Tribal Staff Attorney — Sells

Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Incorporated; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 58,656 - 101,915; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Language fluency bonus

Job summary

Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. (SALA) is seeking a Tribal Court Attorney to handle a variety of civil cases in tribal court, serving low-income families across southeastern Arizona.

The role requires Arizona Bar admission or eligibility, potential to practice before Tohono O’odham courts, and 2–5 years of advocacy experience. Bilingual English/Spanish is helpful, and familiarity with Tohono O’odham culture is beneficial. SALA offers competitive benefits and opportunities to serve the community.

Qualifications

• Active membership or eligibility for the Arizona Bar.
• Willing to apply for the Tohono O’odham Nation admission within three months of hire.
• 2–5 years of advocacy experience in civil, tribal government, or related settings.
• Sensitivity to legal issues in low-income communities; strong communication skills.
• Knowledge of general civil practice on behalf of the poor community is preferred.
• Criminal background check required.

Responsibilities

• Interview potential clients, perform intake, draft pleadings, and gather evidence.
• Participate in SALA’s community legal education programs.
• Do legal research, represent clients in tribal courts and tribunals, and conduct outreach.

Skills

Legal advocacy

Communication

Multicultural sensitivity

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Arizona Bar Admission Eligibility

Job description

Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. (SALA) is hiring a Tribal Court Attorney. The person to be hired will be required to undertake a variety of civil cases in tribal court. SALA provides services to low-income families and individuals in nine counties and eleven tribal communities in southeastern Arizona.

Minimum Requirements

• Member of the State Bar of Arizona; eligible for admission to the Arizona Bar, or pass the next exam; applicants licensed 2 years in another jurisdiction may practice by special rule.
• The candidate should be admitted to practice before the Tohono O’odham courts or be willing to apply for and be admitted to practice in the Tohono O’odham Nation within three months of hire. Candidate may be asked to practice law before the Gila tribal courts. The candidate should have two to five years’ experience as an advocate in some capacity with administrative law, tribal government, a court system, a law office or a governmental agency.
• Must exhibit a high degree of sensitivity to legal issues in low-income communities and be able to work with low income and community groups. Should have initiative, good communication skills, and the ability to work well in a multi-cultural setting.
• Should be knowledgeable in the area of general civil practice and specifically general civil practice on behalf of the poor community.
• Bilingual English/Spanish helpful. Ability to speak the Tohono O’odham language and familiarity with the Tohono O’odham culture is also helpful.
• Criminal Background Check Required.

Responsibilities

• Interview potential clients, perform case intake and file maintenance, draft pleadings and other documents, gather evidence and/or documentation for cases.
• Participate in SALA’s community legal education programs.
• Do legal research, represent clients in tribal courts and administrative tribunals, and conduct outreach presentations on the Tohono O’odham Nation and in rural Pima County.

Compensation

Salary range $58,656 – $101,915 DOE; up to 5% additional compensation to individuals fluent in a language other than English, that is used by more than 10% of SALA’s eligible client population. SALA has an excellent benefits package including health insurance, pension plan and generous leave provisions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, disability, religion, national origin, sex, age or sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Contact

Hiring Committee
Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc.
Continental Building
2343 E Broadway Blvd, Suite 200 – Tucson AZ 85719-6007 [phone] / Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
Open until filled. Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references.