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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: Full Time/Exempt WAGE GRADE: O Hourly Rate: $ 61.09 to $ 75.12 SALARY AND BENEFITS * Competitive ...

Ketchikan Indian Community

Tribal Attorney

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

Developing Tribal resources and infrastructure, defending and preserving Tribal Sovereignty, and reaching and expanding Tribal self-sufficiency through the exercise of inherent sovereign rights. This ...

Yurok Tribe

General Counsel

Klamath, CA · On-site

Office of Tribal Attorney Opening Date: 08/20/2025 Closing Date: Continuous POSITION SUMMARY POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Yurok Tribal Council, the General Counsel will ...

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$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do tribal attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for tribal attorney in the United States is $120,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Tribal Attorney typically collaborate with tribal councils and other governmental entities?

A Tribal Attorney works closely with tribal councils by providing legal advice, drafting legislation, and representing the tribe in negotiations or litigation. They frequently collaborate with federal, state, and local government agencies to protect tribal sovereignty and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of tribal, federal, and state law are essential, as the role often involves coordinating with diverse stakeholders, attending council meetings, and managing multiple legal projects simultaneously.

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

To thrive as a Tribal Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a deep understanding of federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with tribal court systems or federal court procedures, are often essential. Excellent negotiation, cultural competency, and strong communication skills help build trust and effectively represent tribal interests. These skills are crucial for navigating complex legal landscapes, advocating for tribal rights, and ensuring compliance with unique governmental structures.

What Does a Tribal Attorney Do?

As a tribal attorney, you specialize in the law and governing within Native American and Indian tribes, which is separate and distinct from local, state, and federal government law. You utilize your knowledge of tribal law, including state-by-state jurisdiction details, and how it impacts tribal lands. In this role, you may represent entire Native American and Indian tribes or individual members within the tribe's legal system or within the legal system of the United States. These jobs are available everywhere in the country but are more common near tribal lands. Aside from using and referencing some laws that most lawyers never deal with, the duties of this job are otherwise similar to those of regular attorneys.

What is the difference between Tribal Attorney vs Tribal Lawyer?

AspectTribal AttorneyTribal Lawyer
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, tribal law knowledgeJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission, tribal law knowledge
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, tribal councils, courtsLegal offices, tribal councils, courts
Employer & IndustryTribal governments, law firms specializing in tribal lawTribal governments, law firms specializing in tribal law

Both Tribal Attorneys and Tribal Lawyers typically hold similar credentials and work in tribal government or legal settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, but "Tribal Attorney" may emphasize a formal legal role, while "Tribal Lawyer" is a broader term. Understanding these nuances helps in job searches and career planning within tribal legal services.

What are Tribal Attorneys?

Tribal Attorneys are lawyers who provide legal representation and counsel to Native American tribes, tribal governments, or organizations. They handle a wide range of legal matters, including tribal sovereignty, land rights, governance, contracts, and disputes with federal or state agencies. Tribal Attorneys play a crucial role in protecting tribal interests, ensuring compliance with laws, and advocating for tribal rights and self-determination. Their work often involves a deep understanding of federal Indian law, tribal law, and sometimes state law as it relates to Native American communities.
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Tribal Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tribal Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,815 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Tribal Attorney

Nooksack Indian Tribe

Deming, WA • On-site

$61.09 - $75.12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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/