Friday Job Announcements

Arianna Morseau

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

In the email body:

  • A typed brief description of the position which includes:
  • Position title
  • Location (city, state)
  • Main duties
  • Closing date
  • Any other pertinent details, such as a link to the application
  • An attached PDF job announcement or link to the position description

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Probation Officer/Specialty Court Coordinator. Harbor Springs, MI. The LTBB Tribal Court is looking for a person with a probation officer background who wants to do more than compliance, but who instead wants to help people change their lives for the better. The Specialty Court Coordinator does this by running the Tribal Court’s Specialty Court programs and probation program. Open until filled.

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate-Tribal Court

Tribal Prosecutor. Agency Village, SD. It is the duty of the Prosecutor, among others, to administer justice, and catTies the responsibility that defendants are accorded procedural justice and that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence as required by the Law and Order Code of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. The Prosecutor is responsible for the prosecution of all crimes that occur within the jurisdiction of the Lake Traverse Reservation, prosecute all juvenile cases including but not limited to child abuse, neglect, dependency, unruly and delinquent cases. Open until filled.

University of Oklahoma College of Law

Eugene Kuntz Chair in Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources. Norman, OK. The Eugene Kuntz Chair is named after an OU professor who achieved legendary status in the field of oil and gas law. Funding for the Kuntz Chair is provided by gifts from former students, friends, and the family of Eugene Kuntz. OU, with support from the Kuntz Chair endowment, offers a competitive salary plus significant support for research and travel. Open until filled.

Menominee Indian Tribe

Assistant Tribal Attorney. Keshena, WI. The Assistant Tribal Attorney (ATA) shall work under and at the direction of the Director of Legal Division-Tribal Attorney (DLD-TA). The ATA will represent the interests of the Menominee Tribal Government, the Menominee Tribal Administration, the Menominee Tribal programs and other Menominee Tribal government/programmatic interests as directed by the DLD-TA. Closing date: October 28, 2022.

Children’s Code Prosecutor. Keshena, WI. Under the direction and supervision of the Legal Division Director, the purpose of the position is to manage the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin’s Chapter 278 Children’s Code caseload and provide senior level leadership in the development of Title IV-E program in relation to Tribal Government practices. Closing date: September 30, 2022.

Big Fire Law and Policy Group

Tribal Government Attorney. Winnebago, NE.  Seeking candidates with at least 5 years of tribal government experience to join our Firm. The right candidate will provide guidance to Tribes and tribal entities on a variety of matters including agreements and contracts, advising on impact of pending legislation, drafting ordinances, advising on policies and procedures, guidance on land management, and provide in-person support as needed during Tribal Council, committee, and other meetings.  

Associate Attorney – Economic Development and Cannabis. Omaha, NE.  Seeking candidates with a minimum of 3 years of economic development and cannabis experience to join our Firm. The right candidate will have the opportunity to work on cases in a variety of areas including entity formation, governance, tax exemption and compliance, formation of commercial agreements, loan documents, and development of programs to assist community economic opportunities. This position also includes navigating legal processes, regulations, and compliance within the cannabis industry.

Litigation Attorney. Omaha, NE.  Seeking candidates with 5-10 years of litigation experience to join our metropolitan Omaha, Nebraska office (remote possible). The right candidate will have the opportunity to work on cases in a variety of areas including constitutional law, environmental law, real estate, employment, tax issues, corporate/business matters, and complex federal, state and tribal court litigation at both trial and appellate levels.

Policy Attorney/Lobbyist. Washington D.C.  Seeking candidates with 3-5 years of policy and advocacy experience with tribal governments to join our Washington D.C. office.  The right candidate will have a significant history working with tribal communities, Capitol Hill, or regulatory agency experience and demonstrate excellent communications skills. This position is responsible to track and monitor key developments at the White House, in Congress and at federal agencies; attend and summarize Congressional hearings and press events; schedule and attend Congressional meetings and coordinate and prepare materials for those meetings. 

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribe

Chief Judge. Palm Springs, CA. Under direction of Tribal Council, the Chief Judge is responsible for presiding over and adjudicating a variety of judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI/Tribe), while protecting and enhancing the Tribe’s sovereignty. In addition, the Chief Judge is responsible for the overall development, management and success of the ACBCI Tribal Court. Closing date: 10/31/2022 or until filled.

Office of the Federal Defender – District of New Mexico

CJA Administrative Assistant. Las Cruces, NM. Works closely with the Courts, the Federal Public Defender and the Defender Services Office to improve the quality of representation and the efficient management of the CJA Panel. In this position, the assistant will work closely with the CJA Resource Counsel primarily in managing panel appointments and processing payment vouchers. Applications must be received by September 26, 2022.

