DEVELOPMENT COUNSEL

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Development Counsel performs professional legal work involved in competent and effective representation

of the Gila River Indian Community, which includes its departments, programs, commercial enterprises

(regarding economic development projects), and complex commercial transactions. This position prepares

strategies and plans for the Community and its commercial enterprises. The Development Counsel assists in

developing and carrying out economic development projects and goals, reviewing and analyzing legal issues

involving potential business and development opportunities, and advising the Community and its commercial

enterprises regarding day-to-day business management and operation issues. This position advises the

Community’s commercial enterprises regarding the appropriate business models in order to preserve the

Community’s sovereign immunity and provides advice on federal and state taxation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 Analyze and advise the Community regarding major economic development projects and complex

commercial transactions; Analyze legal issues involving potential business opportunities of economic

development projects and complex commercial transactions.

 Prepare strategies and plans for the Community and its commercial enterprises to develop and carry out

economic development projects and goals.

 Advise the Community’s commercial enterprises regarding day-to-day business management and operations

issues; Advise the Community and its commercial enterprises regarding federal, state, and tribal tax issues;

Review, prepare and negotiate complex contracts, transactional documents, and agreements on behalf of the

Community and its various enterprises.

 Communicate with and monitor outside counsel regarding assigned development matters, commercial

transactions, and projects.

 Perform legal research and prepare memoranda regarding issues within the scope of Development Counsel’s

functions.

 Review, prepare, and negotiate commercial leases with third-party land developers and Community

corporations that lease Tribal Trust Land; Interact with the Realty Offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

representing the Community’s ownership interest regarding Tribal Trust Lands and Allotted Land.

 Assist Community entities and departments comply with federal and Community leasing regulations

including due diligence requirements.