Friday Job Announcements

Arianna Morseau

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

In the email body:

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

Big Fire Law & Policy Group

2023 Summer Associate. Omaha, NE, Winnebago, NE, or Washington D.C.  Summer Associates with work in their desired practice group, with an opportunity to work in another practice group during the summer to gain varied experience. Summer Associates will work directly with a Partner to gain real-life experience in the legal profession and have an opportunity to participate in meetings and draft legal documents. Summer Associates will have the opportunity to work on cases and business transactions in tribal, federal, and state venues across the country. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2023.

The U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington

Law Clerks to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Seattle, WA. Law Clerks work closely with the judge on civil litigation that is before the Court via consent or referral, civil rights and habeas corpus prisoner litigation, Social Security appeals, and some work on criminal cases. Law Clerks conduct research and prepare drafts of opinions and orders and will be involved in courtroom proceedings. Law Clerks are responsible for administrative responsibilities in chambers and provide oversight for the chambers extern program. Open until filled; interviews will begin immediately.

Mohegan Tribal Member Services

Health and Welfare Executive Officer. Uncansville, Connecticut. 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. Please contact Adam.Floyd@KornFerry.com for all inquiries. Position is opened until filled.

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

Chief Judge. Auburn, WA. The Chief Judge will supervise, assign court calendars or cases, and evaluate Associate Judges, hear court cases at the Muckleshoot Tribal Court, using the Tribe’s applicable Codes and Ordinances, adjudicating matters and entering decisions on the record and/or in writing. Assist the Tribal Court staff with suggestions on how to improve the functions of the Tribal Court. Engage in tribal or community events on behalf of the Tribal Court with the goal of building relationships. Abide by all applicable Tribal codes in addition to WA State Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs). Open until filled.

Federal Public Defender – District of New Mexico

Research and Writing Attorney. Las Cruces, NM. The Research and Writing Attorney is an attorney position that provides advanced research and writing services to staff attorneys on trial and appellate cases, performs computer assisted legal research, aids in the development of legal strategies, writes briefs, motions, petitions for certiorari, and legal memoranda for review by the Defender and staff attorneys. General duties include examining, analyzing, and researching records and issues, performing legal research and preparing legal documents, assisting Assistant Federal Defender staff with all aspects of case preparation, maintaining the library, training, continuing legal education and supervision of legal interns as appropriate. The Research and Writing Attorney does not ordinarily make court appearances but can sign briefs with the trial attorney if admitted to the 10th Circuit. Applications must be received by January 18, 2023.

Rothstein Donatelli, LLP

Associate Attorney. Santa Fe, NM & Tempe, AZ. 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.

Kadiak LLC

Operations Assistant. Anchorage, AK. Duties include: Maintain a professional and efficient office environment; provides excellent customer service while promoting good public relations by providing information and assistance; provide monthly reports to the customer; review invoices for accuracy; maintain consistent communication and outreach with Tribes and tribal entities; coordinate rural travel logistics for team members; maintain records and documents related to the contract; responsible for word processing including but not limited to preparation of correspondence, reports, and spreadsheets; responsible for maintaining master calendars; responsible for organization and management of the Tribal Courts Project documents; responsible for assisting in preparation of training manuals and documents, and assisting in design of each training module; review and recommend changes to documents; occasional travel to rural communities to assist in tribal court assessment document gathering when necessary; maintain master contacts list and various event mailing lists; responsible for reviewing correspondence, reports, manuals, spreadsheets and other business documents; maintain form documents and templates; complete expense reports; interface with customers from time to time.

Tohono O’odham Nation

Judge. Sells, AZ. Will have the duties and powers of the office in accordance with Article VIII of the Constitution of the Tohono O’odham Nation, including but not limited to (1) Hearing and determining, when assigned by the chief judge or the deputy chief judge, any matter arising under the laws and Constitution of the Tohono O’odham Nation and entering an order or judgment in favor of a party and (2) Presiding over criminal cases, including jury or bench trials. Closing Date: Open Until Filled.

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Associate Staff Attorney. Fulton, MI. The Associate Staff Attorney position is an entry level Staff Attorney position in the Legal Department. Under the direction of the Chief Legal Officer and the Tribal Council, the Staff Attorney provides legal advice to the Tribal Council and various programs being operated under the authority of the Tribal Council. Represents the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi in court actions in Tribal, State and Federal court proceedings. Reviews and prepares legal documents, advises client constituents within the Tribal government as to legal rights, and practices other phases of law by performing the following duties. Application Deadline: 11/28/2022 at 9:30 AM.

USAO Western District of Michigan

Criminal Division Assistant United States Attorney. Marquette, MI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently seeking applications from experienced litigators to fill an AUSA position handling criminal cases in its Marquette Office. The AUSA will work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute a variety of federal offenses, including crimes occurring on property owned by, or held in trust for, Native American Tribes, white-collar fraud, crimes involving firearms and explosives, and drug-trafficking offenses. The AUSA in this position may also serve as the Office’s Tribal Liaison, providing leadership and coordination in connection with legal issues affecting tribes in the District. Depending on the experience of the successful applicant, there may be an initial period of training in the Grand Rapids office prior to assignment to Marquette. Application Deadline: Friday, December 2, 2022.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Attorney. Pendleton, OR. The CTUIR is a federally-recognized Indian tribe with broad treaty-reserved rights.  Office of Legal Counsel attorneys provide a wide range of legal services to all departments and programs of the CTUIR Tribal Government, including legal research and advising, negotiating and drafting agreements, policies, and legislation, and litigating in tribal, state, and federal courts to protect the CTUIR’s rights and interests. 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.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Senior Tribal Attorney.  Hoopa, CA.  This position serves in the Office of Tribal Attorney and provides a broad range of legal services to the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, Tribal Chairperson, and various tribal departments and entities.  Major responsibilities include: developing tribal policies and drafting ordinances, reviewing business contracts and facilitating economic development efforts, representing the Tribe in civil and administrative proceedings, and conducting negotiations with local, state, and federal agencies.  At least four years of experience practicing Federal Indian Law or representing Tribal Governments is required. The position is open until filled. 

American Indian Law Center

Manager of Administration. Albuquerque, NM. American Indian Law Center (AILC) is seeking a high energy and highly organized hands-on Manager of Administration to perform and orchestrate our organization’s front office in support of our mission. Duties include from the simple to the complex. We are seeking an individual to be a strategic and collaborative partner with the Management Team. We need a person who instills professional calm and competence to our valued students and the public. Results and services of position can impact the short-term direction, operations and/or financial status of the organization. Decisions made have a major impact on compliance, resources, and service as well as may impact public image. Ensures alignment of operations with the policies and guidelines, and relevant contracts and funding sources. Open until filled.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana

2023 Summer Legal Intern. Missoula, MT. As Legal Intern, you will join a legal team and staff committed to defending Montanans’ civil rights from government abuse and overreach. Interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of litigation matters and will work alongside the attorneys to address current civil rights issues in the state of Montana. We will begin reviewing applications November 30, 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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