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

Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor

Attorney-Adviser. Albuquerque, NM. As an Attorney-Adviser with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor (Southwest Regional Office (Albuquerque, NM), you will assist the Department’s Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance (OEPC) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Federal Orphan Well Program. The primary objective of this project is to remediate orphan wells on Federal Lands. This multi-agency effort includes DOI Land Management Agencies (primarily BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USDA), the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s (BIL) historic investments will help revitalize local economies and support jobs, while addressing environmental impacts from legacy developments. Closing date: November 8, 2022.

Attorney-Adviser. Albuquerque, NM. As an Attorney-Adviser with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Southwest Region, located in Albuquerque, NM you will assist the Department’s Fish and Wildlife Service with implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Closing date: November 11, 2022.

White Earth Band of Ojibwe

Assistant General Counsel. White Earth, MN. The White Earth Assistant General Counsel serves as legal counsel to the White Earth Business Committee and Its divisions, programs, departments, enterprises, and agencies with an emphasis on transactional law. Assistant General Counsel will prosecute and enforce the White Earth Tribal Code, including housing, environmental, and hunting and fishing. Responsible for providing legal advice and counsel, representation, document drafting, document review, and collaboration with a wide range of White Earth governmental departments and enterprises. Open until filled.

Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Law Attorney. White Earth, MN. The White Earth ICW Attorney serves the White Earth Indian Child Welfare Office in White Earth Tribal Court on juvenile and child protection matters. Represents the White Earth Indian Child Welfare Office in court or before government agencies on the White Earth Reservation and other locations. Open until filled.

Law Clerk – Tribal Court. White Earth, MN. The White Earth Law Clerk – Tribal Court serves the White Earth Tribal Court, its administrative staff, and its judges. Law Clerk – Tribal Court will sit in on all hearings, draft proposed court orders, and any other projects assigned by the White Earth Chief Judge and/or Court Administrator. Open until filled.

Mohegan Tribal Member Services

Health and Welfare Executive Officer. Uncansville, CT. The Health and Welfare Executive Officer of the Mohegan Tribe will handle the overall administration and operation of the Tribal Member Services Department (TMS). This role is responsible for improving the overall well-being for the Mohegan Tribal Community, employees, and visitors to the reservation. The Health and Welfare Officer will set overall strategic direction of the department and will implement short and long-range goals and objectives. They will promote delivery of integrated services to meet the health and welfare needs of tribal members and their families. Open until filled.

Legal Aid Services of Oregon

Staff Attorney. Portland, OR. The staff attorney will be responsible for maintaining a varied caseload, with an emphasis on Estate Planning and Probate, and for providing other legal services to Indian tribes, Native organizations, and individual tribal members. Review of resumes begins: November 18, 2022.

Rothstein Donatelli, LLP

Associate Attorney. Santa Fe, NM & Tempe, AZ. The Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tempe, Arizona offices of Rothstein Donatelli, LLP are each seeking a litigation associate for their Indian law practice. 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. Open until filled.

Environmental Law Institute

Law Clerk (Summer 2023). Washington D.C. ELI is looking for law clerks for the summer of 2023 to assist with our portfolio of uniquely positioned environmental law and policy projects addressing critical environmental and sustainable development challenges domestically and internationally. Application Deadline: 11/18/2022.

Alaska Native Justice Center

Summer 2023 Native Law Clerk. Anchorage, AK. Our mission is justice for Alaska Native People. This internship seeks to encourage 1L and 2L law students to work in the field of Native law. Interns will have opportunities to pursue a wide variety of projects. The internship offers training; the opportunity to shadow experienced attorneys advocating on behalf of Alaska Tribes, tribal organizations and Native people; and a competitive stipend. Alaska Native/American Indian applicants, as defined in P.L. 93-638 Indian Self-Determination Act, who are currently enrolled as law students are encouraged to apply by January 13, 2023.

2023 Native Law Fellow. Anchorage, AK. Our mission is justice for Alaska Native People. This fellowship begins late summer or early fall 2023 and seeks to encourage recent law graduates to work in the field of Native law. Fellows will have opportunities to pursue a wide variety of projects. We provide legal services to victims and survivors of crime. We represent Alaska Tribes in State Child of Need Aid cases where the Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”) applies. Alaska Native/American Indian applicants, as defined in P.L. 93-638 Indian Self-Determination Act, who are recent law school graduates or are 3L students are encouraged to apply. This position is open until filled, but we strongly encourage interested applicants to apply by January 13, 2023.

Berkey Williams LLP

Attorney/Contract Attorney. Remote or 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: Open until filled.

