Legal Assistant I

Summary:
The Legal Assistant I will provide comprehensive legal support to the organization's Staff Attorney, ensuring the efficient operation of legal processes and the accurate management of case files. This role includes drafting and editing legal documents, conducting legal research, managing correspondence. The ideal candidate must have strong communication skills, a deep understanding of legal procedures, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced legal environment.

Responsibilities:
Document Preparation & Management:
• Draft various legal documents such as letters, memoranda, and other communications based on formats specified by In-House Counsel.
• Review, edit, and revise documents prepared by In-House Counsel before submission to clients, the Board of Directors, and governmental departments.
• Prepare legal documents for signature and ensure proper distribution of executed documents.
• Organize and maintain legal documents and correspondence for easy retrieval and accessibility.

Legal Research & Support:
• Conduct legal and general research using legal research tools, databases, and software to support case preparation.
• Assist In-House Counsel in preparing for trials, hearings, and meetings by gathering and organizing relevant information and materials.

Correspondence & Communication:
• Maintain records of incoming correspondence and action documents, following up on work in progress to ensure timely responses.
• Assist in organizing meetings, including preparing agendas and materials as needed.
• Take and transcribe dictation from shorthand or rough notes when required.

Administrative Support:
• Perform standard office duties, including copying, mailing, and maintaining filing systems.
• Assist with general administrative tasks as assigned by In-House Counsel, Assistant General Managers and General Manager.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions:
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will primarily be performed in an office environment.
• Work will be performed both inside and outside on a regular basis, in most weather conditions.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are required as a normal part of this position.
• Occasional local day travel, Local travel to managed businesses.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk extended period. The employee occasionally is required to bend, climb, stoop, lift, carry, push, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Required Qualifications:
• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, or similar clerical role within a law office or legal environment with familiarity in legal procedures.
• Valid AZ driver's license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.
• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.
• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.
• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Thorough knowledge of legal terminology, forms, methods, and procedures.
• Proficiency in legal research tools, databases, and software.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to proofread and ensure the quality of both numerical and textual data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive legal information.
• Proficiency in business and legal English, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Working knowledge of standard office practices, record-keeping, and equipment operation.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, governmental departments, and external parties.
• Knowledge and experience working with Gila River Indian Community or other Native American Communities.
• Proficient in MS office and other relevant workplace tools.