Managing Attorney (Conflict Counsel)

Definition

Definition: Under general Administrative direction of the Community Manager or assigned Assistant Community Manager, directs, manages and supervises the overall administrative operations of the Office of Conflict Counsel, which handles cases referred from other government legal departments – the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Community Prosecutor, the Defense Advocate Office, and the Legal Services Office – due to reasons of legal or ethical conflict. Directs all department personnel in duties assigned for representation in conflict cases involving civil and criminal matters in (SRPMIC) Tribal Court and certain appropriate cases in Arizona state court. Ensures that cases requiring conflict representation are reviewed, assigned, and monitored in a timely and equitable manner. Provides supervision, training, and professional development of government-employed and contract attorneys and advocates, is responsible for case distribution, and upholds the highest standards of legal practice. This is treated as an FLSA exempt job class.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).

Examples of Tasks

1. Supervision: Supervises the work of legal and support staff to ensure timely, effective and professional representation of clients.

• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises legal and support staff.
• Plan, organize, manage and direct all general areas of staff responsibility and specific personnel job assignments.
• Develop administrative policies, procedures and forms for the department.
• Performs timely evaluations of personnel job performance; ensures that all staff and contractors adhere to established office policies, reporting standards, and billing procedures, and that every conflict case is handled in full compliance with professional standards, court rules, and community policies.
• Determines appropriate corrective and disciplinary action, up to and including termination as needed.
• Mentor and/or coach staff for successful completion of assigned tasks and achievement of operational goals.
• Promotes the existence of a team environment and facilitates positive motivation.
• Encourages staff growth and professional development with an emphasis on Community member development and promotion.
• Encourages staff participation in on-going training and professional development and strengthening of Individual skill levels.
• Assures staff are competently representing client(s) in all proceedings before the Salt River Community Court and other jurisdictions as required.
• Participate in case management and disposition.

• Adherence to the objectives inherent in the operational structure outlined in the Tribal Operations Organizational Chart and the Departmental Flow Chart.
• Keeps the Community Manager, or assigned Assistant Community Manager and Tribal administration informed on matters that affect the conduct of the department in meeting overall objectives, functions and goals as outlined in the annual operational plan and budget
• Directs and oversees in-house program planning and development and engages in activities necessary for internal program development and implementation.
• Prepares quarterly administrative reports and annual budgets, including monitoring expenditures,
• Manages the annual budget in an efficient, effective, and fiscally responsible manner.
• Coordinates departmental operations with the Salt River Community Court, Office of the Community Prosecutor, Salt River Legal Services Office, Salt River Office of the General Counsel, Salt River Department of Corrections, and Salt River Police Department operations for the purpose of meeting overall objectives within the provision of the Tribal strategic planning.
• Develops and participates in Community outreach and legal education projects.

• Provide legal services and representation to eligible clients, i.e. interviewing clients, providing legal advice, conducting necessary research, and drafting correspondence and legal documents.
• Oversee the intake and assignment of conflict cases, reviewing each case for complexity and subject matter before being assigned to a qualified attorney, advocate or contracted provider, ensuring appropriate representation while maintaining balanced caseloads across both staff and contractors.
• Oversee all staff and contract providers engaged in conflict work, including maintaining up-to-date rosters, verifying qualifications and compliance with licensing requirements, and serving as the primary contact for case-specific questions or issues.
• Draft and prepare legal documents, pleadings, motions, briefs and appeals.
• Represent clients in tribal, state, and federal forums, whether in court, administrative hearings, or other appropriate forums.
• Facilitates and maintains positive working relations with the Salt River Community Court, Probation, Office of the Community Prosecutor, Salt River Legal Services Office, Salt River Office of the General Counsel, Salt River Department of Corrections, Salt River Police Department, Salt River Social Services, Salt River Behavioral Health Services, Salt River Education Division, and other agencies to maximize service delivery to Community members.

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, history and traditions of the SRPMIC as it may apply to the disposition of legal matters before the Community Court.
• Knowledge of the socio-economic conditions of tribal jurisdictions as they relate to legal issues.
• Knowledge of tribal government and organizational structure.
• Knowledge of Indian law, particularly as to its application in tribal court.
• Knowledge of SRPMIC, State, and Federal laws.
• Knowledge of SRPMIC Tribal Court policies, procedures, and administrative orders.
• Knowledge of case law appropriate to the defense being prepared.
• Knowledge of case preparation procedures for trial presentation.
• Knowledge of legal research methods, legal research software, and use of databases.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices for managing a conflict legal office that handles all aspects of criminal, civil, and juvenile practice.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.
• Knowledge of searching for and writing grant proposals.

