Tribal Justice Attorney

Description

Summary Job Goal: The Tribal Justice Attorney supports AVCP’s Tribal Justice program by providing legal, technical, and strategic assistance to member tribes and their courts. This position focuses on enhancing tribal sovereignty, developing and sustaining tribal court systems, and delivering training and technical support to tribal court staff and leadership. The attorney acts as a liaison with federal and state agencies, supports program planning and reporting, and may supervise program staff as needed.

Note: This position does not provide direct legal advice or representation to tribes or individual tribal members. This is an in-house position. All support is limited to educational, procedural, and technical assistance. Requests for legal advice or representation will be referred to appropriate legal counsel or resources.

Performance Responsibilities: Include the following – 

• Provide legal guidance and technical assistance to tribal courts and councils, including:
• Assisting with the development, implementation, and sustainability of tribal court systems
• Delivering training on tribal justice topics (e.g., ICWA, due process, judicial ethics)
• Trainig and assistancewith drafting codes, ordinances, court procedures, and document templates
• Supporting and assisting with tribal court assessments (as needed??)
• Supporting annual funding requests and budgeting for tribal courts and AVCP’s Tribal Justice Program
• Acting as a liaison between AVCP member tribes and federal/state agencies
• Responding to legal and procedural questions from tribal courts and councils regarding best practices, compliance, and program requirements
• Explicitly exclude providing legal advice or representation to tribes or tribal members. The attorney may:
• Offer general information, sample documents, and training on legal topics relevant to tribal justice
• Refer tribes or tribal members to appropriate legal counsel or resources for specific legal advice or representation needs
• Maintain strict boundaries to ensure that all support provided is technical, educational, or procedural in nature, not legal advice
• Maintain confidentiality of all attorney, client, case, and department information
• Participate in program planning, data entry, reporting, and evaluation
• Supervise Tribal Justice program staff as needed
• Provide support and collaborate, including legal advice to the Tribal Justice Program Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises Tribal Justice Program Coordinator and other program line-staff as needed.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. 
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate from an accredited U.S. Law School. License to practice law in the State of Alaska or ability to practice under Alaska Bar Rule 44, Legal Interns and Supervised Practitioners. Experience in Native Law, child welfare or other trial experience strongly preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
3. Demonstrated sound decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to use independent judgement. 
4. Ability to effectively communicate legal principles and case strategy to lay audiences. 
5. Strong interpersonal skills, including working in a team, working and communicating in a multi-cultural environment, working and communicating with remote teams, and receiving and giving constructive criticism. 
6. Familiar with general principles of federal Indian law and laws applicable to Alaska Native tribes and tribal entities. 
7. Ability to be self-directed and work independently. 
8. Excellent time management skills.
9. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
10. Ability to travel, including willingness to travel on small aircraft, boat, or on the ice roadwhen necessary. If not located in Bethel, travel to Bethel and AVCP-Region villages as required.