Senior Pojoaque Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The In-House Counsel provides legal advice and support to a variety of enterprises, including Buffalo Thunder, Inc., Pojoaque Gaming, Inc., Pueblo of Pojoaque Development Corporation, the Pueblo of Pojoaque Economic Corporation, and their executive leadership, management, and operational departments. The position serves as a trusted legal advisor on the day-to-day operation and development of the casino, resort, hospitality, entertainment, real estate, development, and related business activities.
The position requires a strong understanding of Federal Indian law, Tribal sovereignty, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), Tribal gaming laws and regulations, contracts, employment law, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions.
The attorney will work closely with the CEO, COO, CFO, business GM's, casino management, finance, human resources, compliance, security, procurement, information technology, and outside counsel to identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and protect the interests of the Tribe and its gaming and business enterprises.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Legal Counsel and Business Advice

1. Provide day-to-day legal advice and counsel concerning the operation and management of the Tribal gaming enterprise and related business activities.
2. Advise CEO, COO, CFO, senior management, and department heads regarding legal rights, obligations, risks, and available courses of action.
3. Identify legal and regulatory risks and provide practical, business-oriented recommendations for addressing them.
4. Conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda, opinions, correspondence, reports, and other legal documents.
5. Monitor developments in Federal, Tribal, state, and administrative law affecting the Tribe, gaming enterprise, and related businesses.

Contracts and Commercial Transactions

1. Draft, review, negotiate, and interpret a broad range of contracts and commercial agreements, including:

• Vendor and supplier agreements;
• Entertainment and promotional agreements;
• Hotel and hospitality agreements;
• Food and beverage agreements;
• Construction and development agreements;
• Technology and software agreements;
• Licensing agreements;
• Employment and executive agreements;
• Confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements;
• Leases and property agreements;
• Financing and banking documents; and
• Other agreements necessary for the operation and development of the enterprise.

1. Develop and maintain contract templates, standard terms, legal forms, and contract-review procedures.
2. Assist business units in negotiating agreements while protecting the Tribe's legal, financial, sovereign, and business interests.

Employment and Labor

1. Advise Human Resources and management concerning employment and personnel matters, including hiring, discipline, termination, accommodations, workplace investigations, wage and hour issues, leave, employee policies, and workplace compliance.
2. Review and advise concerning employee handbooks, personnel policies, disciplinary procedures, separation procedures and employment-related agreements.
3. Assist with administrative charges, employee disputes, threatened litigation, and employment-related investigations.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

1. Manage and coordinate litigation, claims, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, mediations, and other disputes involving the gaming enterprise.
2. Coordinate with and supervise outside counsel when specialized expertise or representation is required.
3. Assist management in evaluating claims, potential litigation exposure, settlement options, and dispute-resolution strategies.
4. Represent the enterprise in appropriate Tribal, state, federal, or other forums when authorized and legally permissible.

Tribal Law and Sovereignty

1. In concert with the Tribe's In House Counsel, ensure all contracts and business arrangements provide appropriate protections concerning Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, dispute resolution, and limited waivers of sovereign immunity.
2. Work collaboratively with the Tribes General Counsel, Tribal Council, Tribal Court, and other Tribal governmental entities when matters overlap between the gaming and business enterprises and Tribal government.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Governance

1. Assist in developing and maintaining enterprise-wide legal and regulatory compliance programs.
2. Advise on privacy, cybersecurity, data protection, consumer protection, advertising, accessibility, alcohol regulation, health and safety, environmental matters, and other laws applicable to casino and resort operations.
3. Assist with internal investigations and legal reviews of potential violations of law, policy, or regulatory requirements.
4. Assist management executive leadership with governance matters, resolutions, delegations of authority, policies, and corporate or enterprise documentation.
5. Maintain appropriate legal records and ensure that legal matters, contracts, opinions, and significant regulatory communications are properly documented.

Tribal-State and Governmental Relations

1. Assist with legal matters involving the State of New Mexico and its agencies, including matters arising under the Tribal-State Gaming Compact and applicable state regulatory requirements.
2. Monitor proposed federal and state legislation, regulations, and administrative actions that could affect Tribal gaming or the enterprise.
3. Assist Tribal leadership and management in evaluating legislative and regulatory developments and, when requested, preparing comments or other responses.

Outside Counsel and Legal Department Management

1. Recommend when outside counsel should be retained and assist in selecting, managing, and evaluating outside legal counsel.
2. Monitor outside counsel budgets, invoices, litigation strategy, and work product.
3. Help establish efficient legal processes for contract review, regulatory compliance, litigation management, and legal-risk identification.
4. Provide training to management and employees concerning relevant legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
5. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the CEO, COO, or appropriate enterprise leadership.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law and membership in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any New Mexico or Tribal licensure or authorization required for the position.
• Minimum of [3-5] years of legal experience, preferably including in-house, Tribal, gaming, regulatory, commercial, or employment-law experience.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters and competing deadlines in a fast-paced business environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience representing a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Tribal enterprise.
• Knowledge of Federal Indian law and Tribal sovereignty.
• Experience with IGRA and Tribal gaming regulation.
• Experience working with a Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority and/or NIGC.
• Experience with Tribal-State gaming compacts.
• Experience negotiating commercial contracts and business transactions.
• Experience with casino, resort, hospitality, entertainment, or gaming operations.
• Experience managing outside counsel and litigation.
• Familiarity with Tribal codes, ordinances, resolutions, and Tribal governmental structures.
• Experience working collaboratively in a cross-cultural environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of applicable legal principles and regulatory requirements;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional legal writing and contract-drafting abilities;
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical business advice;
• Ability to work effectively with Tribal leaders, executives, regulators, managers, employees, vendors, and outside counsel;
• Strong organizational and project-management skills;
• High degree of professional judgment, discretion, and integrity; and
• Commitment to protecting Tribal sovereignty while supporting the economic success of the gaming enterprise.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is primarily performed in an office and casino/resort environment. The attorney may be required to attend meetings with Tribal leadership, regulatory authorities, vendors, business partners, outside counsel, and other stakeholders.
Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work and travel may be required based on business, regulatory, litigation, or Tribal governmental needs.
The position may be subject to a background investigation and any licensing, suitability, or regulatory requirements applicable to employees of the Tribal gaming enterprise.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The attorney will have access to highly confidential legal, financial, personnel, regulatory, business, and Tribal governmental information and must maintain strict confidentiality consistent with applicable law, professional obligations, Tribal law, and enterprise policies.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY / TRIBAL PREFERENCE
The Tribal gaming enterprise is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a professional workplace that respects Tribal culture, sovereignty, and community values.
Indian Preference/Tribal Preference: This position may be subject to applicable Tribal employment preference requirements as follows:
1: Qualified candidates who are enrolled Tribal members of the Pueblo of Pojoaque.
2: Qualified candidates who are not enrolled members of the Pueblo of Pojoaque, but who are spouses, significant others, or children of enrolled members of the Pueblo of Pojoaque.
3: Qualified candidates who are enrolled members of another (non-Pojoaque) Indian Tribe.
4: Other qualified candidates.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. The employer reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities as business and Tribal needs require.