Water Rights Attorney

Job Title:

Water Rights Attorney

Closing Date: 02/27/2026

DEADLINE Attach any required documents, i.e., Transcripts, Certificates, diploma and Motor Vehicle Record, to your online application by midnight on the closing date. Late Applications or documents will not be considered.

Job Number: 26-006-2

Job Type: Contract Position
Department:
Office of the General Counsel

City:
Sacaton, AZ

Location:

525 W. Gu U Ki Road

Area of Interest:
Legal

Salary/ Hourly Rate: $ - $ / Salary

The Water Rights Attorney provides legal representation in matters involving the Gila River Indian Community’s (Community) water rights, with a focus on water litigation and policy.

• Represent the Community in state and federal court in water rights cases.
• Prepare for and attend hearings and trials.
• Represent the Office of General Counsel at meetings, court proceedings and other functions.
• Draft and review various legal pleadings, motions, discovery, documents, and correspondence necessary to litigate water cases.
• Provide counsel and advice to the Community’s leadership, departments and entities as in house counsel on water law and other matters as assigned.
• Conduct legal research, analysis and document production related to the litigation of water matters.
• Prepare strategies and plan for the Community to develop and advance its water rights policies.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of case files, calendars and databases.
• Assist in the development, revision and modification of the Community’s policies, laws, resolutions and ordinances.
• Comply with tribal, state, and federal governmental regulations; maintain ethical practices with respect to the Community, state and tribal courts, all judicial systems and clients.
• Must comply with laws, rules, Community directives and office policies and procedures applicable to the performance of the position and perform additional tasks as assigned by supervising personnel.

• Knowledge of and experience in application of the principles of jurisprudence and legal analysis, including a background in and knowledge of Federal Indian Law and water law.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently and work with others.
• Ability to clearly and successfully articulate ideas and logical analysis both orally and in writing.
  
  Ability to effectively plan, supervise, and coordinate work of others and meet all applicable time frames and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with people of varied economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other Community partners, Community Officials, and the public.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-Free Workplace as a condition of employment with the Gila River Indian Community.

Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA accredited law school and licensed to practice law in Arizona or eligible for admission in Arizona through reciprocity and minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a licensed attorney.

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona or a must be able to obtain admission to the State Bar of Arizona through reciprocity within a timeframe acceptable to the General Counsel.

• Required to complete mandatory legal education as required by the Arizona State Bar.
• Submission of an acceptable legal writing sample (5-10 pages).
• Required to pass a background check.

Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position

Reports to General Counsel or designee

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

• Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
• Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
• Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
• Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

Visit our GRIC website and apply online:
www.gilariver.org