Friday Job Announcements

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

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Law Clerk. Cherokee, NC. Law school graduate who assists the Tribal Court in researching issues and drafting court and administrative documents, and ordinances and regulations. The Law Clerk performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Justice, Chief Judge, or Associate Judge(s). Position is open until filled.

The California Natural Resources Agency

Deputy Director for Tribal Nature-Based Solutions. Sacramento, California. The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is hiring an Environmental Program Manager I (Supervisory) to serve as Deputy Director to lead the effort to establish and implement the newly created Tribal Nature-Based Solutions program. The Deputy Director will advance strategic priorities in coordination with the Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, state agencies and departments, tribes, local governments, and members of the public to identify opportunities to support increased tribal access and co-management of lands and natural resources, ancestral land return, and the implementation of tribally led Nature-Based Solutions projects as defined by the California Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy and the California Pathways to 30×30 document. Applications close November 18, 2022.

Native American Rights Fund

Blaustein Fellow. Boulder, CO. Work with NARF Staff Attorneys and NARF clients in all aspects of complex impact litigation, including factual and legal research, discovery, motion practice, trials, appeals, and amicus briefs; identify and research tribal sovereignty issues, and write demand letters, legal memoranda, and advocacy letters; represent NARF and NARF clients before various community and stakeholder groups; represent NARF clients before federal and state agencies and in regulatory proceedings; build and lead coalitions with diverse stakeholders and work in partnership with other organizations. Position is for two years only and is not a guarantee of full-time NARF employment after the end of the fellowship. Closing Date: December 9, 2022.

Rothstein Donatelli, LLP

Associate Attorney. Santa Fe, NM & Tempe, AZ. Rothstein Donatelli has offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tempe, Arizona. The Indian law practice in Santa Fe specializes in federal Indian law, including gaming, economic development, water rights, land rights, civil litigation, and transactional matters. Tempe specializes in federal Indian law, including gaming, economic development, Indian Child Welfare Act, Indian health law, labor and employment law, and transactional matters. Rothstein Donatelli is committed to advancing the sovereign rights of Native American tribes. Open until filled.

The National Indian Health Board

Policy Analyst- Federal Relations. Washington, D.C. The Policy Analyst work will involve monitoring regulations and agency activity, policy, and budget analysis; Tribal Consultation; technical assistance to Tribal leaders and representatives, federal agency officials, and other policymakers through service on various federal Tribal Advisory Committees; and special projects related to health care, with a focus on those that impact AI/AN health. The Policy Analyst will also work with the rest of the Federal Relations team to develop strategies to advance other aspects of NIHB’s Legislative and Policy Priorities. Position open until filled.

Federal Relations Programs Coordinator. Washington, D.C. The Federal Relations Programs Coordinator (FRPC) will focus on coordinating day-to-day operations relating to projects and initiatives that support the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Care Reform Policy Committee (MMPC). The FRPC is also tasked with assisting the Federal Relations Director, who is responsible for facilitating Tribal Consultations between the federal government and various Tribal leaders, representatives, and organizations. The FRPC will provide technical support and coordinator for several Tribal Advisory Committees. The FRPC will also design and implement program activities, complete deliverables, prepare reports, create tools for Tribal leaders, evaluate projects, meet with federal Project Officers, and utilize evaluation information to improve performance. Position open until filled.

Peebles, Kidder, Bergin, & Robinson, LLP

Paralegal. Sacramento, CA. A certificate from an ABA accredited school in Paralegal Studies is required. At least three years of experience is desired and experience in Federal Indian Law would be a huge benefit. Application period to remain open until filled.

Summer 2023 Law Clerks. Sacramento, CA. Rapid City, SD. Louisville, CO. Topeka, KS, and Washington, D.C. Our firm is beginning to review applications for our 10-week summer law clerk positions. Applications will be reviewed through Jan. 2023 with interviews scheduled shortly thereafter.

Mystic Lake Casino

Deputy General Legal Counsel. Prior Lake, MN. Performs legal services and direct legal representation for federally recognized tribal government, its departments, and enterprises as full-time, in-house attorney. Responsible for providing legal counsel in a number of different legal areas, including but not limited to federal Indian law, gaming, gaming regulation, employment, contracts, trademark, cybersecurity, insurance, environmental, construction, and tribal law. Work on tasks, as directed by General Legal Counsel, Tribal Council, and elected tribal Boards; and in collaboration with President/CEO and other Executive Management Staff. Deputy General Legal Counsel shall act as Interim General Legal Counsel in the absence of General Legal Counsel.

