Career Opportunities

• ABOUT THE FIRM:    
• The Circle Law Group, P.C. is an Indian-woman owned law firm in Sacramento, California that represents Indian tribal governments and their wholly-owned entities. We represent tribal clients in land acquisition, fee-to-trust, government-to-government negotiations, gaming matters, economic development financing, land use planning, taxation, cultural resource protection and representation related to internal tribal governance matters. We represent tribal governments and their business entities across the state of California and in western states. A qualified attorney candidate will work in the Sacramento office and work under the mentorship of Michelle Lee. We are seeking a qualified applicant who will primarily focus on gaming and economic development. A qualified applicant with five (5) or more years of gaming experience may work hybrid or remotely (DOE). Position open until filled.  
  
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• RESPONSIBILITIES: 
• 1. Provide counsel and legal services to clients as well as represent clients in a professional manner while maintaining express confidentiality.
  
•  2. Travel to off-site meetings with current clients as needed, which may be in the evening and/or on a weekend.
• 3. Apply knowledge of business issues, legal procedures, cases, statutes, and other regulatory authority to effectively counsel clients.
• 4. Communicate with opposing counsel through personal contact, telephone/email and facsimile to expedite cases to closure.  
• 5. Conduct legal research by preparing legal memoranda and necessary pleadings required in all aspects of state, federal and tribal litigation matters on an as needed basis.
  
• 6.  Appear at hearings and trials as needed and/or assigned.
  
• 7. Draft tribal legislation, codes, regulations, agreements, as needed.  
• 8. Analyze and review legal documents, as needed.  
• 9. Interface with clients on a continuous basis.  
• 10. Comply with all court and state bar licensure obligations. 
  
• 11. Comply with employee handbook and other firm policies.  
• 12. Participate in panels at conferences, trade shows, and seminars to maintain and build client relationships and enhance professional capabilities.
  
• 13. Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
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• REQUIRED SKILLS:                         
• Working understanding of federal Indian law principles and tribal sovereignty
  
• Excellent verbal communication skills
  
• Excellent written communication skills
  
• Experience using law firm technology
• Project management ability            
  
• Well-developed presentation skills            
  
• Ability to record time daily and work independently             
• Literate in Microsoft Office programs, Adobe and Timeslips software                         
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• EDUCATON/TRAINING:                        
  
• Degree:  Juris Doctorate from an ABA Accredited University             
• License: California State Bar license required   
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• OTHER REQUIREMENTS:               
• Driver’s License             
• Writing sample             
• Federal Indian law program certificate or equivalent experience   
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• ANNUAL SALARY RANGE:  
• The annual salary is $120,000 and up depending on experience. Experience with tribal gaming issues in California will result in a higher base salary. We seek to develop attorneys who become shareholders and have written policy for advancement and ownership in the firm for qualified candidates.   
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• The Circle also offers medical, dental, vision and 401k benefits with an employer match.   
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• Please submit the following:
  Cover Letter
  Resume
  Documentation of California State Bar admission
  Writing Sample
  Applicants with less than five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney must also submit an Official/Certified Law School Transcript
  

ABOUT THE FIRM: 
The Circle Law Group, P.C. is an Indian-woman owned law firm in Sacramento, California that represents Indian tribal governments and their wholly-owned entities. We represent tribal clients in land acquisition, fee-to-trust, government-to-government negotiations, gaming matters, economic development financing, land use planning, taxation, cultural resource protection and representation related to internal tribal governance matters in California and across Western States. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Paralegal/Office Assistant to work at our Sacramento office to support the day-to-day functioning of the legal practice by assisting with legal drafting, research, document management, client communications, and administrative coordination. The ideal candidate is dependable, proactive, comfortable handling sensitive information, and interested in tribal law, public policy, and land and environmental issues. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Legal & Paralegal Support 
1. Conduct legal and factual research on tribal law, federal Indian law, environmental and cultural resources law, land-into-trust matters, title reports, land mapping, easements, and related regulatory frameworks. 
2. Track deadlines, reporting requirements, and deliverables related to grants, consultations, hearings, and administrative proceedings. 3. Assist with preparation of materials related to tribal governance matters, including resolutions, ordinances, bylaws, compacts, agreements, and formal letters. 
4. Draft, edit and format legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, resolutions, comments, and reports for review by attorneys and senior staff. 
5. Compile and organize supporting documentation for submissions to federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., BIA, DOI, state agencies). 
6. Maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems for client matters, including version control and document indexing. 
Administrative & Office Support 
1. Prepare meeting agendas, take notes or minutes when requested, and assist with follow-up action items. 
2. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive legal, cultural, and governmental information at all times. 
Project & Client Support 
1. Support tribally led projects by helping assemble grant materials, compliance documents, and narrative descriptions. 
2. Assist with public comment letters, policy responses, and advocacy-related submissions. 
3. Help coordinate information flow between attorneys, clients, technical consultants, and government agencies. 
4. Monitor relevant agency notices, hearings, or regulatory developments affecting tribal clients. 

QUALIFICATIONS 
Required 
Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in paralegal studies, legal studies, or Bureau of Indian Affairs programs, especially the fee-to-trust process. 
Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. 
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and comfort learning document management systems. 
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and reliability. 
Preferred 
Paralegal certificate or prior experience in a law firm, tribal government, nonprofit, or public-sector setting. 
Familiarity with federal Indian law, tribal governance, environmental law, land use, or administrative law. 
Experience in drafting formal correspondence, resolutions, or regulatory comments. 
Experience working with or for Native American Tribes or Indigenous organizations. 
Strong research skills, including use of legal and governmental research resources. 
Core Competencies 
Organizational excellence and follow-through. 
Clear, precise legal and professional writing. 
Respect for tribal sovereignty and cultural sensitivity. 
Ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative team. 
Sound judgment and confidentiality. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EXPECTATIONS
Full-time in person position. 
Regular interaction with tribal representatives, government officials, and legal professionals. 
Work will involve time-sensitive matters tied to hearings, consultations, or regulatory deadlines. 

Please Submit the Following: 
Resume 
Cover Letter 
Writing Sample 
Paralegal Certification or other documentation that satisfies CA BPC §6450. 

The Circle also offers medical, dental, vision and 401k benefits with an employer match. 
Salary DOE