Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Nature of Work: The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community seeks a legal assistant or paralegal to join its legal department, the Office of the Tribal Attorney (OTA). The qualified applicant will join an eight attorney - four legal assistant office, reporting to the department director and the Tribal Prosecutor. The Tribal Prosecutor enforces laws through criminal and civil proceedings in the Swinomish Tribal Court and through referrals. The Tribal Prosecutor also handles some civil non-litigation matters on behalf of the OTA.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent experience. The position involves complex paralegal duties requiring a high degree of knowledge of legal concepts, issues and research. Applicants should have excellent written and oral communication skills, be detail-oriented, highly organized, possess the ability to work independently, meet strict deadlines and work in a largely paperless office and a cross-cultural setting. Responsibilities of the position include preparing/filing/serving court documents and discovery packets, managing electronic and paper files, filing, scanning, copying, and maintaining calendar/tickler systems, as well as data entry conforming to office standards. An ideal candidate would have substantial knowledge of or professional experience in the criminal justice system, a demonstrated commitment to working with Native or other minority communities and/or restorative justice, and be able to effectively communicate with victims and witnesses, defense counsel, court and social programs staff. The ideal candidate for this position would also have an aptitude for working with litigation support technology programs and be able to perform legal and factual research, draft legal documents including motions, pleadings, agreements, contracts, resolutions and ordinances, prepare routine correspondence, maintain our law library, and assist with trial preparation including witness lists, exhibits and trial binders. The position also supports the OTA in some civil and administrative matters, including risk management programs, housing and child dependency matters.
Location: Tribal offices are located in the Swinomish Village on the beautiful Swinomish Indian Reservation at the southeastern end of Fidalgo Island in rural Skagit County, Washington, across the Swinomish Channel from La Conner, WA. The Tribal offices are located 90 minutes north of Seattle, and 90 minutes south of Vancouver, Canada.
Hours: This is a full-time position. Office hours are 8 – 6 Mon – Wed, 8 – 5:30 Thurs.
Salary: Negotiable depending upon experience. Generous leave benefits. Full time compensation includes a medical, dental & vision health plan, 401(k) plan, and other fringe benefits. Native American hiring preference will be in effect during the selection of candidates.