Staff Attorney - Corporate/Finance/Complex Transactions

Under the direction of the Managing Attorney, the Staff Attorney – Corporate/Finance/Complex Transactions is expected to utilize best practices in (i) providing transactional document review and expertise for general and complex transactions and investments, (ii) providing strategic legal direction on legal services rendered by outside legal counsel, where appropriate, and (iii) delivering legal counsel and advisory services on emerging issues related to the Tribe’s government and its enterprises.

The Staff Attorney’s responsibilities will include delivery of strategic legal support in the areas of contracting and procurement-related activities, finance, investments, corporate development, corporate governance, taxation, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, information technology, and other transaction‑related areas, in furtherance of attaining enterprise goals while minimizing legal and financial exposure.

This position requires a self‑motivated, driven, team‑oriented individual comfortable working in a dynamic and entrepreneurial tribal government environment engaged in a diverse growth strategy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in counseling enterprise departments as to diverse legal issues relative to the Tribal government and its business enterprises, including in the areas of finance, direct and indirect investments, taxation, contracting and other procurement‑related activities, information technology, corporate development, and intellectual property matters, and including through effective and cost‑efficient selection and oversight of outside counsel, as applicable.
• Negotiates, drafts and reviews documents related to complex and daily operational transactional matters, including, without limitation, construction, real estate, development, and general business contracts, while collaborating regularly with the Tribe’s department leaders to assess and address the pertinent issues.
• Provides legal advice and support for major/complex transactional matters with Legal Department leadership guidance, including legal due diligence, necessary organization financing, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and other transactional areas for the Tribe and its affiliates.
• Prepares legal documents related to legal entities including resolutions, by‑laws, meeting minutes, and other organizational documents, and supports corporate secretarial functions and related corporate filings.
• Analyzes and collaborates with Tribal leaders, Tribal Citizens, and departmental leaders in drafting of Tribal laws, regulations, and policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant legal work experience as a licensed attorney.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• A demonstrated ability in exercising the utmost discretion with confidential information.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with business partners and stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working with tribal governments is preferred.
• Extensive working knowledge of commercially applicable federal and state laws and best practices is preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Must be an active member in good standing of the State Bar of California.
• As a condition of employment with the Tribe’s Legal Department, incumbents are required to undergo and successfully pass pre‑employment and annual post‑employment background investigations including, but not limited to, Live‑Scan fingerprinting, drug screening and criminal history background check.
• Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits are required. The role will not operate or drive Tribe‑owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

• Primary work environment is climate‑controlled office setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast‑paced, high‑demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time, constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copier, and computer printer.
• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: the worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.