Turtle Talk

To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send the following information to indigenous@law.msu.edu: 

In the email body: 

• A typed brief description of the position which includes: 
  1. Position title 
  2. Location (city, state) 
  3. Main duties 
  4. Closing date 
  5. Any other pertinent details such as links to the application 
• An attached PDF job announcement. 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Department of the Interior – Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs, Office of Regulatory Development. Supervisory Regulatory Compliance Specialist. Location Negotiable After Selection, United States. Duties: 1) Supervises the Office of Regulatory Development staff and performs the full range of supervisory duties; 2) Performs duties of a highly sensitive nature and maintains sensitive personal contacts with Department officials and high level staffs of other Federal agencies regarding policies, programs, and issues; 3) Ensures that Indian trust resource management programs are consistent with Departmental policy initiatives; 4) Prepares, reviews and drafts agency correspondence, regulations, proposed legislation, legislative reports and correspondence to members of Congress; 5) Recommends changes in policy when such changes will be more consistent and aligned with other programs within the Department as well as being more in line with other Federal programs that affect Indian rights. Closing date: 02/01/2022. Additional details available here: https://go.usa.gov/xt8mV.

Washburn University School of Law

Visiting Assistant Professor. Topeka, KS. Duties include: (1) Teaching full-time in the clinic and/or part-time in the clinic with other courses; (2) If the position is converted to a tenure-track appointment, the incumbent is responsible for fulfilling teaching, scholarship, and service expectations associated with a tenure-track appointment; and (3) Engaging in service activities in the department, university, and profession. Please see the position description and this site for further information. Interested candidates should send a resume, a cover letter and the names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references to facultytalent@washburn.edu and include “Visiting Assistant Professor, F2771221” on the subject line. Review of applications will begin January 31, 2022, and continue until the position is filled.

Visiting Assistant Professor. Topeka, KS. For the 2022-2023 academic year to teach legal writing. The position responsibilities include teaching a full load of first-year legal writing course sections as well as service activities in the department, university, and profession. We seek engaging candidates who value and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices. Application review will begin January 25, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send a resume, a cover letter and the names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references to facultytalent@washburn.edu and include “Visiting Assistant Professor, Legal Writing” on the subject line. Full details can be found at: Visiting Assistant Professor of Law (washburn.edu)

Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage. This role is a full-time, non-tenure track 12-month faculty appointment beginning as soon as possible but no later than August 2022. This position is located at Washburn School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. The position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in implementing programs to improve the skills necessary for student success in law school, the bar exam, and in law practice; teaching a full workload that may include in-person and online courses; and providing academic support to students during law school and as they prepare for the bar exam. We seek engaging candidates who value and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices. Application review will begin January 31, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and the names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references to facultytalent@washburn.edu and include “Visiting Assistant Professor, Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage” on the subject line. Full details can be found at Visiting Assistant Professor of Law/Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Passage (washburn.edu)

Visiting Assistant Professor for the 2022-2023 academic year to teach courses in Washburn Law’s doctrinal curriculum. This position is located at Washburn School of Law in Topeka, Kansas. Particular interest is for applicants wishing to teach Professional Responsibility, Civil Procedure, and two other courses. This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure track faculty position. Application materials should clearly articulate the candidate’s record of work supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and state how the candidate will contribute to Washburn University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The position responsibilities include teaching a full workload to include in-person and/or online courses; developing law school classes and seminars; engaging in service activities in the department, university, and profession. Application review will begin January 31, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and the names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references to facultytalent@washburn.edu and include “Visiting Assistant Professor, F2910122” in the subject line. Full details can be found at Visiting Assistant Professor of Law (washburn.edu)

