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

Environmental Law Institute

Beveridge & Diamond Diversity Law Clerk (Summer 2023). Washington, D.C. With generous support from Beveridge & Diamond PC, our summer law clerk program includes a funded position dedicated to students from traditionally underrepresented perspectives, including students from historically marginalized racial groups and/or economically disadvantaged communities. ELI summer law clerks, including the Beveridge & Diamond Diversity Law Clerk, work closely with ELI experts on domestic and international research projects spanning ELI’s full range of program areas. Law clerks also may assist in the editing and production of ELI publications, such as the Environmental Law Reporter. Law clerks provide crucial support for ELI projects and publications by conducting legal and policy research, analyzing environmental laws, drafting memoranda and other products, and otherwise assisting in the preparation of published materials. Application Deadline: 1/23/2023.

Attorney – Water & Oceans. Washington D.C.  ELI is seeking an experienced Attorney to work on our portfolio of uniquely positioned environmental law and policy projects addressing critical environment and sustainable development challenges domestically and internationally. It is expected that this Attorney would focus particularly (but not exclusively) on ELI’s water and ocean programs. Application Deadline: 11/21/2022.

Human Resources Director, People & Equity. Washington D.C. ELI is committed to continuously building an anti-racist culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our work life. The Human Resources Director, People & Equity will center these values when implementing Human Resources (HR) systems, executing day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, and leading cultural change within the Institute. More specifically, this role will focus on talent recruitment and management and organizational culture. Application Deadline: 11/28/2022.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Prosecutor Services

RFP – Special Prosecutor. Eagle Butte, SD. The CRST Prosecutor Services is seeking a Special Prosecutor to provide the following services: Serve as an administrator of justice, a zealous advocate, and an officer of the Tribal Court, and exercise sound discretion and independent judgment in the performance of this function. Seek justice within the bounds of the law, not merely to convict; serves the public interest and should act with integrity and balanced judgment to increase public safety both by pursuing appropriate criminal charges of appropriate severity, and by exercising discretion to not pursue criminal charges in appropriate circumstances. CLOSING DATE: November 30, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. M.S.T.

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Associate General Counsel. Towaoc, CO. Qualified Candidates must have at least two years of experience in the field oflndian Law and must be licensed in good standing in at least one state. The Tribe’s Associate General Counsels provide a wide range of representation in every aspect of Indian Law. Salary is competitive for the area and benefits include numerous holidays and a generous health insurance package. Submissions will be accepted until December 18, 2022.

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 November 11, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

Shoshone Bannock Tribes

Assistant Prosecutor. Fort Hall, ID. This position will mainly handle a criminal caseload, but will cover other matters when needed. The Tribes offer a fantastic benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision. A Tribal Job application, with associated documentation, must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 18, 2022.

The Mohegan Tribe

Attorney. Uncasville, CT. This position reports to the Deputy Attorney General and provides legal advice to the Mohegan Tribe, its departments, agencies, and enterprises on a wide range of legal matters, including corporate finance and business issues affecting the Mohegan Tribe and its business enterprises. The closing date is Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Entry Level Prosecuting Attorney. Pablo, MT. The primary responsibility for the Entry Level Prosecuting Attorney will be reviewing reports and drafting complaints. This position also includes communicating with federal, state, and local government agencies in regards to Tribal Court matters. The attorney will present cases before Tribal Court, and, if required, may present cases in front of other jurisdictions. This position is to be advertised until it is filled.

Rothstein Donatelli

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. Rothstein Donatelli is committed to advancing the sovereign rights of Native American tribes. Open until filled.

California Tribal Families Coalition 

2023 Summer Law Clerk. Sacramento, CA/Remote. The California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) is a nonprofit social welfare membership organization that is led by a Board of Directors comprised of elected tribal leaders. The mission of CTFC is to promote the health, safety and welfare of tribal children and families, which are inherent tribal governmental functions and are at the core of tribal sovereignty and tribal governance. CTFC provides an opportunity for summer law clerks with demonstrated interest in Indian law and/or social welfare law and policy. Clerkships will be primarily remote but may include an opportunity to meet in-person in Northern California with the CTFC team. The application deadline is November 6, 2022.

Colorado Legal Services

Executive Director. Boston, MA. Lead and advance the mission of this renowned statewide nonprofit civil legal aid organization. The mission of CLS is to provide meaningful access to high quality, civil legal services in the pursuit of justice for as many low-income persons and members of vulnerable populations throughout Colorado as possible. With an annual budget of approximately $13 million, CLS provides excellent legal service to as many as possible of the almost 1.4 million Coloradans who qualify financially for its services.  Priority is given to those in greatest social and economic need. CLS serves the entirety of the 104,000-square-mile State of Colorado (the eighth largest state geographically in the country) through 13 regional offices. CLS currently has a staff of 150, including 80 attorneys and 55 paralegals, who are supported by administrative, financial, grant management and technology personnel. Apply by November 18.

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.

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.

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.

Legal Secretary (Water Rights Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Under the direction of the Administrative Legal Secretary and the Assistant Attorney General, provides general office support by greeting clients, answering telephone calls, and screening and routing calls, requests and visitors to Unit staff. Records messages accurately left by clients, callers, visitors, etc. Understands and utilizes software and technology necessary to perform duties, i.e. Microsoft Office, Outlook, Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Operates a variety of office equipment, including transcribing machines, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, scanners, binding machines, printers, paper shredders and other types of equipment as technology changes. Schedules meetings, conferences, conference calls and other types of appointments. Prepares agendas and meeting materials. Prepares and assists in the preparation of notices, petitions, pleadings, complaints, briefs, summons, orders, affidavits and other legal forms and documents. Transcribes hearings, depositions, and minutes for use by attorneys. Develops and maintains case files for the Water Rights Unit. Prepares and/or assists with travel arrangements and required and related travel documents for Unit staff. Assists with administrative duties of other NNDOJ Units when assigned. Participates in general building maintenance in partnership with other NNDOJ Units. This position is open until December 01, 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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