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Tribal Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prepares and presents cases for prosecution and adjudication in the Washoe Tribal Court. Confers ... Meets with defense attorneys, advocates, pro se parties and other representatives to discuss ...

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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 ... Attorney with approximately 2-5 years of experience preferred, primarily in contracts, business ...

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The Staff Attorney will lead the Tribal Government support staff in Tribal Council business to include, but not limited to, meeting planning; logistical support; agenda and meeting packet preparation ...

The Staff Attorney will lead the Tribal Government support staff in Tribal Council business to include, but not limited to, meeting planning; logistical support; agenda and meeting packet preparation ...

The Staff Attorney will lead the Tribal Government support staff in Tribal Council business to include, but not limited to, meeting planning; logistical support; agenda and meeting packet preparation ...

Corporate Attorney Portland, Maine Drummond Woodsum seeks an attorney to join its business services ... Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises and individuals. We recognize that our greatest asset is our ...

Corporate Attorney Portland, Maine Drummond Woodsum seeks an attorney to join its business services ... Tribal Nations and Tribal enterprises and individuals. We recognize that our greatest asset is our ...

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Tribal Attorney information

See salary details

$50K

$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do tribal attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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.
What cities are hiring for Tribal Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Tribal Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Tribal Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Tribal Attorney jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Tribal Attorney jobs? The top employers for Tribal Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Tribal Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Tribal Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Tribal Attorney job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,815 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Corporate Counsel

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

Minneapolis, MN

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

***This Job is located in Flandreau, SD***

JOB SUMMARY: The Corporate Counsel, under the interim direction of the Tribal Attorney General, will be tasked with the responsibility of advising on and advocating for economic development ventures and projects of the Tribe and its tribal businesses, including but not limited to Royal River Casino & Hotel, Native Nations Cannabis, and 605 Lending. The Corporate Counsel will work closely with business partners, consultants, vendors, elected officials, and outside legal counsel to fulfill the position’s obligations. The Corporate Counsel will also assist on other matters assigned related to his/her representation of the Tribe. This position will require knowledge of cannabis law, tribal lending, gaming, land acquisitions, and business development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • The attorney shall perform legal services as requested by the Tribe as its Corporate Counsel. The duties required of the Corporate Counsel shall be subject to the interim supervision and direction of the Attorney General before eventually being transitioned to the supervision and direction of the Tribe’s Executive Committee.

  • The Corporate Counsel will be primarily responsible for the commercial representation of the Tribe’s economic development and tribal business needs. Said legal services may include but are not limited to attendance at Board of Directors meetings and others relevant to the position, assisting with tribal business formations, mergers, and acquisitions, advising relevant parties, including the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, of applicable legal, policy, and business matters, assertion of any valid claims through appropriate legal proceedings, preparation and review of legal documents, assistance in commercial negotiations, preparation and execution of any settlement agreements, representation before appropriate agencies, tribunals, and legislative bodies, and other legal matters as may be specified by the Executive Committee.

  • Facilitate and engage in strategic planning with the Tribe’s Executive Committee and business managers to ensure their economic goals and objectives are being met or how to better reach them.

  • Advise on issues related to the Tribe’s involvement with its businesses and the governance thereof.

  • Assist in ensuring the Tribe and its tribal businesses are compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Assist in mitigating the Tribe’s and its business’ overall legal risk.

  • Conduct due diligence reviews on potential and actual business transactions (and associated parties therewith) and will assist with drafting and negotiating the terms of a business transaction.

  • Manage and assist with lawsuits and other legal disputes involving the Tribe, its tribal businesses, and/or personnel in their official capacity.

  • Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating collaborative engagement with other Tribes and tribal businesses as requested and assigned.

  • Train, assist, and advise relevant tribal business personnel, including managers, human resources, and compliance staff, to ensure compliance with relevant tribal and federal laws and regulations.

  • Serve as the main legal point of contact on the Tribe’s economic development and tribal business expansion projects.

  • Recommend to the FSST Attorney General and Executive Committee, any revisions and amendments to the Tribe’s Codes and other codes as needed to advance the business interests of the Tribe.

  • Advising or presenting to tribal government departments, programs, committees, commissions, and other regulatory bodies as assigned.

  • Drafting legal memos, pleadings, and other correspondence as required by the Tribe and/or as assigned.

  • Identify, research, review, and advise on legal issues impacting the Tribe, its departments, programs, and businesses relevant to the position.

  • Regularly present updates to the Attorney General, Executive Committee, tribal business’ Board of Directors, managers, and relevant staff.
    This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. A skilled Corporate Counsel will identify other duties that need to be completed, and other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFCATIONS:

  • Must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota, or any other state bar, and can be admitted in South Dakota within three (3) months of employment.
  • Must have at least four (4) years of experience as a practicing attorney, with experience in Indian Law, Tribal Business/Economic Development, Cannabis Law, Gaming, Tribal Lending, and/or a combination thereof.
  • Must have a juris doctorate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
  • No felony or misdemeanor convictions involving a crime of moral turpitude.
  • Must be able to efficiently utilize Microsoft Office and Westlaw.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.

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