The posting
Division: Legal Department
Reports to: Deputy Legal Director
Worksite: Tribal Justice Center – Legal Office
LLBO Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
License/Certification Requirements: Valid MN Driver’s License, current insurance or be insurable is preferred.
Summary: The Legal Secretary is a key administrative professional within the Legal Department, responsible for providing administrative, clerical, and organizational support to the attorneys, department leadership, and tribal programs seeking legal assistance. This position plays a critical role in ensuring efficient office operations, tracking legal requests, maintaining compliance with administrative policies, and supporting interdepartmental collaboration.
Education Requirements and Experience:
Two years of experience in technical office work, preferably in a legal office setting with an emphasis on records management, legal administration, and database management is preferred.
High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D).
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Strong knowledge of tribal governance, legal office procedures, and confidential records management.
Experience handling highly sensitive information and maintaining strict confidentiality.
Strong data entry skills with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.
Excellent organizational, multitasking, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple legal administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Strong customer service skills, including handling front desk operations, answering calls, and managing inquiries professionally.
Experience with contract tracking, legal documentation, and database systems (experience with Smokeball or similar case management software is a plus).
Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with various departments.
Prefer Leech Lake enrollee or other Native American status.
Will consider applicants who have demonstrated these skills.
Supervisory Duties:
None
Duties/Responsibilities:
Must have high regard for confidentiality and compliance with legal department policies.
Manage front desk operations, including answering and directing calls, assisting visitors, and managing door buzzer access for legal department clients.
Serve as the primary point of contact for legal inquiries from tribal departments, ensuring proper documentation and tracking.
Enter contract review requests into the case management system for Deputy Director and Director review.
Maintain legal request tracking systems, ensuring timely review and status updates for contracts, agreements, and compliance-related documents.
Assist attorneys with case file organization, scheduling meetings, hearings, and depositions, and managing related correspondence.
Prepare and process legal documents, including legal notices, motions, agreements, and other official correspondences.
Assist attorneys with records management, and gathering relevant laws, policies, and case precedents.
Process incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, and document deliveries related to legal correspondence and case filings.
Track legal deadlines and compliance-related timelines affecting multiple tribal programs.
Order and maintain office supplies to ensure smooth operations.
Attend and participate in mandatory meetings and training as required.
Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold professional ethics at all times.
Adhere to tribal policies governing legal staff conduct and ethical responsibilities.
Travel may be required in and out of the state for training or professional development.
Demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture and tribal governance structures.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
Requires prolonged sitting, with occasional bending, stooping, and stretching.
Requires manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, and office equipment.
Requires normal range of hearing and vision to communicate effectively and prepare accurate reports.
Work is primarily sedentary but subject to internal office conditions.
Non-smoking environment.
