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

The Hopi Tribe

Chief Tribal Prosecutor. Keams Canyon, AZ. This position is responsible for executive and administrative control of the Hopi Office of the Prosecutor (“Office”), as well as the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed by adult and juvenile offenders within the exterior boundaries of the Hopi Reservation, and presentation of minor in need of care matters in the Hopi Children’s Court. The Chief Prosecutor ensures that the Office performs professional attorney-level legal work in carrying out these responsibilities in the highest ethical manner. Open until filled.

Deputy Tribal Prosecutor. Keams Canyon, AZ. This position is responsible for executive and administrative control of the Hopi Office of the Prosecutor (“Office”), as well as the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed by adult and juvenile offenders within the exterior boundaries of the Hopi Reservation, and presentation of minor in need of care matters in the Hopi Children’s Court. The Chief Prosecutor ensures that the Office performs professional attorney-level legal work in carrying out these responsibilities in the highest ethical manner. Open until filled.

Deputy General Counsel. Kykotsmovi, AZ. The Deputy General Counsel performs highly professional and advisory work involving considerable depth of knowledge and analytical/organizational skills in a broad range of subject areas of the law, and exercises broad and independent judgment in providing legal advice on any political/legal dimension and its effects on Tribal entities. Open until filled.

Legal Aid Native American Program

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.

Native Law Group

2023 Summer Law Clerk. Louisville, CO or Washington DC. This is a 40 hour/week in-office clerkship. Completed 2L year by Summer 2023. Native American Law coursework completed by clerkship start date. Excellent research abilities. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Closing date: December 2nd.

Yakama Nation Public Defender – Legal Aid Services Program

Attorney. Toppenish, WA. The employee serves as attorney for the Yakama Nation Public Defender-Legal Aid Services Program and is responsible for providing quality professional legal representation and advice to tribal member clients in Tribal, Municipal, State and Federal Court systems or administrative agencies as assigned by the Lead Attorney-Program Manager. Employee is responsible for providing a full range of legal services to tribal members in areas such as, criminal, dependency, children’s court, fish and game, civil, family and Federal Indian Law matters, as assigned by the Lead Attorney-Program Manager. Services include legal research, evaluation of potential cases, analyzes and preparation of accepted cases, motions, hearings, trials and appeals. Closing date is November 28, 2022.

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.

Forest Protection Advocate. San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, or satellite office. Work with coalitions, the media, affected communities, and decision-makers to safeguard the biological, climate, and traditional Indigenous values of North American forests. The advocate’s time will be split evenly between two forest conservation campaigns, one to save mature stands and trees in U.S. federal forests, and the other to combat bioenergy threats to hardwood bottomlands in the Southeast U.S. and the boreal forests in Canada. This role will be open until the ideal candidate is selected.

Port Madison Enterprises

Associate General Counsel. Suquamish, WA. Essential functions of the position include legal research and writing necessary to advise the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, and Staff; development and maintenance of PME policies and procedures; drafting, review, and negotiation of commercial contracts; and handling of PME legal disputes. The position is open until filled.

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. Our fast-paced office provides legal services on issues of jurisdiction, tax, estate planning, trust assets, environmental law, natural resource development, tribal governance, employment, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Closing date: Open until filled.

University of Hawai`i at Mānoa

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Office of Public Health Studies. Assistant Professor (Position #0082227, Epidemiology). Honolulu, HI. Main duties include the following: Teach online and in-person courses in topics related to epidemiology and other public health topics to undergraduate and graduate public health students and other health professionals, conduct and maintain a program of research on topics related to epidemiology as evidenced by extramural grants, publications, and scholarly activities and products, plan and establish new courses and programs, advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate public health students, participate in student recruitment and retention efforts, serve on departmental and university committees, provide service to professional and community stakeholders as relevant to the individual’s academic specialty Perform other related tasks as assigned. Continuous recruitment until filled. Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Office of Public Health Studies. Assistant Professor (Position #0083002, Epidemiology/Data Science with a focus on sustainability, Indigenous, and environmental health). Honolulu, HI. Main duties include the following: Teach online and in-person courses in introductory and advanced biostatistics and quantitative methods courses and other public health topics to undergraduate and graduate public health students and other health professionals, conduct and maintain a program of research on topics related to biostatistics and data science with a focus on sustainability, Indigenous, and environmental health as evidenced by extramural grants, publications, and scholarly activities and products, plan and establish new courses and programs, advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate public health students, participate in student recruitment and retention efforts, serve on departmental and university committees, provide service to professional and community stakeholders as relevant to the individual’s academic specialty, perform other related tasks as assigned. Continuous recruitment until filled. Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Office of Public Health Studies. Assistant Professor (Position #0082302, Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health). Honolulu, HI. Main duties include the following: Teach online and in-person courses in topics related to Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and other public health topics to undergraduate and graduate public health students and other health professionals, conduct and maintain a program of research on topics related to Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health as evidenced by extramural grants, publications, and scholarly activities and products, plan and establish new courses and programs, advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate public health students, participate in student recruitment and retention efforts, serve on departmental and university committees, provide service to professional and community stakeholders as relevant to the individual’s academic specialty, perform other related tasks as assigned. Continuous recruitment until filled. Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Judicare Legal Aid

Indian Law Office Staff Attorney. Wausau, WI. Main duties include: 1) 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, custody/placement, guardian ad litem, divorce, estate planning; 2) educate and serve Native Americans statewide on areas of civil and criminal law; 3) participate in tribal court development, code drafting and community education projects; and 4) carry out training and back-up assistance to private attorneys. The position will remain open until filled.

Tribal Lay Advocate. Wausau, WI. The Lay Advocate position will assist in estate planning for tribal members, be required to become a notary and will also generate documents and assume authority for their own files and case management. Advocate will assist in the preparation of legal memos, coordination of projects and reports, coordinate communication with volunteers, pro se parties, courts, and community partners. Advocate will compose general and legal correspondence, both for distribution within JLA and to outside third parties. Advocate will attend meetings and relevant law trainings within JLA and outside to obtain necessary information and plan and conduct meetings as requested by attorneys. The position will remain open until filled.

Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians

2023 Summer Law Internship. Valley Center, California. The Rincon Band is looking for 1L or 2L law students to assist the Attorney General with legal research and drafting memoranda on the wide variety of matters that come before the tribe. Application deadline is December 2, 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.

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.

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 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 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 is open until filled.

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