Bar law license within one year of beginning employment; Member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association or become a member within one year of beginning employment. Note: A state license to practice law is required to become a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association.
• 7 years of experience in the practice of law for private, public or government.
• 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Utility law experience preferred.
• Navajo law experience preferred.
• Valid State Driver's License required (subject to motor record review).

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Supervise and oversee the work of all NTUA in-house attorneys and Legal Department staff; improve staff effectiveness by counseling, training and recommending corrective action for employees; planning, delegating, monitoring, and appraising job tasks and results in a timely manner.
• Oversee the management of Legal Department personnel, which includes work allocation, time approval, hiring, training, orientation, and problem resolution; evaluates performance; taking personnel action when warranted; motivate employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Develop measurable performance expectations for assigned staff according to department goals and objectives.
• Review pertinent statutes, court decisions, and ordinances pertinent to NTUA, Navajo Nation and of quasi-judicial bodies.
• Establish, implement and communicate departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with strategic planning, contractual requirements and needs of NTUA.
• Review and approve actions on a wide range of complex legal issues; provide legal advice, interpretations, and opinions on all legal matters.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for NTUA.
• Determine and recommend if outside counsel is required.
• Oversee and work with all outside legal counsels.
• Oversee all phases of litigation for NTUA, including negotiations, mediation, legal research, discovery, motion practice, oral argument, trial and appeal.
• When delegated, acts as agent of NTUA in various transactions.
• Represent NTUA in litigation and other legal proceedings.
• Advise NTUA concerning transactions of business involving internal affairs, directors, officers and NTUA relations with the general public.
• Draft legal documents, letters and testimony.
• Prepare legal analysis of proposed statutes, regulations, and manuals and interprets legal concepts.
• Keep abreast of current court decisions and pending legislation affecting NTUA, Navajo Nation and develops strategies on major Tribal related issues.
• Prepare business contracts and administers other legal matters.
• Assist in due diligence in expansions and joint ventures.
• Anticipate and identify legal issues in order to develop legal strategies and solutions, often in situations of great political, public relations, or financial risk or significance, and with limited time for assessing alternatives.
• Draft, review, and approve policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents.
• Negotiate and prepare contracts related to construction projects, purchase power, finance, joint ventures and related utility service agreements.
• Negotiate contract, purchases and other agreements to achieve and maintain the best legal and financial interests of the Authority.
• Prepares applications for grants and loans and ensures NTUA compliance with funding programs.
• Prepare or assist with the preparation of scheduled and/or ad hoc statistical and narrative reports; performs information gathering and analysis and/or forecasting, as specifically directed.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by: conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing and maintaining professional networks; participating in professional societies; and conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preference

• Navajo Preference
• Navajo Veteran Preference

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.