Department: Family Services
Reports To: Director of Family Services
Job Status: Regular Full Time
Type: Exempt
Grade: M
JOB SUMMARY:
The Civil Legal Services Attorney provides civil legal assistance victims of violence in matters related to their victimization.
MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Advise victims in civil legal proceedings from beginning to trial, including but not limited to protection orders, divorce or legal separation, spousal and child support, child custody and/or visitation in state and tribal court.
- Meet regularly with the clients to establish trust between the attorney and client.
- Prepare and review discovery including subpoenas, interrogatories and depositions.
- Prepare and strategize for trial, including making important strategy and evidence decisions to benefit the client and/or his or her children.
- Represent victims in appeals of decisions of the trial court, both Tribal and State including drafting appellate briefs, response briefs and in oral arguments for both the State and Tribal systems. Understand complex legal issues and when an appeal is warranted, be able to communicate the legal issues concisely.
- Advise clients on employment and landlord tenant issues. Draft letters to employers and landlords with regards to domestic violence policies required by the RCW and other issues
- Conduct legal research and writing including, but not limited to bench briefs, trial briefs, motions and orders in both tribal and state courts.
- Create and maintain case files according to office systems and follow general office procedures including data entry and progress reports for grant funding.
- Understand complex inter-jurisdictional child custody, dissolution and child support issues and be able to make decisions about these matters quickly and concisely.
- Work with tribal agencies/programs to strengthen client cases.
- Assist in community awareness about Domestic Violence legal issues.
- Prepare written reports regarding cases and case results.
- Travel to where clients may be in Whatcom County to assist in filing documents.
Perform other assignments as directed by supervisor.
OTHER DUTIES:
Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
PREFERENCE:
Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:
- Graduate of accredited law school.
- At least two (2) years practicing civil, family law, and/or criminal law in State, Federal or Tribal Courts.
- At least one (1) year of work experience in Family Law and understanding of domestic violence dynamics and issues required.
At least one (1) year of working with Federal, State and Tribal laws pertaining to Indians required.
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REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION:
- Must have excellent legal research, writing, and oral communication skills;
- Ability to organize and maintain clear, concise, and accurate records, and follow office procedures;
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Indian Community and its people, including traditions and customs;
- Must be dependable, trustworthy, maintain confidentiality and be able to work flexible hours;
- Must have the ability to work with a heavy caseload that is document intensive and client centered;
- Demonstrate an understanding of complex custody and visitation issues;
- Must have an understanding of jurisdiction in Indian Country, including tribal and/or federal law;
- Must have read and reviewed the Nooksack Tribal Code and be familiar with the laws affecting tribal people and the protection of tribal families;
- Must maintain strict confidentiality at all times;
First or second chair experience during civil trials.
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REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
- Must pass criminal background check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.
This position requires regular contact with or Control over Indian Children and is therefore subject to an extensive Criminal Background Check and CAMIS Check.
REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:
- Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association. Applicant must provide proof.
- Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (Must Provide Driving Abstract at time of hire).
Must obtain admission to the Nooksack Tribal Court within 1 month of commencement of employment.
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ( The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):
- The standard work week is 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday (occasionally may have to work evenings)
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods and frequently required to talk and listen.
- Sitting for extended periods while at a desk or in meetings.
- Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and telephone system
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds without assistance occasionally.
- Typical office setting with environmentally controlled conditions.
- Read, write, speak and understand English
- Ability to listen, understands customers, and has the ability to translate rules, regulations, and policies to clients so they understand the issues/problems.
- Operate in mentally and physically stressful situations with composure.
- May have to walk/drive between office locations under a variety of conditions.
Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip from assigned work areas.
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DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES POSITION
The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.
I have read and understand the position requirements as stated above I further, understand that occasionally I may be instructed to perform duties that are not listed above but are relative to my position.