University of Minnesota Duluth

Department Head and tenured Associate or Full Professor. Duluth MN. Work with Administration, colleagues, and students to continuously support and advance the department in line with University, college and department mission and vision; provide leadership and mentorship to faculty and staff in scholarship and curriculum development; provide leadership in accreditation and reaffirmation; teach courses in the Department of Social Work based on program needs and in accordance with specialization; maintain a research agenda; advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate Social Work students; engage in service to the department, University and profession. Closing date: December 1, 2022.

Nez Perce Tribe

Chief Judge. Lapwai, ID. Presides over Nez Perce Tribal Court. Accomplishes the court’s strategic objectives by overseeing court staff and the operations of the court system. Must have a Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school and a member in good standing of a state bar. The Chief Judge is appointed to a four year renewable term, with generous salary and benefits. Open until filled.

Office of the President, Republic of Palau

Assistant Legal Counsel. Republic of Palau. The Office of the President of the Republic of Palau is seeking a qualified legal counsel to advise and assist the President with domestic and international legal issues. The indigenous people of Palau exercise sovereignty after gaining independence from the United States in 1994. This young Republic is still shaping its governance systems and the Assistant Legal Counsel will play a valuable role in this development. The President’s legal counsel is expected to work with a wide variety of stakeholders and organizations, and to perform all legal work necessary to accomplish the President’s priorities, goals, and objectives. Travel to meetings and conferences outside of Palau may be required. Palau operates on a legal system similar to the United States and seeks US educated attorneys to fill most government positions. Closing Date: Open until filled.

The Ohio State University

Clinical Track Faculty. Columbus, OH. The Ohio State University College of Social Work invites applications for four clinical-track faculty positions (open rank) beginning in July 2023. The dean has charged the search committee with identifying exceptional candidates who contribute to the diversity of teaching and service conducted at the college. A review of applications will begin immediately, with priority given to those applicants who apply by December 31, 2022.

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Legislative Services Attorney. Harbor Springs, MI. The primary function of the Legislative Services Attorney is to serve the Tribal Council and provide legal advice in order to promote and protect Tribal Sovereignty, Tribal Self-sufficiency, and Tribal Self-determination. The Legislative Services Attorney shall interact and communicate with Tribal Council and Tribal Council committees, representatives from other tribes, local, state, and federal units of government when necessary; and in some cases, the Tribal citizens, while maintaining effective cooperative relationships. The Legislative Services Attorney will provide representation of Tribal Council; provide advice and analysis of the Tribal Constitution, Tribal Codes, state and federal laws and regulations; negotiate and draft legal, business and State/Tribal documents; and draft Resolutions, Statutes, Certified Motions, policies, procedures, Legislative Directives, Declarations, Special Tributes, agreements, proposals, legal memorandums, Memorandums of Understandings (MOU), Leases and contracts for the Tribe and Tribal Council. Open until filled.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Senior Policy Analyst. Minneapolis, MN and Helena, MT. As a Policy Analyst/Sr. Policy Analyst (CICD) you will lead public policy efforts that increase tribal economic mobility and advance the CICD’s objectives. You will communicate with and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders throughout Indian Country, with national partners, and with key policymakers. We are looking for an individual who believes in the importance of good policy backed by credible research with findings that are clearly communicated in a variety of formats to a broad audience of stakeholders. Open until filled.

Office of the Federal Defender – District of New Mexico

Legal Assistant. Las Cruces, NM. Performs the functions of a Legal Assistant to Assistant Defenders utilizing advanced knowledge of legal terminology, Word and information processing software. Understands district and circuit court rules and protocols. Edits and proofreads initial drafts, transcribes dictation, performs cite checking and assembles copies with attachments for filing and mailing. Responsible for electronic filing of pleadings. Closing date for posting is 11/14/2022.

The Catawba Nation

Deputy Tribal Attorney. Rock Hill, SC. Works with other attorneys in the Nation’s Legal Department to provide legal counsel and representation to the General Council, Executive Committee, the Nation’s departments, commissions, boards, and other entities as required to carry out the business of the Tribal Government and achieve the Nation’s overall objectives. A strong command of Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, and Gaming Law is essential. Position closes October 26, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

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.

Administrative Legal Secretary (Water Rights Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Under general supervision of the AAG of the Water Rights Unit, this position serves as the Office Manager of the Water Rights Unit and performs and/or oversees highly specialized day to day operations and administrative office duties, to include: budget, other financial and contract responsibilities; filing and maintenance of court documents and legal files; management and distribution of legal publications; maintaining office equipment and the assigned Tribal vehicle. Duties also include: receive and distribute incoming mail; maintain internal calendar of attorney related meetings/appointments; prepare travel authorizations and accommodations; assist with the preparation of required reports for submission to the OAG, WRC, NNC, or OPVP; participate in the development of the annual WRU/WRC specific budget and monitors expenditures; schedules meetings, conferences, conference calls and other appointments; and prepare agendas and meeting materials. This position is open until November 7, 2022 by 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.

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