Harvard University

Native American Program Executive Director. Cambridge, MA. Duties include: (1) Providing leadership in strategic planning, operational goal-setting, and program evaluation; (2) Managing annual budgeting process, proposal writing, grants management, fundraising, routine reporting, space planning, human resources, program policies, timely communications, and external relations; (3) Supervising program staff by planning and delegating work, contributes to staff mentorship and development, communicate performance expectations; (4) Developing new initiatives, cultivating collaborative partnerships, and overseeing related activities; (5) Facilitating vibrant networking, collaboration, and consultation between and among students, faculty, and staff across campus; (6) Supporting innovative interfaculty and interdisciplinary research and teaching projects; (7) Initiating formal relationships between the program and Harvard schools and other administrative offices in order to enhance and streamline policies and practices to better serve the HUNAP community (e.g., through recruitment, retention, student affairs, alumni engagement, and professional development); and (8) Serving as a campus resource for consultation on NAI issues and concerns. Please see the position description for further information.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Assistant Professor – Communication Studies – Focus on Indigenous Rhetoric and Communication. Wilmington, NC. The indigenous rhetoric position will teach in our online M.A. integrated marketing communication (IMC) program. Our students in our online IMC program are largely from North Carolina, and we have students and alumni who work in tribal government (Lumbee) and/or who are Lumbee, Waccamaw Siouan, and Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. The position is for assistant professor rank and with a 3/3 teaching load. The interview process for the positions will be held virtually. The link can be found here: https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/22300. The priority application review date is January 24, 2022, but we will be accepting applications through February 7.

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Program Analyst (Water Rights Coordinator). Albuquerque, NM. Duties include: (1) Designing, planning, and coordinating the investigation, analysis and technical preparation for Indian water rights cases, including litigation reports and position papers; (2) Developing a technical basis for Indian title or claim to natural resources to permit effective advocacy for the Indian rights or interest involved; (3) Analyzing data collected in support of Indian water rights claims; (4) Reviewing technical and legal documents such as court decrees and legal opinions regarding Indian and non-Indian water rights; (5) Preparing supporting documentation for court action such as litigation reports, position papers, and exhibits; (6) Representing the BIA in negotiating Indian water rights and resulting settlement; (7) Analyzing settlement terms to determine if appropriate and comport with the Federal Trust responsibilities; (8) Implementing Indian water rights settlements; and (9) Prescribing technical tasks required by the legislation and negotiation of ancillary agreements. Please see the position description for further information. Interested applicants should apply by February 14, 2022.

The Yakama Nation

Staff Attorney – Office of Legal Counsel. Toppenish, WA. Duties include: (1) Providing a full range of legal services needed by the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, Tribal Programs and departments, as well as Yakama Nation enterprises as directed and where there is no conflict of interest; (2) Providing legal advice on questions related to federal, state and tribal law, the Treaty of 1855 and Tribal Sovereignty; (3) Assisting the Lead Attorney, Staff Attorney III’s and Staff Attorney II’s, to provide legal advice, consultations, and presentations; (4) Performing legal research, reviewing contracts and other legal documents, drafting memos, resolutions, letters, agreements, codes, contracts, policies, and any necessary pleadings; (5) Serving as co-counsel on cases in Yakama Nation, federal or state courts; and (6) Researching and analyzing material on recent developments in Indian Law, information is reviewed with Lead Attorney to determine the effect on the Yakama Nation and presented to Tribal leadership. Please see the position description for further information. Interested candidates should apply by February 7, 2022.

Assistant Tribal Prosecutor. Toppenish, WA. Duties include: (1) Providing attorney services in tribal, state and federal courts for the Yakama Nation; (2) Representing the Yakama Nation in criminal prosecutions, civil matters including the Indian Child Welfare Act and dependency matters, may serve as legal advisor to law enforcement; (3) Coordinating with police jurisdictions and other agencies to ensure prosecution activities to serve the interests of the Yakama Nation in protecting the safety of the community; and (4) Maintaining contact with attorneys and other jurisdictions regarding tribal, state, and federal court matters affecting the Yakama Nation. Please see the position description for further information. While the selected applicant will be expected to prosecute all types of cases that come under the purview of the YN Prosecutor’s Office, this position will focus primarily on juvenile dependency and ICWA cases. 
Interested candidates should apply by January 31, 2022.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Chief Judge. Siletz, OR. Duties include: (1) Administering the Tribal Court; (2) Performing all judicial and court functions of the Tribal Court, provided, that the Chief Judge may delegate his or her administrative authority to an Associate Judge or other appropriate person upon budgetary approval by appropriate tribal officials; and (3) The Chief Judge may serve as Presiding Judge of the Siletz District Court, Siletz Gaming Court, or Siletz Court of Appeals, as appropriate. This position is open until appointed by the Tribal Council. If interested in possible appointment as the Chief Judge for the Siletz Tribal Court, please submit your resume to: Siletz Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, Oregon 97380.

