Staff Attorney

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony represents descendants of three Great Basin Indigenous peoples: the Numu (Northern Paiute), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Washeshu (Washoe). These communities lived in harmony with the land for generations before European contact, following seasonal cycles and forming small, efficient social groups for survival. Each group's name means "The People" in their own language, reflecting their deep cultural identity and connection to the Earth. Today, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony continues to honor these traditions while supporting the well-being, culture, and future of its tribal community.

About the Role

The Staff Attorney provides legal counsel and representation to the RSIC Tribal Chairman, Tribal Council, and staff under the supervision of the Senior Staff Attorney, supporting sound governance and defensible decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal opinions with supporting research
• Draft and review ordinances, rules, regulations, applications, and other legal or quasi-legal documents
• Write, review, and approve vendor/consultant agreements
• Develop a searchable database of RSIC laws, resolutions, and records while assisting with a recorder's office
• Research and prepare legal analysis and proposed legislation for the Nevada State Legislature and/or U.S. Congress
• Attend Tribal Council and related meetings to provide counsel
• Deliver requested monthly verbal and written reports

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school at hire
• Minimum 2 years of law practice (tribal government preferred)
• Policy/ordinance/regulatory drafting experience; contract review experience (work product required)
• Knowledge of Tribal, Federal, and Nevada law
• Strong written and verbal English skills
• Advanced computer skills
• Respect for tribal culture
• Eligibility for RSIC Vehicle Insurance Program

Your Typical Day

You'll work onsite at 34 Reservation Road in Reno, collaborating closely with the Senior Staff Attorney and RSIC leadership. Mornings often begin with prioritizing requests for counsel, reviewing drafts in progress, and coordinating with staff to clarify timelines and needed background. Midday may include focused research and writing, followed by check-ins to keep documents moving and records organized. As meeting days approach, you'll prepare to advise in real time—occasionally attending evening Tribal Council sessions and other gatherings in Reno and Hungry Valley. You'll close the week by organizing deliverables, tracking open items, and preparing any requested updates so leadership has clear, timely legal direction.

Benefits

• Medical: Hometown Health PPO Plan (RSIC pays 100% employee-only; cost-sharing for dependent tiers)
• Dental: Lincoln Dental Insurance Plan (RSIC pays 100% employee-only; cost-sharing for dependent tiers)
• Vision: Lincoln Vision Insurance Plan (RSIC pays 100% employee-only; cost-sharing for dependent tiers)
• Life & AD&D: $50,000 policy paid by RSIC (reduces to $25,000 after age 70)
• Optional additional coverages available for purchase (e.g., AFLAC, LegalShield)
• Paid Time Off:
  • Annual Leave: 4 hours accrued per pay period; usable after probation; increases after 5 years per policy
  • Sick Leave: 4 hours accrued per pay period; available for immediate use
  • Paid Holidays: 13 per calendar year
• 401(k): Eligible for employee contributions after 60 days; discretionary RSIC contribution; employer match begins after 1 year

Hiring preference is provided to qualified members of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony followed by members of other federally recognized tribes. Reno-Sparks Indian Colony requires any designated candidate to complete a pre-employment criminal background check, drug screen, and confirmation of professional references.