Judicare Legal Aid

Staff attorney – Indian Law Office. Wausau, WI. Maintain caseload on behalf of Native American clients in both civil and criminal matters in tribal court or arising under federal or tribal law. Civil case areas include Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), custody/placement, guardian ad litem (GAL), divorce, and estate planning. Educate and serve Native Americans statewide on areas of civil and criminal law. Participate in tribal court development, code drafting, and community education projects. Carry out training and back-up assistance to private attorneys. Closing Date: Until Position is Filled.

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP

Summer Law Clerk. Oakland, CA. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school.  Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred.  Applicants must also possess excellent analytical, research and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced and fun environment. Applications due: November 4, 2022.

California Indian Legal Services

Staff Attorney. Sacramento, CA. Supervised by the Directing Attorney, the Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with other staff to provide exceptional legal services in all areas of federal Indian law. The Staff Attorney will assume a varied case load. Staff Attorney client development responsibilities include developing and maintaining effective relationships with tribes and Indian organizations in the service territory, including all funding sources, and ensuring that the office pursues and secures meaningful opportunities to work with tribes, Indian organizations, and Indian individuals throughout the service territory. Open until filled.

Squaxin Island Tribe

Legal Director. Shelton/Olympia, WA. Provides day to day administration of the department including policy development, facilitation, and implementation of programs assigned to the department on an on-going or temporary basis. Open until filled.

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Tribal Attorney. Ignacio, CO. A strong command of Federal Indian law and understanding of tribal sovereignty in this position is essential, as is an ability to provide legal advice on a variety of topics in a fast-paced environment. This position requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience practicing law, including significant Indian law experience. The deadline for applications is 5:00 MDT on October 3, 2022.

Department of Agriculture Office of the General Counsel

Supervisory General Attorney. Any OGC location. Provide legal counsel on a broad range of tribal and Native American law issues across all mission areas for the Department. Coordinate with client agency leadership on tribal and Native American law issues. Work collaboratively with OGC regional and headquarters staff attorneys in seeking solutions to Native American legal issues. Coordinate with legal counsel for other federal agencies and executive leadership regarding tribal and Native American law issues involving USDA. Supervise staff attorneys engaged in legal work associated with Forest Service and Natural Resource Conservation Service programs. Draft and review legal documents involving tribal and Native American programs. Assist with training others within the Department on Native American law issues. Assist with legislative drafting and review of legislative proposals. Closing date: September 21, 2022.

Earthjustice

Associate Attorney – Climate & Energy. Washington D.C. or New York, NY. Earthjustice seeks an Associate Attorney to join our team focusing on advocacy and litigation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other federal agencies and in the courts to stop a buildout of new gas infrastructure projects. The position will be based preferably in our New York or Washington, D.C. offices, although applicants seeking to work in other locations where Earthjustice has an office will also be considered. Closing date: Sept 25, 2022.

Deputy Managing Attorney. Denver, CO. Join our team of lawyers and advocates working to eliminate the U.S.’s dependence on coal-fired power generation by 2030, decrease the impact of fossil-fueled power generation on the health and well-being of local communities, and to halt a growing rush to gas-fired generation and promote clean energy in its stead. Open until filled.

Michigan State University College of Law

Professional Aide. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law seeks a temporary, full-time professional aide to work in the Dean’s Suite. This position will provide support for special projects related to our accrediting agency as well as special projects from the Dean’s Office. Deadline to apply is October 7, 2022.

Assistant/Associate Professor Tenure System. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law invites applications for full-time, entry-level, tenure-track faculty positions. Curricular needs include contracts and commercial law, family law, health care law and policy with an emphasis on inequities in public and private health care systems, race and the law, criminal law, trusts and estates, international law, and constitutional law. Open until filled.

Associate Professor – Tenure System. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law invites applications from entry-level or lateral candidates for the inaugural 1855 Professorship in the Law of Democracy. This full-time, tenure-system position will focus on legal inequities in the democratic process. Open until filled.

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure System. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law seeks entry-level and lateral candidates with research and teaching interests related to Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, or the International Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples who will also affiliate with the Law College’s Indigenous Law and Policy Center. Open until filled.

Specialist – Teacher-Fixed Term. East Lansing, MI. The College of Law Special Projects Coordinator will teach in the Global Food Law Program, develop new areas of curricular needs, recruit instructors and an advisory board, develop a web blog and social media outreach plan, assist Advancement with fund-raising efforts as needed, and oversee the application for a partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Open until filled.

Senior Director of Development/Development Officer III/S. East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University College of Law seeks an accomplished, strategically minded, results-oriented development professional to serve as Senior Director of Development. In partnership with a dynamic dean, the Senior Director will plan, implement, lead and provide strategic direction to a program that includes major gift fundraising, leadership annual giving and alumni engagement. Deadline to apply is September 22, 2022.

Office of the Attorney General for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Staff Attorney. Choctaw, MS. Under the direction of the Tribe’s Attorney General, the Staff Attorney is responsible for providing general legal services to the tribal government. Please see position description for more information. This position closes 09/26/2022.

