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 Land
Acquisition and Project Specialist 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.
Assist with preparation of materials related to
tribal governance matters, including resolutions, ordinances, bylaws,
compacts, agreements, and formal letters.
Draft, edit and format legal documents,
correspondence, memoranda, resolutions, comments, and reports for review
by attorneys and senior staff.
Compile and organize supporting documentation for
submissions to federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., BIA, DOI, state
agencies).
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
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 (if applicable).
The Circle offers medical, dental, vision and 401k benefits with an employer match.
Salary DOE