The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.

Close:              Until Filled  
                           

Department:   Tribal Court
Reports To:    Chief Judge      
Hours:             40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time                                     

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Chief Judge, this position is responsible for researching and analyzing intricate, complex and sensitive legal issues and questions for the Tribal Court Judges.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs legal research, analysis and writing in such matters as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions and legal codes.
2. Assists in drafting opinions, concurrences and dissents, orders, calendar notices and decisions.
   
3. Examines or prepares legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, and case records and other legal documents.
4. Confers with the judge on pending matters.
   
5. Observes judicial proceedings, attends conferences with attorneys and judges.
6. Acts as arbitrator and liaison between disputing parties and mediates small claims cases and summarizes information for the Judge.
   
7. Prepares the courtroom for the day’s cases.
8. Assures that all parties involved in the day’s proceedings are present.
   
9. Maintains order in the courtroom at all times during the sessions of the court.
10. Maintains integrity of the jury and insures that no outside person makes any communication while they are deliberating.
11. Tends to the needs of the jury, answers all non-legal questions and provides all possible assistance.
12. Calls jurors, by telephone, to appear for jury duty at the next day’s session.
    
13. Acts as law librarian, keeping and monitoring legal volumes and ensuring legal volumes are up-to-date.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.  

Supervisory Responsibilities

 

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

 

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and/or Experience

Law degree (Juris Doctorate) from an accredited Law School.  Intermediate to Expert experience and knowledge using word processing and Westlaw.

 

Language Skills

Employee must demonstrate the ability to interact tactfully and positively with Tribal members, all levels of staff and management. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common professional journals, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff and regulatory agencies. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions. Ability to effectively present information to management, employees and groups of people.  Ability to advocate on behalf of the tribe in a variety of settings.

 

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

Licenses or Certificates

Must be a Washington State Bar Association Member or willing to take the Washington State Bar exam.

Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license.

Must pass background check.

 

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. 
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. 
  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.   

Work Environment

 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work is performed in an office setting.

 

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

 

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law

Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors.  Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.