Govt. Legal - Staff Attorney (Closes 6/18/2026)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Staff Attorney represents the interests of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and is responsible for providing legal services to the Tribe’s operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Provides legal advice to the Tribal Board and Tribal Committees.
• Provides day-to-day legal advice and representation for the various Tribal Entities and Departments.
• Researches and prepares legal documents and opinions.
• Performs tasks and project-related assignments as directed by the General Counsel or Senior Attorney.
• Assists with drafting tribal codes and regulations.
• Draft and review tribal resolutions, policies, and procedure
• Represents Sault Tribe in meetings and negotiations.
• Appears in Tribal, State, and Federal courts and before legislative bodies.
• Monitors legislation and legal proceedings that may affect the interests of the Sault Tribe.
• Consults with and keeps the General Counsel apprised of important issues.

ADDITIONAL REPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Manages a caseload in child welfare cases in Tribal and State court as directed.
• Provides occasional backup in criminal cases in Tribal court.
• Attend Tribal Board meetings, workshops, or committee meetings as needed.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, Executives, Board of Directors, outside vendors/service providers, and outside attorneys.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position light with lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision; frequent sitting; occasional standing, walking, carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, stooping, reaching, manual handling, color/field of vision, travel, typing, computer use and bending. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.

Experience: No prior experience required. Experience working as a practicing attorney preferred. Experience in Indian law preferred. Litigation experience preferred. Experience in an in-house environment preferred.

Certification/License: Member in good standing of any state bar or willing to get licensed. If licensed in another state or not yet licensed, must obtain the State of Michigan bar membership within one year of hire. Willing to be admitted to the federal district courts in Michigan and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Sault Tribal Court. Must maintain good standing for all applicable bar admissions. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have knowledge of State, and Federal law and a willingness to learn Tribal Law. Must have knowledge of State and Federal legislative and political processes. Must have excellent reading, writing, and communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and effectively in person, in writing, and by telephone and email with co-workers, supervisors and the general public. Must have excellent organizational skills; organizing work, prioritizing tasks and managing time. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors and the general public. Must be able to work in high stress environment and handle difficult situations. Must be able to work with minimal to no supervision. Must be able to prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports, letters, memoranda, policy and procedural drafts, and other written documents. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.

Salary dependent on experience.