Administrative Legal Counsel

Description

Opening Date: 05/06/2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Title: Administrative Legal Counsel

Salary/Wage: Negotiable

Location: Siletz, OR

Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Job Posting Number: 4149913

INTRODUCTION:

The CTSI Office of Administrative Legal Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and solutions for the Tribal Administration and represents Tribal Administration in a wide variety of legal proceedings. Administrative Legal Counsel leads the Office of Administrative Legal Counsel to support the Tribal Executive branch by offering proactive counseling and advice; drafting and review of legal documents; and representing the Tribal Administration in problem‑solving, negotiation, and litigation.

The Tribal Attorney (outside counsel) represents the Tribe overall and provides guidance, and coordination to Administrative Legal Counsel of legal strategies and assistance. Complex Indian law and inter‑governmental matters, and issues which may obligate or substantively affect the Tribe are referred to the Tribal Attorney, or coordinated with the Tribal Attorney, at the Tribal Attorney’s discretion.

• Advise Tribal administration/departments on legal issues.
• Advise and assist Tribal staff in complying with the contracting process, including preparing and/or reviewing contracts and agreements.
• Represent Tribal Administration in Tribal Court, state, and federal courts, and arbitration and other judicial and administrative forums in coordination with Tribal Attorney.
• Represent Tribal Administration and Tribal programs in negotiations.
• Perform legal reviews and assist Tribal Administration and programs in correspondence when requested.
• Provide legal assistance, advise and/or represent Tribal Administration and programs in such areas as personnel policy, grievances, program appeals, program eligibility, compliance with applicable law and regulations and constitutional and civil rights compliance/responsibilities.
• Provide legal assistance to programs in the development and application of program activities.
• Maintain current knowledge of statutes and new legislation affecting Tribal activities.
• Interpret Federal, State, and Tribal Law as it applies to Tribal program development and application.
• Develop or revise ordinances and policies.
• Develop annual departmental budget and oversee the expenditures.
• Supervise and direct department personnel.
• Direct preparation of departmental reports.
• Assist Tribal Attorney on issues of Tribal significance, and in other Tribal issues, at the Tribal Attorney’s discretion.
• Coordinate department activities to the Tribal Attorney’s overall legal strategy for the Tribe; consult with Tribal Attorney on tribal legal issues before taking final action on matters.

Siletz Tribal Member applicants:
Graduate from an accredited school of law, passage of a State Bar admission examination in Oregon or in a State that has reciprocity with the Oregon State Bar, and current membership in good standing in a State Bar Association. Outside counsel will mentor candidate for up to one year.

Graduate from an accredited school of law, three years experience in the practice of law, passage of a State Bar admission examination in Oregon or in a State that has reciprocity with the Oregon State Bar, and current membership in good standing in a State Bar Association.

Individual must be a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Tribal Court Bar or demonstrate ability to become a member of the Siletz Tribal Court Bar within 30 days of being hired.

Individual will have one year from date of hire to become a member in good standing of the Oregon State Bar Association licensed and eligible to appear in all Oregon State forums without additional eligibility requirements or procedures.

Experience in:

• Legal experience with tribal program operations (for example, contracts and grants, construction, housing, education, health, natural resources, child abuse, dependency and neglect), preferred.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly, whether verbally or in writing with non-attorneys.
• Work with a wide variety of people and able to communicate effectively and relate to Tribal and community members, staff, State, federal and local agencies.
• Receive, evaluate and prosecute or defend cases involving Tribal administration.
• Organize, participate in and manage projects and meet project deadlines.
• Participate as part of work group on projects involving legal and non-legal components.

Other:

• Must possess a valid Oregon State driver's license, insurance and be eligible to drive a GSA vehicle.