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Contract Tribal Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nooksack Indian Tribe

Tribal Attorney

Deming, WA · On-site

$61.09 - $75.12/hr

Tribal Attorney DEPARTMENT: Office of Tribal Attorney REPORTS TO: Senior Tribal Attorney STATUS ... Indian Child Welfare Act; legal writing, drafting and negotiating contracts, drafting statutes ...

Miccosukee Tribe of Indians

Be Seen First

Staff Attorney

Miami, FL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Prior experience in Tribal law is helpful but not required. More important is the willingness to ... Reviewing, drafting, and revising contracts, agreements, memoranda, correspondence, resolutions ...

Drummond Woodsum

Corporate Attorney

Portland, ME · On-site

... contract issues, as well as drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts and ... Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises and individuals. We recognize that our greatest asset is our ...

Yurok Tribe

Associate General Counsel I/II

Klamath, CA · On-site

$79K - $142K/yr

Office of Tribal Attorney Opening Date: 05/28/2026 Closing Date: 7/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific POSITION ... Extensive experience with drafting, reviewing, negotiation, and analyzing contracts (e.g ...

Drummond Woodsum

Corporate Attorney

Portland, ME

... contract issues, as well as drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of contracts and ... Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises and individuals. We recognize that our greatest asset is our ...

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Staff Attorney

Kenai, AK · On-site

Staff Attorney Dept./Program: Executive Office Division: Executive Office Reports To: Executive ... contracts * Assist Tribal Council in drafting resolutions, ordinances, policies and revisions to ...

Kenaitze Indian Tribe

Staff Attorney

Kenai, AK · On-site

Staff Attorney Dept./Program: Executive Office Division: Executive Office Reports To: Executive ... contracts * Assist Tribal Council in drafting resolutions, ordinances, policies and revisions to ...

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Contract Tribal Attorney information

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How much do contract tribal attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract tribal attorney in the United States is $119,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Tribal Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Tribal Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission (often state and sometimes tribal), and a solid understanding of federal Indian law and tribal governance. Familiarity with legal research platforms, case management systems, and experience with contracts or regulatory compliance are typically required. Exceptional negotiation, cultural competency, and strong written and verbal communication skills help build trust and effective working relationships with tribal clients and communities. These skills ensure legal compliance, protection of tribal interests, and the successful navigation of complex legal frameworks unique to tribal law.

What is the difference between Contract Tribal Attorney vs Contract Environmental Lawyer?

AspectContract Tribal AttorneyContract Environmental Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, tribal law certificationLaw degree, environmental law specialization, bar admission
Work EnvironmentTribal courts, tribal government officesEnvironmental agencies, law firms, government agencies
Employer & IndustryTribal nations, tribal legal departmentsEnvironmental firms, government agencies, NGOs

Contract Tribal Attorneys focus on tribal law and work within tribal governments or courts, while Contract Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental regulations and work with agencies or firms. Both roles require legal credentials but serve different industry needs and legal jurisdictions.

What are Contract Tribal Attorneys?

Contract Tribal Attorneys are licensed lawyers who are hired on a contractual basis to represent Native American tribes in legal matters. They may provide legal advice, draft documents, handle negotiations, and represent tribes in court or before government agencies. Their work often covers areas such as tribal sovereignty, land rights, natural resources, and federal Indian law. Unlike full-time in-house counsel, contract attorneys work for a set period or on specific projects, providing specialized expertise as needed by the tribe.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Tribal Attorneys, and how can they be addressed?

Contract Tribal Attorneys often navigate complex intersections of federal, state, and tribal law, which can present unique legal and jurisdictional challenges. They must also build trust and effective communication with tribal councils and community members, sometimes across diverse cultural perspectives. Staying current with evolving laws and maintaining cultural sensitivity are essential for success. Regular professional development, open dialogue with tribal leadership, and collaboration with other legal professionals can help address these challenges.
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What cities are hiring for Contract Tribal Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Contract Tribal Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tribal Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Tribal Attorney jobs are:
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Contract Tribal Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Tribal Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,188 per year, or $57.3 per hour.
Tribal Attorney

Tribal Attorney

Nooksack Indian Tribe

Deming, WA • On-site

$61.09 - $75.12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

JOB LOCATION: DEMING WA

Nooksack Indian Tribe

Job Description



JOB TITLE: Tribal Attorney

DEPARTMENT: Office of Tribal Attorney

REPORTS TO: Senior Tribal Attorney

STATUS: Full Time/Exempt

WAGE GRADE: O

Hourly Rate: $ 61.09 to $ 75.12



SALARY AND BENEFITS


  • Competitive salary DOE, COLA and merit increases as approved.
  • Employer Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Basic Employee Life and Accidental Death and Disability – Equal to one year’s salary.
  • Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability
  • 401(k) and up to 4% Employer Contribution Match
  • Paid Leave: Annual, Sick, Bereavement, Cultural, Jury Duty
  • Holidays and Closures: Approximately 24 holiday and administrative closures annually.


SUMMARY:


At the direction of the Senior Attorney, the Tribal Attorney provides legal advice to the Nooksack Tribal Council, the Nooksack Tribe’s governmental departments and its separate entities. The Tribal Attorney will represent the Nooksack Indian Tribe in matters brought in Tribal, State and Federal courts, code writing, administrative hearings and legal research and writing.


EDUCATION, LICENSING AND EXPERIENCE:


  • A Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school.
  • Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association and a member in good standing of the Nooksack Tribal Court Bar or obtain membership within sixty (60) days of date of hire.
  • Qualified applicants must have at least three (3) years’ experience or demonstrated experience in one or more of the following subject matter areas: criminal law and prosecution preferred, civil procedure, trial practice; Indian Child Welfare Act; legal writing, drafting and negotiating contracts, drafting statutes policies and procedures, litigation, constitutional or business law; representing public private entities, natural resources tribal jurisdiction, gaming, taxation, and/or Federal Indian law.
  • Must demonstrate excellent legal research, writing and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to organize and maintain clear, concise, and accurate records, and follow office procedures.
  • Experience in cross cultural working environments and cultural competency preferably with Federally recognized Indian tribes.


ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


  • Provide legal advice and representation on a broad range of legal issues to the Nooksack Tribal Council, the Nooksack Tribe’s governmental departments and its separate entities.
  • Review, negotiate and draft contracts, resolutions and other legal documents, including but not limited to revising the Tribal Constitution, codes, and policies.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with Tribal officials, employees and the community.
  • Manage case load, prepare cases up to and including trial in criminal and civil matters.
  • Utilize best practice methods to perform legal research and writing in drafting memorandums, contracts and pleadings.
  • Continue professional development, including continuing legal education and/or training in the areas of Indian law, criminal law, law enforcement, Indian Child Welfare Act, natural resources, and other issues relevant to job duties.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Tribal Attorney.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Must pass alcohol/drug test(s) and criminal background check(s) at time of hire and throughout employment.
  • Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements.
  • Must pass all Nooksack Tribal hiring prerequisites.
  • The standard work week is 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday (occasionally may have to work evenings/weekends).
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods.
  • Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, and telephone system.
  • Ability to lift up to 20+ pounds without assistance.
  • Read, write, speak and understand English.
  • Be able to walk/drive between various office locations.
  • Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip from assigned work areas.
  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication abilities to enable the employee to communicate effectively.
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form.
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to enable the employee to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to enable the employee to efficiently function in a general office environment.

HOW TO APPLY

  • To apply you must complete the application, submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
  • Apply through the Nooksack Indian Tribes Human Resources Department website at: https://nooksacktribe.org/departments/humanresources/