Indian Health Service Branch, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel

Attorney Advisor. Rockville, MD. Duties include: (1) Providing legal services to the Indian Health Service, the federal healthcare provider for American Indians and Alaska Natives; (2) Providing legal advice on the implementation and operation of various health care programs; (3) Working closely with agency staff who negotiate contracts with tribes for health program administration; (4) Defending challenges to agency actions before administrative law judges and assist the Department of Justice with cases brought in Federal court; and (5) Reviewing the implications of proposed legislation on the IHS health delivery program. Please see the position description for further information. Interested candidates should submit application materials (see position description for details). The position is open until filled.

Navajo Nation

Principal Tribal Court Advocate – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing legal work related to representation of the Navajo Nation government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General, including legal research, negotiations, legal writing, drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, resolutions and other documents for the divisions, departments, or programs assigned; (2) Child Support Enforcement: Presenting child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) Participating in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; and (4) Providing legal advice and case strategy.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit) – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally representing the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, in state administrative water rights matters and in any settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights; (2) Working closely with technical staff within the Water Rights Unit Staff, Department of Water Resources and other programs within the Navajo Nation, and with consultants retained to provide technical support to the Nation or to serve as expert witnesses; and (3) Providing legal advice on all water rights matters to the Office of the President and Vice President, the Office of the Speaker, the Navajo Nation council, and its committees and subcommittees and the Navajo Nation Water Rights commission (NNWRC) to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are effectively pursued and protected.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Programmer Analyst – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Under general direction of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, performing a variety of complex duties such as installing, programming, maintaining, and saving of organization’s digital information within the Office of the Attorney General; (2) Serving as a resource person with regard to matters relating to information systems, development and implementation of security controls, efficient use and maintenance of system and equipment; (3) Facilitating implementation management information systems; (4) Installing and maintaining servers on local area networks; (5) Performing network device configurations, workstation set ups, and assigning nodes or network address definitions; installs and monitors performance of servers on local area networks; and (6) Maintaining knowledge of current trends in hardware and software technology relating to the practice of law, selecting the most feasible and economic methods to operate existing system. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney (Water Rights Unit) – Office of the Attorney General. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Representing the Nation on water rights matters, including the adjudication of water rights in administrative, state and federal courts for the purpose of securing and protecting the Nation’s water rights; (2) Working directly and indirectly on settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights, including the implementation of successful settlements; (3) Working closely with legal and technical staff within the NNDOJ Water Rights and Natural Resources Units, Department of Water Resources, Water Management Branch, other programs within the Nation, contract counsel, and with consultants retained to provide technical support or to serve as expert witnesses; (4) Providing legal work, legal research, and preparing legal memorandums, briefs, pleadings and other documents necessary for litigation and settlement purposes; and (5) Drafting, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting judicial decisions, legislation, contracts, leases, permits and other related documents. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Attorney, (Human Services/Government Unit). Under general direction of Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Providing legal direction to Navajo Nation Division, departments, Navajo Nation Council and committees regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory compliance, contract and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; (2) Performing professional legal work in research, trial and other legal work; (3) Conferring with, providing advice to, and preparing advisory memorandums for various departments and branches of the Navajo Nation; (4) Preparing interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; (5) Reviewing contracts, leases, permits and related documents; (6) Interviewing witnesses, complainants, and other on a variety of legal matters; (7) Conducting legal research, preparing briefs, pleadings and other legal documents; and (8) Assisting in routine operations of Department of Justice. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney, (Human Services/Government Unit). Under general direction of Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Providing legal direction to Navajo Nation Division, departments, Navajo Nation Council and committees regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory compliance, contract and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; (2) Performing professional legal work in research, trial and other legal work; (3) Conferring with, providing advice to, and preparing advisory memorandums for various departments and branches of the Navajo Nation; (4) Preparing interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; (5) Reviewing contracts, leases, permits and related documents; (6) Interviewing witnesses, complainants, and other on a variety of legal matters; (7) Conducting legal research, preparing briefs, pleadings and other legal documents; and (8) Assisting in routine operations of Department of Justice. This position is open until  January 27, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; (5) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; and (7) Making decisions in sensitive case and seeking assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; (5) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; and (7) Making decisions in sensitive case and seeking assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Shiprock, NM. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; (2) Reviewing citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; (3) Interviewing witnesses, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (5) Preparing a legal strategy; (6) Preparing and presenting criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; (7) Preparing legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other required documents for court presentation; (8) Providing training to Prosecutors and Juvenile Presenting Officers and on request to law enforcement personnel; (9) Collaborating with law enforcement agencies; (10) Presenting major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts; This position is sedentary with a potential for high levels of stress. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases including appellate cases, reviews police, social service, and related reports/complaints, and other law enforcement documents and reports; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; (5) Drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; (7) Identifying and subpoenaing witnesses, records and other information required to present the case; (8) Preparing legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; (9) Assisting/collaborating other Juvenile Presenting Officers, law enforcement personnel, social services workers, and etc.; and (10) Presenting complex adjudication in family courts. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Tuba City, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; (5) Drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; (7) Identifying and subpoenaing witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; and (8) Assisting/collaborating other Juvenile Presenting Officers, law enforcement personnel, social services workers, and etc. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until January 21, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; (2) Reviewing citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; (3) Interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; (4) Determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; (5) Drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; (7) Gathering and compiling evidence, identifying and subpoenaing witnesses, records, and other information required to present the case; (8) Preparing and presenting criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; (9) Preparing legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; and (10) Performing extensive legal research. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Supreme Court Law Clerk, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position analyzes supreme court cases; conducts legal research; drafts opinions and orders; and provides legal advice related to appellate cases, petitions, notices and other documents filed with the Navajo Nation Supreme Court. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position closes January 31, 2022.

