Attorney Job Pendleton area,Oregon USA,Law/Legal

Position Description and Vacancy Announcement

Position Title: Attorney

Salary: Pay Range 18–19 $–$ annual DOE/DOQ

Department: Administration, Office of Legal Counsel

Location: Nixyaawii Governance Center, Mission, Oregon, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Eligible for Telework Agreement in compliance to the Tribal Personnel Policies Manual.

Employment Status: Full Time with benefits package, Exempt

Supervised By: Lead Attorney, Office of Legal Counsel

Opening Date: May 18, 2026

Closing Date: Open until filled with review June 18, 2026 of complete packets

CTUIR Mission Statement

Exercise the Tribe's sovereign authority to achieve the maximum protection of resources identified in the Treaty of 1855, to protect newly acquired lands wherein the Tribe has a vested interest, to protect the lands of all the citizens and residents of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This position will protect human life, water land, air, and wildlife by exercising professional skills and abilities in the protection of the resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

General

Statement of Duties

CTUIR Attorneys work in the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), which provides legal services and representation to all departments and programs of the CTUIR tribal government. OLC's client is the Board of Trustees, the governing body of the CTUIR pursuant to its Constitution and Bylaws. The CTUIR is a federally recognized Indian tribe with broad treaty‑reserved rights and self‑governance duties for its enrolled members and residents of the 172,000‑acre Umatilla Indian Reservation in Northeastern Oregon.

The Attorney will be expected to regularly perform general legal services to the organization as assigned by the Lead Attorney and consistent with the Annual Work Plan approved for the Office of Legal Counsel.

Examples of Essential

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Litigation/Dispute Resolution Enforce CTUIR rights and interests before the Umatilla Tribal Court, state, federal, local and administrative judicial forums and any other courts as necessary.

Legal research and advising Advise and collaborate with policy, executive, management and technical professionals to brief options concerning the CTUIR's legal rights and interests; develop strategies to promote and protect those interests; track and monitor cases, agency actions, regulations, rule making and legislation; develop strategies and recommendations to benefit the CTUIR's positions and relationships with executive officials, legislative bodies, administrative bodies and corresponding forums of tribal, federal, state/local governments.

Drafting and negotiation Review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts, intergovernmental agreements, leases, codes, policies, and procedures.

Law and Policy Review and advise concerning existing and proposed legislation, regulations, and agency policies and activities to protect CTUIR interests; represent the CTUIR in forums, meetings, hearings, training, and presentations promoting and defending the CTUIR's legal rights and interests.

Assignments Responsible for assignments delegated through the Lead Attorney.

Supervisory & Signatory Authority

This position does not have supervisory or signatory authority on behalf of the CTUIR. The Attorney may, from time to time, be delegated acting supervisory and limited signatory authority on behalf of the Lead Attorney.

Access to Sensitive Areas

This position has access to the Office of Legal Counsel's offices, files, and records, both physical and electronic. This includes files containing sensitive and attorney‑client‑protected work products and communications. CTUIR Attorneys often attend sensitive meetings and briefings where confidential information is discussed. Office of Legal Counsel staff are routinely required to access sensitive and confidential tribal records.

Required

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.

Admission to practice before the Oregon State Bar, or membership in another state bar and ability to attain reciprocal admission to the Oregon State Bar within 6 months of hire.

Demonstrated experience and interest in Federal Indian…