ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
Colorado
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
Full Time • Colorado
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.
Attorneys at Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP serve as trusted advisors to Tribal governments and enterprises across the United States. Our work frequently involves issues central to Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic development. Associates in this role work closely with Tribal leadership, boards, and departments to help navigate complex legal, regulatory, and jurisdictional issues while supporting the long-term goals of Tribal communities.
This position offers the opportunity to engage deeply with matters that shape governance, policy, and economic development in Indian Country while building lasting relationships with Tribal clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide counsel and legal services to new and existing clients in a professional and timely manner
- 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
- Governance & Advisory:
- Advise tribal governments and enterprises on governance, regulatory compliance, and policy matters
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- Draft and review tribal ordinances, resolutions, and administrative regulations
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- Provide legal guidance to tribal leadership, boards, and departments
- Transactional / Regulatory
- Draft and negotiate contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and commercial agreements
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- Assist tribes with regulatory compliance involving federal and tribal programs
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- Support development of tribal enterprises and economic development initiatives
- Strategic Counsel
- Provide strategic legal guidance on jurisdiction, sovereignty, and federal Indian law issues
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- Work closely with tribal leadership to address emerging legal and policy challenges
- 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
- 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
Benefits: We offer competitive pay commensurate with experience, along with generous benefits, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) contributions
- Supportive, professional, and collaborative work environment
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)
Compensation: $90,000.00 - $126,250.00 per year
OUR MISSION
Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is a majority native-owned law firm. As tribal advocates, there could be no greater honor or privilege than having the opportunity to directly serve tribes in promoting economic development, addressing pressing infrastructure issues, protecting tribal water rights, and advancing the sovereignty and jurisdiction of tribal nations.
Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is dedicated to the representation of American Indian tribes, tribal entities, and individual Indians across the United States. Our mission is to provide superior legal services specifically tailored to meet the needs of our clients — while also honoring the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of those clients.
OUR WORK
We serve as General Counsel and Special Counsel to Indian tribal governments and their enterprises to implement their laws, regulations, policies and priorities for their tribes and members. We work as true partners with every level of tribal governments and their staff to effectuate a plan for the delivery of legal services that is appropriate to meet the challenges and demands of the client.
We also work to prevent attacks on tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction, and ensure that the Federal government upholds its treaty and trust responsibilities to Indian tribes. We resolve issues on the local level, in collaboration with national tribal organizations and through advocacy with law makers in Washington, D.C.
CAREERS
If you are pursuing a career in the legal field and have an interest in federal Indian law, consider joining our team at Native Law Group. With offices in Louisville, Colorado, Fort Yates, North Dakota and Washington, D.C., our firm is dedicated to the representation of American Indian tribes, tribal entities, and individual Indians across the United States.
Being part of Native Law Group means you also are part of a powerful nationwide effort to advance the causes of tribal sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance for the benefit of Tribal Nations.
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