Judicial Hearing Officer, Chinle, Judicial District, Chinle, Ariz. Under supervision of the Chief Justice, exercises authority to preside over hearings and dispositions involving the Domestic Abuse Protection Act and Álchíní Bi Beehaz’áannii Act occurring within the respective jurisdiction of the District Courts of the Navajo Nation; performs related work as assigned. The JHO will engage in legal research and writing in child welfare, domestic abuse, temporary minor or adult guardianship, child custody and other family matters. One Year Grant Funded with Benefits. For more information, please visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

Staff Attorney, Chinle Judicial District, Chinle, AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

Staff Attorney, Kayenta Judicial District, Kayenta, AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. The District Court Judge is responsible in presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases; provides policy direction and guidance in the operation of the Judicial District.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.  

Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court

Chief Judge. Rosebud, SD. Duties include: (1) Administration of all divisions of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Court, including the Juvenile Court, which shall be administered by the juvenile Court Judge, under the supervision of the RST Chief Judge; (2) Supervising all RST Associate Judges, Magistrate Judges, RST Civil Court Advocates, RST Court Services Officer, the RST Administrative Director, and Clerk of Courts; and (3) The RST Chief Judge will have final approval for the appointments of “Special” Prosecutors, Public Defenders, and Judges. Please see the position description for further information. Interested candidates should contact Cheryl Rogers, Director of Administration, at 605-747-2278 or at Cheryl.Rogers@rstjustice.org for further information.

