Associate General Counsel (34744)

Come work for the leading employer in the Coachella Valley. Agua Caliente offers a comprehensive benefit and compensation package that includes rich medical and dental benefits, a 401k plan with employer match, more than 3 weeks of paid time off per year for newly hired employees, and other great benefits like food and beverage discounts at our three casinos, fuel discounts, tuition and wellness reimbursement, plus much, more.  

WHO ARE WE: The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California, with 32,000 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The Tribe currently owns and operates two 18-hole championship golf courses, 3 casinos located in Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and downtown Palm Springs, two world class spas, and a fuel station. For more information about the Tribe, visit www.aguacaliente-nsn.gov.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Under direction of General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (‘Tribe”) is responsible for providing legal advice to the Tribal Council, Administration, Departments, and Committees regarding a wide array of tribal legal matters.  The Associate General Counsel position will be integral to the growth of the Tribe’s legal department and have an increasing focus on commercial real estate, leasing, general commercial contracting, and other transactional matters as may be assigned. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(This list is not all-inclusive and other tasks or duties may be assigned by Tribal Council at any time.)

• Represents or assists in the representation of the Tribe on wide range of matters, with focus on commercial contracts and real estate transactions, land use and acquisition, and related matters possibly before federal, state, or local administrative agencies.
• Advises professional staff on negotiation and drafting of instruments related to tribal real estate transactions.
• Must be able to independently conduct research, prepare legal memoranda, and present legal analysis.
• Must be able to contribute as part of a team of professionals dedicated to strengthening tribal government and growing tribal business.
• Must be organized and willing to contribute to the growth of the tribal legal department.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Devotes full time to the Tribe and does not engage in the representation of other clients as consultant or engage in other activities which would interfere with the legal representation of the Tribe.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS AND INFORMATION

• Sensitive Tribal information

SIGNATORY ABILITY

• Legal Approval for Contracts and Agreements in accordance with ACBCI Standard Operating Procedures

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Member of the state bar of California preferred, or member of another state bar in good standing and willing to sit for CA bar exam. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a licensed attorney working on tribal issues.
• Strong personal commitment to advancement of Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
• Knowledge and experience with tribal business entity structuring is desirable.
• Experience working with tribal law, tribal land use and land acquisition issues, and intergovernmental agreements is desirable. 
• Experience working within a tribal government environment or within a law firm practice devoted to tribal issues is preferred.
• Tribal preference applies

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

To perform this job successfully the individual must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, and use hands to type, reach, and lift a minimum of 25 pounds. 

Typically the individual will be housed in an office environment but may occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions.