Attorney

Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Miller & Monkman, LLP is seeking an attorney with at least 6 years of experience for our Anchorage, Alaska office. The attorney in this position may engage in all areas of the firm’s practice, including litigation, general counsel, and transactional work. Applicants should have strong credentials, familiarity with federal Indian law, and a commitment to representing Tribal interests.  Experience working in private practice and providing general counsel services (or equivalent) is preferred. The position has the flexibility to accommodate a hybrid schedule with some work from home, but applicants must be able to work physically in the Anchorage, AK office on a regular basis. Salary depends on experience, with the range starting at approximately $190,000 plus a competitive benefits package.

Sonosky Chambers is a national law firm with offices in Anchorage, AK; Washington, DC; Albuquerque, NM; San Diego, CA; and Portland, OR. For 50 years, we have advocated for Tribes and Tribal organizations in a wide range of endeavors – including trial and appellate litigation, federal Indian law, Tribal law, Indian self-determination and self-governance matters, lobbying, healthcare law, employment law, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and economic development, among others. More details about the firm are available at www.sonosky.com.

Job Responsibilities

The legal needs of our Tribal clients are broad and varied, and we are regularly called upon to provide representation across a wide spectrum of matters. This includes both general counsel and transactional services as well as litigation.  Our experience handling all the legal needs of our Tribal clients is an important asset of the firm. This position may include the following responsibilities, dependent on experience: 

·        Provide strategic legal advice to Tribal clients on a variety of matters, such as personnel issues, healthcare law, Council or board governance, economic development activities, federal funding compliance, environmental compliance and other natural resource issues, construction, contract disputes, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) issues, housing development, and jurisdictional issues.

·        Draft organizational documents, such Tribal constitutions, Tribal codes, corporate documents, and policies and procedures.

·        Draft and negotiate professional services agreements, intergovernmental agreements, leases, RFPs and bid documents, and Indian Self-Determination Act contracts, compacts, and funding agreements, among other types of agreements.

·        Litigate in federal, state and tribal courts and administrative agencies nationwide, at both the trial and appellate level.

·        Build and maintain relationships with new and existing Tribal clients.

·        Help supervise and mentor associate attorneys, summer associates, and staff.

·        Support and contribute to a positive and supportive workplace culture.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

·        Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.

·        Licensed to practice law in Alaska, or eligible to become licensed in Alaska.

·        At least six years of relevant experience, working both independently and in a team setting.

·        Detail-oriented with excellent research, analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

·        Ability to effectively manage a diverse workload, prioritize competing deadlines, and proactively problem solve issues.

·        General counsel experience (or equivalent experience).

·        Commitment to furthering Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

·        Experience working with Tribes and Tribal organizations.

·        Federal Indian law experience.

·        Private practice experience.

This position is open until filled.