Associate Attorney

About Us: Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is a national law firm dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights of American Indian tribes and organizations. We represent clients in a wide range of matters, including business transactions, litigation, and governmental affairs before tribal, federal, and state courts.

Our Colorado office is located in Louisville, nestled in beautiful Boulder County near trails, parks, and lakes. We are a fast-paced, mission-driven firm with offices in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and North Dakota.

The Opportunity: We are seeking an Associate Attorney to join our dynamic team of legal professionals. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience with a foundation in tribal and federal Indian law and a demonstrated ability to provide legal counsel across a wide range of matters. Strong research, writing, and analytical skills are essential, as well as the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and effectively navigate complex legal issues.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide counsel and legal services to new and existing clients in a professional and timely manner

Represent clients in tribal, federal, and state courts, including hearings and trials

Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, pleadings, agreements, and other legal documents

Communicate effectively with tribal clients and federal, state, and tribal agency representatives

Apply knowledge of legal procedures and case law to effectively advise clients

Participate in business development activities (conferences, seminars, etc.) to build and maintain client relationships

Comply with all court, state bar, and firm policies and procedures

Travel frequently to attend client meetings, hearings, and other matters across the United States

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school

Active membership in good standing with the bar of Colorado or another state jurisdiction

3–5 years of experience working with Indian tribes or tribal entities on legal issues such as business transactions, housing, education, finance, gaming, government affairs, social services, child welfare, energy, natural resources, and taxation

Familiarity with tribal and federal Indian law

Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

Willingness and ability to travel frequently

Compensation: The expected annual salary range for this position is $90,000 – $126,250. Actual compensation will be determined based on various factors, including the candidate’s work location, experience, qualifications, and skills. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on firm and individual performance, and, for attorneys who meet eligibility requirements, an origination bonus for new client business.

Benefits: In addition to the compensation described above, we offer generous benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) contributions

Monthly cell phone stipend

Position Details:

Location: In-person, Louisville, Colorado

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. MT

Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Writing Sample(s)

Application Window: This posting is ongoing; applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. There is no set application deadline.