Associate Attorney

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., North Dakota, and New Mexico.

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.

Key Responsibilities:
Provide counsel and legal services to new and existing clients in a professional and timely manner
Represent clients in tribal, federal, and state courts, including hearings and trials
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
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
3–5 years of 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
Compensation: The expected annual salary range for this position is $90,000 – $126,250. Actual compensation will be determined based on various factors, including the candidate’s work location, experience, qualifications, and skills.

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)
Posting Date: October 20, 2025
Close Date: Open until filled

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.

Learn more here