Tanana Chiefs Conference

Associate Counsel. Fairbanks, AK. Duties include: (1) Assisting the General Counsel in all matters assigned to the legal division; (2) Handling general legal matters; (3) Participating in the development of TCC policies, procedures and programs and providing continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters; (4) Representing the company in legal proceedings, and assisting with the coordination and management of outside counsel and litigation; (5) Interacting with members of TCC, the legal profession, officials of state and federal government, and others as assigned by the President or General Counsel; (6) Coordinating with management, auditors, accountants and other staff; (7) Meeting with clients including staff, member tribes and partners; (8) Assisting programs in negotiation and draft commercial, construction, contractual and other agreements; (9) Keeping informed of industry-specific regulations and ensuring that appropriate risk management strategies are in place; and (10) Providing legal advice and services on issues concerning the rights, obligations, and privileges of the organization and member tribes. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.

The Catawba Nation

Summer 2022 Internship. Rock Hill, SC; Remote. The Catawba Nation is seeking candidates for its summer 2022 Legal Internship.Interns will assist the Nation’s Legal Department by researching pertinent issues, attending meetings, and drafting ordinances, memoranda, and policies. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, interns will be asked to work remotely. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and law school transcript by January 14th, 2022 to Lydia Locklear, Deputy Tribal Attorney, Lydia.locklear@catawba.com.

Kanji & Katzen, PLLC

Associate Attorney. Seattle, WA; Ann Arbor, MI; or remote. Our nationwide legal practice focuses on the representation of tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal members.  Ideal candidates will have a keen interest in and knowledge of environmental and natural resources law, in addition to federal Indian law.  However, prior experience in the fields of Indian and/or environmental law are not pre-requisites to employment.  Applicants should have at least 2 years of litigation experience after a judicial clerkship or law school.  The firm offers competitive compensation and benefit packages, and an opportunity to hone advocacy skills in a wide variety of interesting settings. To apply, please send by email a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, a writing sample, and references, to employment@kanjikatzen.com.  We prefer to receive the application documents combined into a single pdf file. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Phil Katzen at pkatzen@kanjikatzen.com. The position is open until filled.

The Tohono O’odham Office of Attorney General

Assistant Attorney General – two openings. Sells, AZ. The Tohono O’odham Office of Attorney General is hiring two (2) Assistant Attorneys General.  The Office of Attorney General represents the interests of the Tohono O’odham Nation in tribal, state, and federal venues.  While the two postings are for an Assistant Attorney General IV, the Office of Attorney General will consider applicants with less than eight years of experience. Attorneys enjoy a diverse practice, face challenging jurisdictional issues, and protect tribal sovereignty.  Knowledge of federal Indian Law is preferred but not necessary. Position classifications are as follows: Assistant Attorney General I (1 year of legal experience); Assistant Attorney General II (3 years of legal experience); Assistant Attorney General III (6 years of legal experience); and Assistant Attorney General IV (8 years of legal experience). Interested candidates should send their resume to Attorney General Howard M. Shanker at Howard.Shanker@tonation-nsn.gov . Please call Mr. Shanker at (520) 349-0559 if you have any specific questions. 

Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP Native Law Group

Summer 2022 Law Clerk Position. Native Law Group is currently seeking candidates for its Summer 2022 Clerkships in both of our office locations: Louisville, Colorado and Washington, D.C. Please indicate your office preference in your cover letter. Qualifications include: (1) Must have completed 2L year by Summer 2022; (2) Native American Law coursework completed by clerkship start date; (3) Excellent research abilities; and (4) Excellent written and oral communication skills. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, law school transcript, letter of recommendation, and references to Firm Administrator Erin Obray at eobray@nativelawgroup.com by the deadline of January 21st, 2022.