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

Staff Attorney. Webster, WI. Position is responsible to assist the Tribal Court with legal research, drafting of opinions, collaborating with the Office of General Counsel on projects, code writing/revision, and will assist with the daily Tribal Court operations. Closing date – Until filled.

Fort Berthold Housing Authority

RFP – Administrative Law Judge. New Town, ND. Preside over FBHA OEH eviction proceedings, issue subpoenas, review all pleadings submitted prior to the hearing, research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedential decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions, explain the procedures for the eviction hearing to the parties before beginning the proceeding, ensure that due process is afforded all parties, render a written decision within seven (7) working days of the hearing date, make a decision based solely on the evidence that is admitted in the case, maintain the confidentiality of all information and documents obtained in the course of proceedings, provide written recommendations for improvement of the functioning of the OEH Office to the FBHA Board of Commissioners. Open until filled.

Public Health Law Center

Executive Director. Saint Paul, MN. Will have a unique opportunity to advance the work of the Center. With a staff of 35, the Center is poised for a significant period of growth. While the Center is physically based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the Executive Director will be able to perform their duties remotely within the continental United States. The next Executive Director will be joining a fiscally sound organization with reliable funding relationships and a deeply credible reputation across the field of public health law and policy. Open until filled.

University of Wisconsin – The Great Lakes Indigenous Law Center

Director. Madison, WI. The directorship can either be more academic (and tenured or tenure-track), or more teaching-focused (with an emphasis on professional training in U.S. Indian Law for law students). Please see the link for more information. Closing date: open till filled, with the last full consideration date of October 9, 2022.

Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General

Principal Tribal Court Advocate. Window Rock, AZ.  Performs 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. Child Support Enforcement: Present child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Participate in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; provide legal advice and case strategy. This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally represents 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. The Principal Attorney works 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. The Principal Attorney provides 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.

Principal Attorney. Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government; Review documents, such as service contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participate in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. This position is open until filled.

Senior Attorney (Tax and Finance Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Respond to Requests for Services and other legal inquiries from clients, particularly in the area of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and federal Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF). Perform legal research and provide legal advice orally and in writing.  Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; as well as advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. Participate in Legislative Branch and Executive Branch meetings, including Standing Committee meetings and Council Sessions, regarding approval of FRF expenditure plans and the planning and implementation of FRF programs and projects, in order to respond to legal questions pertaining ARPA and the use of FRF.  This position is open until filled.

Attorney (Litigation Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Legal work related to federal, Navajo Nation, and state court and administrative tribunal representation of the Navajo Nation Government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General of the Litigation Unit or the Office of the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General, including legal research, pleading drafting, and settlement negotiation for Litigation Unit of the Department of Justice. Review of proposed disciplinary actions by Navajo Nation government programs for compliance with Navajo Nation Personnel Policies Manual and Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Drafting of proposed Navajo Nation legislation, regulations, and policies. Other duties as assigned.  This position is open until filled.

Senior Programs and Projects Specialist. Window Rock, AZ.  Under the supervision of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General will provide high level assistance to the Office of the Attorney General/Department of Justice (DOJ) with program/project management related to DOJ’s work with Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF) matters. Assists in analyzing, developing, and achieving short and long term goals and objectives; establishes performance criteria; and plans, evaluates and improves program delivery; Attends a variety of meetings related to FRF/ARPA; assists OAG with preparation for meetings and events; coordinates program activities and communications with other Navajo Nation offices and the general public. Administers FRF funding for DOJ in compliance with FRF and American Rescue Plan Act requirements, policies and procedures under federal and Navajo Nation law. Assists in development of budget. Assists with procurement of goods and services pertaining to DOJ’s FRF-related work; reviews contracts; troubleshoots issues with procurement and vendors; monitors expenditures; prepares funding reports.  This position is open until filled.

Attorney (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government in reviewing documents, such as services contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participates in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects.  This position is open until filled.

Attorney Candidate. Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, the Attorney General, or the Deputy Attorney General, provides legal direction to Navajo Nation Divisions, Departments and offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory authority, contracts and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; Assists Attorneys; prepares and presents civil cases in tribal court and administrative bodies; confers and provides guidance, and prepares advisory opinions for assigned departments and branches of the government; prepares interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; reviews contracts, leases, permits and related documents; interviews witnesses, complainants, and others on a variety of legal matters; conducts legal research, prepares briefs, pleadings and other legal documents.  This position is open until filled.

Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor

Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ.  Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); research and study of 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; prepares oral arguments, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; attends juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Makes decisions in sensitive case and seeks assistance as needed in the juvenile matter.  This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled.

Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ.  Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); research and study of 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; prepares oral arguments, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; attends juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Makes decisions in sensitive case and seeks assistance as needed in the juvenile matter.  This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled.

Senior Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code and present major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts. Reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; collaborates with law enforcement agencies; and negotiates settlement with opposing parties. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled.

Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM.  Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research.  This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled.

Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ.  Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research.  This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled.

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