• Skill in interpreting and applying statues, ordinances, and other laws as they pertain to cases.
• Skill in interpreting and applying rules, regulations, and policies as they pertain to cases.
• Skill in case preparation and presentation in jury and bench trials.
• Skill in pretrial negotiation and plea agreement dispositions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Community administration, Council Members, Community Members, and a variety of clients and partner departments.
• Skill in managing a tribal government department, including preparing and implementing a budget and supervising subordinate staff.
• Skill in communicating and instructing others using both technical and non-technical language as appropriate to provide legal counsel and explanations to those for whom the subject matter is unfamiliar and/or difficult to understand.
• Skill in supervising, mentoring, and evaluating attorneys, advocates, and support staff, especially those who are new to legal practice.
• Skill in developing and delivering training and professional development programs for staff and contractors.
• Skill in negotiating and problem-solving to resolve conflicts within the office or with outside providers.
• Skill in preparing and managing budgets, reports, and financial documentation.
• Skill in using case management systems and legal practice software for tracking cases, making case assignments, and reporting.

• Ability to get along well and cooperate with others.
• Ability to train, manage and direct both support and professional legal staff.
• Ability to oversee departmental operations, manage budget allocations, and prepare timely reports as required.
• Ability to coach and mentor staff for the successful completion of assigned tasks and achievement of operational goals;
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with administrative staff, Community members, outside entities and coworkers.
• Ability to maintain positive departmental/community relations.
• Ability to perform legal research.
• Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal issues and apply legal principles.
• Ability to adapt to changing work situations and assignments.
• Ability to exercise resourcefulness in addressing new problems.
• Ability to provide legal and administrative supervision in a mature and respectful manner.
• Ability to set priorities to meet established as well as changing deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, balancing administrative responsibilities with direct legal practice.
• Ability to maintain impartiality and fairness in the assignment of conflict cases to staff and contractors.
• Ability to understand and facilitate the provision of quality internal/external customer service.
• Ability to utilize appropriate computer programs including WESTLAW and LEXIS legal research programs.
• Ability to attend meetings and actively participate in tribal planning activities as assigned.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in sensitive or complex legal and personnel matters.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture across both staff and contracted providers.
• Ability to anticipate organizational needs and proactively recommend improvements to processes, policies, and training.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Possession of a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and Admission to the Arizona Bar and in good standing is required.

• Seven (7) years of law practice, which includes general administrative experience and two or more years of trial experience in tribal, state, or federal court.

• Knowledge of civil and criminal legal processes, with demonstrated experience supervising attorneys, advocates, or contract counsel; prior experience developing and delivering training on legal concepts is preferred.

Special Requirements

Special Requirements: Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

TheIHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted.

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Employee Benefits Overview

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees, designed to enhance your quality of life both at work and at home. Below is a summary of the benefits available to SRPMIC employees. Plan details and eligibility requirements are provided upon hire and are subject to change.

Health Care Benefits

SRPMIC provides medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for all regular full-time employees enrolled in standard plans. These benefits represent a significant part of your total compensation.

Medical: Choose from three plan options to fit your needs—the Low Deductible Plan, the Mid-Deductible Plan, and the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). As a self-funded plan, SRPMIC directly covers the cost of medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision services for all participants.

Dental: Enjoy nationwide access to the Humana Dental PPO/Traditional Preferred network, offering flexibility and choice in selecting dental care providers.

Vision: Coverage is provided through Davis Vision, including eye exams, lenses, frames, and contact lenses. Members also benefit from discounted rates on additional eyewear and services.

Life Insurance: All eligible employees are automatically enrolled in a fully paid basic term life insurance policy with a matching accidental death benefit.

Retirement Plans

SRPMIC supports your long-term financial goals through multiple retirement plan options:

401(k) and Roth Plans: Eligible employees can participate in both pre-tax and post-tax retirement savings plans. SRPMIC contributes 5% of your compensation to the pre-tax 401(k) and matches up to 3% of your salary deferral contributions.

Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS): Available to eligible certified police officers and firefighters.

Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS): Available to Salt River School educators.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): A retiree HRA with Health Equity, which is a tax-advantaged employer-funded account that retired employees (Age 55+) can use for qualified medical expenses, including some premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses such as copays and deductibles.

Paid Leave & Holidays

Annual & Sick Leave: Employees accrue separate balances for sick and annual leave each pay period. Sick leave may be used for personal or family illness and medical appointments, while annual leave covers vacation or personal time.

Holidays: SRPMIC observes 15 paid holidays each year, including two discretionary holidays and one day of birthday leave.

Other SRPMIC Paid Benefits

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

SRPMIC offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program through SupportLinc, available at no cost to employees, their dependents, and household members.

Additional Voluntary Benefits

WellPath Wellness Program: A voluntary wellness initiative that encourages healthy living and rewards participation with incentives. Available to all employees and their dependents.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Administered by HealthEquity, FSAs allow you to pay for eligible health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Health Savings Account (HSA): Available to employees enrolled in the HDHP.

Supplemental Life & AD&D Insurance: Employees may purchase additional life and accidental death coverage for themselves and their dependents.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): SRPMIC is a qualified employer under the PSLF program. Employees may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness.

At SRPMIC, we value our employees and are proud to offer benefits that support your health, well-being, and future.