Senior Associate Attorney. Louisville, CO. Duties include: (1) Providing counsel and legal services to new and existing clients as well as representing clients in a professional and expedient manner; (2) Participating in business development functions (conferences, seminars, etc.) as requested to maintain and build client relationships as well as expand business opportunities; (3) Applying knowledge of legal procedures and previous cases to effectively counsel clients; (4) Conducting legal research by preparing legal memoranda and necessary pleadings required in all aspects of tribal, federal, and state litigation matters; (5) Appearing at hearings and trials including hearings in tribal courts; (6) Drafting agreements and analyzing legal documents; and (7) Complying with all court, state bar and inter-office policies and procedures. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, professional references, and law school transcripts to Erin Obray, Firm Administrator, eobray@nativelawgroup.com. The position is open until filled.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe

Attorney General. Pine Ridge, SD. Duties include: (1) Being the Law Enforcement Officer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe; (2) Prosecuting and representing the Oglala Sioux Tribe in all major criminal and civil cases filed by the Attorney General’s Office, including cases that involve public officials; (3) Being responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Attorney General’s Office, including the supervision of all civil or criminal cases filed by the Attorney General’s Office before the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court; (4) Assisting the Legal Department of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and committees of the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council on revisions to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Law and Order Code and Court Rules; (5) Assisting the Legal Department of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in legal disputes with the Federal Government, State Government, and other entities or individuals; (6) Advising Tribal Police Officers on all legal matters; (7) Issuing directive(s) to the Chief of Police to conduct criminal investigations; (8) Issuing directives regarding law-enforcement procedures to the Chief of Police to protect the Civil Rights of Tribal Members; (9) Upholding the integrity and independence of the Tribal Court, and the OST Constitution and By-Laws; and (10) Upon the request of the Law and Order Committee of the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council, the Attorney shall provide a report containing aggregate data on the number of prosecutions brought by the Oglala Sioux Tribe in cases in which the United States Attorney office has declined prosecution. The Attorney General and the prosecutors working under the Attorney General shall have prosecutorial discretion. Please see the position for further information. Interested candidates should submit a complete OST Application for Employment to Stacy Two Lance, Secretary of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, P.O. Box 2070, Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770 – Call (605) 867-8468 or email: StacyTL@oglala.org. The positon is open until filled.

OST Marijuana Commissioner and Alternates. The Oglala Sioux Tribal Council is now accepting Letters of Intent for persons who are interested in serving as an (1) COMMISSIONER AND (1) ALTERNATE for the OST Marijuana Commission (“Commission”). The Commission is a three member commission appointed by the Tribal Council and are seeking ALTERNATE commissioners should a vacancy occur. Duties include: (1) Obtaining the latest training on marijuana laws and scientific and commercial developments involving marijuana cultivation and use; (2) Developing a written system of regulations and procedures for licensing persons who wish to participate in marijuana cultivating, brokering, handling, processing, transporting and testing; (3) Developing additional procedures for the destruction of marijuana crops, and additional standards for the marketing of marijuana within the territory of the Oglala Sioux Tribe; (4) Maintaining a formal record, including a legal description of each of the sites where marijuana activity is allowed under a Commission approved license, along with a detailed description of the approved activity, and a record of all persons which have applied for and/or received any type of marijuana license under this Ordinance; (5) Developing and implementing procedures and minimum requirements for ensuring the proper inspection, testing and sampling of marijuana plants, marijuana cultivated, stored, transported, processed, possessed or used within the territory of the Tribe; (6) Developing and implementing minimum standards and procedures for background checking and licensing all labs, technicians and other scientific professionals performing the various marijuana related tests required by the Commission; (7) Developing and implementing procedures for background checking and licensing all applicants for the various marijuana licenses authorized by this Ordinance and Commission regulations; (8) Developing and implementing a procedure for ensuring that all marijuana related licenses are granted on an impartial basis in the best interest of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and in compliance with applicable tribal law; (9) Developing and implementing additional standards and procedures for refusing a marijuana related license and revoking or suspending any marijuana related license granted by the Commission; (10) Developing and obtaining approval of an annual budget; (11) Providing a quarterly report to the Tribal Council or such Tribal committee; (12) Developing and implementing a working relationship with tribal, state and federal law enforcement and the tribal business license and the TERO programs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and all other federal regulators and enforcement arms involved with the enforcement arms of federal and tribal narcotics laws. Interested candidates should submit Letters of Intent (see position description for requirements) to Stacy Two Lance/OST Secretary, PO Box 2070, Pine Ridge, SD 57770 or email to: Stacytl@oglala.org.