The Wilderness Society

Senior Staff Attorney & Staff Attorney. Washington, DC, Denver, CO, Bozeman, MT preferred. Other TWS locations may be considered. The Sr. Staff/Staff Attorney will engage in agency decision-making processes to build a strong record for eventual administrative challenges or litigation and bring legal and policy expertise to priority place-based and national campaigns and related litigation. The Staff Attorney will work in close coordination across TWS departments such as strategy and policy, field and landscapes, conservation campaigns, and external affairs, and collaborate with partners, Native American tribes, and outside legal counsel. Application Deadline: November 9th

Arctic Landscape Director. Anywhere in Alaska. The Arctic Landscape Director is a member of The Wilderness Society’s (TWS) Regional Conservation team who will collaboratively develop and lead the organization’s work in the Arctic, one of TWS’s priority landscapes, covering approximately 136.7 million acres in Alaska’s arctic. The primary responsibility of the Landscape Director is to effectively lead a Landscape Team—a cross-functional, cross-departmental team of TWS staff working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to develop and execute a landscape strategy that will materially advance TWS’s Strategic Framework. Application Deadline: November 7th

Wyoming State Sr. Manager. Western WY. The Senior Manager will develop and lead major aspects of the organization’s work in Wyoming, including supporting TWS’s regional and national campaign or policy priorities tied to our collective impact results. The person in this role will be central to partner and philanthropic relationships in the state, support TWS’ landscape conservation work in close partnership with the relevant landscape director and team, as well as help advance community-led conservation to ensure all people in the state benefit equitably from public lands. Application Deadline: November 13^th.

Berkey Williams LLP

Of Counsel Attorney. Davis, CA. Advocate for clients in a variety of practice areas, including ICWA, employment, healthcare, natural and cultural resource protection, land rights and acquisitions, water rights, and governance. Includes drafting tribal codes, policies, and ordinances; litigation in state, federal and tribal courts; advocacy before administrative and legislative bodies; and conducting trainings on various topics for tribal leadership. Closing date November 15, 2022.

Environmental Law Institute

Public Interest Environmental Law Fellowship. Washington, D.C. The Public Interest Law Fellow works closely with other ELI attorneys and professionals, including our U.S. and international partners, to advance environmental protection, the rule of law, and environmental justice. The work frequently requires considering how environmental protection is affected by other laws and policies that are related to environment and society — e.g., those governing energy, taxation, land use, human rights, and governance and administration. Application Deadline = 12/12/2022.

FEMA Headquarters

Tribal Relations Specialist. Washington, D.C. The ideal candidate for this position has experience working with tribes and tribal leaders to coordinate meetings, conferences, tribal consultations and other engagements. Apply for this exciting opportunity to become a member of the Grant Programs Directorate team within FEMA. The announcement closes Oct. 24^th.

Alward Fisher Rice Rowe and Graf, PLC

Litigation Associate Attorney. Traverse City, MI. Admitted to the Michigan State Bar. 1 or more years of litigation experience in a position that required client contact. Technical knowledge of and ability to use MS Office Suite and legal research software. Acute analytical and critical thinking skills. Capable of clearly expressing written and oral ideas with proper grammar, formatting, and decorum. Ability to multitask, manage changing deadlines, client demands and multiple cases. Attention to detail and accuracy. Effective time management, planning and organization skills to accomplish tasks in an efficient manner. Closing date: Open until filled.

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.

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.

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.

Principal Attorney (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Provides legal direction to other attorneys and advocates in providing complex legal representation of Navajo Nation Divisions, Departments, and Programs regarding a wide range of legal issues. Some legal issues may include statutory and regulatory review, contract disputes and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; performs professional legal work, research; presents cases in court and performs related duties as required; confers with, gives advice to and prepares opinions for various departments and branches of the Navajo Nation; drafts legal and judicial processes; prepares interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; reviews contracts, mortgages, leases, permits and related documents; conducts interviews on a variety of legal matters; conducts legal research, prepares briefs, pleadings and other legal documents. Advises clients and members of the various oversight committees of the Navajo Nation Council, as is required, on legal questions. Provides opinions on Navajo Nation law and policies and/or legislations/resolutions that may impact the Navajo Nation. Assist in routine operation of the Department of Justice. This position is open until filled.

Attorney, (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ. 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 October 28, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

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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