Assistant Attorney General

The Assistant Attorney General represents the Pascua Yaqui Tribe by providing nonpartisan legal advice and representation to officials, agencies, departments, divisions, enterprises and other entities of the Tribe's government.

1. Research and analyze tribal, federal, state legislation, regulations, and case law.
2. Provide written legal opinions and recommendations to Tribal Council and government departments.
3. Responsible for managing assigned outside counsel.
4. Draft codes, policies and procedures, contracts, resolutions and intergovernmental agreements.
5. Provide legal opinions and analyze developments in Indian law.
6. Make presentations and recommendations to improve tribal laws.
7. Attend Tribal Council sessions and other meetings.
8. Represent the Tribe in statewide and nationwide legal forums.
9. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as requested by supervisor or director.

Knowledge of:

• Tribal, state and federal legislative, judicial and regulatory authority;
• Tribal government practices and procedures;
• Federal Indian law;
• Transactional practice;
• Specific legal issues pertaining to Indian communities;
• Rules of civil procedures and administrative hearing procedures;
• Yaqui culture, customs, resources and traditions and/or a willingness to learn.

Skills and Abilities:

• Prepare written opinions and memoranda, drafting contracts and other legal documents;
• Draft tribal codes, ordinances, and resolutions;
• Civil litigation and trial advocacy in tribal, state, and federal courts;
• Present oral legal arguments;
• Analyze complex legal issues pertaining to intergovernmental affairs;
• Advise legislature and government officials on complex legal issues and policy decisions;
• Management of contract attorneys;
• Analyze complex legal issues and provide legal recommendations;
• Render logical, clear and effective written opinions and make oral presentations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, employees and officials of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe;
• Effectively negotiate and develop intergovernmental agreements;
• Work long hours as required;
• Maintain confidentiality of information;
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and related software applications;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, management, Council members, and the public. Have ability to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive verbal and written work instructions.

Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

• Four (4) to ten (10) years of legal experience as a practicing attorney with background in Indian law; strongly preferred;
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.