Senior Court Solicitor

Definition

Under the administrative supervision from the Court Administrator, provides legal review and advice to Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Court. Through legal expertise with the Indian law and general principles of the law, provides research for the Court Judges, working to assist the Judges in resolving legal issues as they arise. Ensures that Community's Constitution and applicable laws are followed, and that due process principles are applied to ensure the fair and reasonable administration of justice of the matters pending before the Court. Assists with the professional development of Court Staff and Judges by organizing training activities and collecting and distributing information on federal Indian Law and tribal law developments and best practices in tribal justice systems. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and non-standard work schedule.

Essential Functions : Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Examples of Tasks

1. Researches issues involved in criminal, civil and juvenile court litigation, court orders, protocol(s) and processes, and provide legal advice and recommendations to Judges in all related matters. Conducts legal research and analysis, as directed by supervisor. Researches legal documents as directed by supervisor, to ensure the fair and reasonable administration of justice as provided for by the Community's Constitution, the Indian Civil Rights Act and other applicable law. Reviews laws, rules, regulations and related legal documents as directed.

2. Review files and advises Judges of legal issues that may come before the court. Provides legal guidance on related matters that come before the Community court, using tribal and other applicable laws and principles of law and due process. May draft legal documents and administrative polices.

3. Assists in reviewing and improving court policies procedures, forms and operations as assigned.

4. Assists in preparation of legal and technical correspondence for officers of the Court and other individuals as directed by the Court Administrator.

5. Develops forms to ensure consistency, efficiency, and transparency in the work of the Court.

6. Assists the Court Administrator with legal issues requiring interaction with the Community's Office of General Counsel and other legal offices.

7. Identifies/conducts/recommends relevant training (both internal and external) for tribal court judges and court staff at the request of the Court Administrator and Council.

8. Performs other job related duties that enhance and facilitate departmental operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of laws, ordinances and regulations of SRPMIC and applicable state and federal laws and general principles of law.
• Knowledge of legal research methods, legal research software, use of databases, legal principles and their applications.
• Knowledge of case law appropriate to the issues and cases being prepared.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of legal profession.
• Knowledge of SRPMIC policies and rules relating to SRPMIC and its entities.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws, rules, regulations and policies.
• Knowledge of the history and customs of the SRPMIC.

• Skill in work management.
• Skill in applying and interpreting statutes, ordinances and other laws, rules, regulations and policies as they pertain to legal issues presented for review.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Community administrators, Department Directors, Tribal Council Members, staff and other members of the Community as well as outside entities.
• Skill in legal writing and presentation.

• Ability to perform legal research, analyze difficult and complex legal problems and apply legal principles and precedents.
• Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in both written and oral form.
• Ability to communicate orally, and in writing, with Judges, administrative staff, community members, department directors, members of the general public, outside entities, and co-workers.
• Ability to produce written documents with clear organized thoughts, using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar in a timely manner, both with law judges and legally-trained professionals.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to handle legal correspondence as directed by supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Experience: A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, with a minimum of seven years attorney experience, with three of the seven years practicing before or working in a tribal, state or federal court setting.
• Demonstrated experience in federal Indian law is required.
• Preference given to candidates with prior judicial experience, either as Judge or Judicial Clerk, in a legal capacity.
• Must attend a minimum of 15 hours annual continuing legal education as related to job and approved by supervisor.

• Equivalency - Any equivalent combination of training and experience that would enable the candidate to satisfactorily perform and meet the duties and responsibilities required may be considered in meeting the stated minimum qualifications.
• Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

Must be admitted and in good standing with a State Bar, preferably the Arizona State Bar, and be admitted in Federal District Court, if needed.

Must not have any prior felony convictions, prior misdemeanor convictions in any jurisdiction within the last seven (7) years, and any disbarment or current suspension from any other tribal, state or federal courts.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.