Staff Attorney I

POSITION TITLE: Staff Attorney I
DEPARTMENT: Legal
LOCATION: Vancouver, Washington (remote-eligible w/travel to Washington as required)
REPORTS TO: Tribal Attorney
STATUS: Salaried; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $124,904 - $156,208

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 5/28/2026)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Tribal Attorney, performs a variety of complex and specialized legal functions for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and represents the Tribe in litigation, negotiation, and other legal proceedings. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Legal department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Reviews and recommends actions on a wide range of complex legal issues for Tribal Council and its departments; provides legal advice, interpretations, and opinions on all legal matters.
• Represents the Tribe in judicial, executive, or administrative proceedings and in litigation in with federal, state, and tribal courts as requested.
• Conducts legal research and provides legal advice to departments regarding legal rights, obligations, and privileges.
• Prepares and reviews legal work products, including resolutions, policies, contracts, and memoranda.
• Studies federal legislation, federal regulations, constitutions, statutes, decisions, and ordinances of judicial bodies.
• Examines legal data and researches assigned legal matters; drafts legal memorandums summarizing results and legal conclusions.
• Negotiates contracts, purchases, and employment disputes.
• Communicates with other specialized attorneys to discuss legal strategies.
• Acts as a liaison for the Tribe between federal, state, or local intergovernmental entities.
• Prepares and presents litigation documents for tribal, state, or federal court hearings and trials.
• Keeps leadership informed of the status of department activities by attending meetings and submitting reports. 
• Represents the Tribe in ICWA cases; meets with ICWA Committee for litigation direction as requested; attends hunting and fishing meetings as requested.
• Keeps current on new legal developments, court decisions, and pending legislation.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Maintains the confidentiality of records, conversations, and tribal issues.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal, state, local, and tribal law.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to tribal customs and beliefs.
• Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and analysis.
• Knowledge of litigation, Indian law, employment law, and business law.
• Knowledge of tribal, state, and federal court procedures.
• Knowledge of tribal casino compacts and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
• Skill in interpreting federal and case law, codes, ordinances, and administrative rules.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Ability to negotiate and draft contracts, compacts, and leases.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and legal precedents and present information and material in a clear and logical form.
• Ability to appraise legislation for its need, meaning, intent, logical development, and clarity of policy expression.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to adhere to strict standards of professional responsibility and conduct.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally, building respect and confidence in the community.
• Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association or admitted to practice in another state bar with the ability to obtain Washington state bar within one year of employment.
• Member in good standing of the Cowlitz Bar Association (within 90 days of hire).
• Three years’ experience in Indian Law and tribal court, federal and constitutional law, litigation, environmental and natural resources, employment law, or a closely related field dealing with tribal interests.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands, wrists, and fingers associated with computer equipment. The employee will occasionally walk, stand, and reach with arms and hands. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time. Normal visual acuity is required for this job. The employee may occasionally lift and/or carry objects up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a typical interior/office or courtroom environment. Noise level is usually minimal. Exposure to hostile individuals may occur. Travel within the local communities and in or out of state may be required. Occasional evening and/or weekend work will be required.