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

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP

Legislative Policy Advisor. Washington, DC. Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, a national law firm dedicated to promoting and defending the interests of Indian tribal governments and organizations, seeks a Legislative Policy Advisor to work in its Washington, DC office. This position is open until filled. Please see the Job Announcement for more information and how to apply.

Rothstein Donatelli

Summer Associate 2023. Tempe, AZ. This is a 40 hour/week in-office position with remote work flexibility, as needed and approved upon hire. Applicants must have completed 1L or 2L year by Summer 2023. Excellent research abilities. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Indian law coursework and work experience is preferred but not required. Closing Date: February 10, 2023.

Bay Mills Indian Community

Attorney. Brimley, MI. The attorney works under the direct supervision of the President of the Bay Mills Indian Community and Bay Mills Community College, and provides strategic legal advice as counsel for and on behalf of the Bay Mills Indian Community, and all its governmental and commercial entities to advance compliance with applicable laws, to appear as such before all federal, state and tribal courts, tribunals, departments, agencies and committees of Congress and the State legislatures, including services in connection with tribal claims against the United States. Work directly in developing tribal legislation, public policy, regulations, and represent Bay Mills in cases related to federal Indian law, the Indian Child Welfare Act, Indian gaming, environmental law, or natural resource law. For more information please see the position description. Closing Date: Open Until Filled.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan

Senior Associate General Counsel. Mt. Pleasant, MI. Under the supervision of General Counsel, represent the tribe in all judicial and administrative forums and in the tribe’s governmental and business relations with all persons, organizations and entities, public and private, excluding representation performed by the General Counsel. Open Until Filled.

Colorado River Indian Tribes

Legal Aid Director. Parker, AZ. The Legal Aid Department only serves C.R.I.T. enrolled community members in civil matters. Persons who are eligible for enrollment with C.R.I.T. are also eligible for services. Open until filled.

Public Defender. Parker, AZ. The Public Defender will also be responsible for management of the Public Defender’s Office and staff including administrative and budgeting duties and supervision of staff in representing and counseling eligible Tribal Members. Open until filled.

Chief Judge. Parker, AZ. The Chief Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Colorado River Indian Tribes pursuant to the Colorado River Indian Tribal Laws, ordinances and regulations, or applicable state laws.  The Chief Judge is responsible for protecting the administrative operations of the Colorado River Indian Tribal court and supervises the Tribal Court and its employees. This position is Open Until Filled.

Cultural Heritage Partners

Professional Executive Assistant. Richmond, VA or remote (Eastern Time Zone preferred). Cultural Heritage Partners, a law and policy firm focused on cultural heritage law, seeks a professional Executive Assistant with a four-year college degree and at least five years of applicable experience to support a busy partner and our tribal practice. Primary responsibilities will include managing an extremely active calendar of appointments, participating in meetings with clients and the executive, taking and distributing notes, and project/task management. Open until filled.

Native Organizers Alliance

Director of Policy. Remote. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Policy will provide leadership for our public policy work, working directly with the Executive Director and Native Organizers Alliance ecosystem of organizations and Tribal leadership. The candidate should also have a familiarity with the history and current situation in Indian Country. Prior experience in working with Tribal and Native communities and organizations is desirable. Closing date: Open until filled.

Alaska Public Defender Agency

Attorney 1-4. AK (Anchorage, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, Sitka, and Utqiagvik). The Agency’s mission is to provide constitutionally mandated legal representation to indigent clients appointed by the court. The Agency hires new lawyers and experienced attorneys to handle civil (Child in Need of Aid and commitment), appellate, and criminal matters. Open until filled.

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

Chief Judge. Port Angeles, WA. The Chief Judge is chief judicial officer of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Court, the trial court of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The Chief Judge is appointed to a four-year term by the Lower Elwha Business Committee, the elected governing body of the Tribe. This position is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Lower Elwha Tribal Court pursuant to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Judicial Code, ordinances, regulations, and applicable Federal and local laws. The Chief Judge conducts hearings and trials and performs other judicial duties. The Chief Judge is also the administrative supervisor of all Tribal Court staff and as such is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of all aspects of the Lower Elwha Tribe’s trial-court-level judicial system and for proper administration of justice. The Chief Judge has no direct authority over the Lower Elwha Court of Appeals, which consists of Justices appointed by the Business Committee under contract. Closing date: Open until filled.

Tribal Deputy Prosecutor. Port Angeles, WA. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is dedicated to fully exercising its sovereignty to prevent and reduce criminal activity and victimization on the Reservation through vigorous and effective investigation and prosecution of crimes combined with effective use of traditional healing and cultural services provided to victims and appropriate corrective action for offenders. The Tribal Prosecutor is a critical partner in advancing these goals while identifying and addressing associated threats to the political, social, and cultural integrity of the Tribe relating to tribal justice and victimization. Closing date: Open until filled.

Tribal Defense Attorney. Port Angeles, WA. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is dedicated to fully exercising its sovereignty to prevent and reduce criminal activity and victimization on the Reservation. At the same time, pursuant to the Lower Elwha Constitution, Article VII, Bill of Rights, the Lower Elwha Judicial Code §§ 1.2, 6.11(3)(c), and the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, 25 U.S.C. § 1302(a)(8), the Tribe is dedicated to affording due process to all persons subject to the Tribe’s authority. In order to facilitate due process, the Tribe employs the Tribal Defense Attorney to represent defendants/respondents in proceedings initiated by the Tribe in the Lower Elwha Tribal Court. Closing date: Open until filled.

Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General

Principal Tribal Court Advocate. Window Rock, AZ.  Performs legal work related to representation of the Navajo Nation government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General, including legal research, negotiations, legal writing, drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, resolutions and other documents for the divisions, departments, or programs assigned. Child Support Enforcement: Present child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Participate in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; provide legal advice and case strategy.  This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally represents the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, in state administrative water rights matters and in any settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights. The Principal Attorney works closely with technical staff within the Water Rights Unit Staff, Department of Water Resources and other programs within the Navajo Nation, and with consultants retained to provide technical support to the Nation or to serve as expert witnesses. The Principal Attorney provides legal advice on all water rights matters to the Office of the President and Vice President, the Office of the Speaker, the Navajo Nation council, and its committees and subcommittees and the Navajo Nation Water Rights commission (NNWRC) to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are effectively pursued and protected.  This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney. Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government; Review documents, such as service contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participate in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects.  This position is open until filled.

Attorney, (Litigation Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Legal work related to federal, Navajo Nation, and state court and administrative tribunal representation of the Navajo Nation Government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General of the Litigation Unit or the Office of the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General, including legal research, pleading drafting, and settlement negotiation for Litigation Unit of the Department of Justice. Review of proposed disciplinary actions by Navajo Nation government programs for compliance with Navajo Nation Personnel Policies Manual and Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Drafting of proposed Navajo Nation legislation, regulations, and policies. Other duties as assigned.  This position is open until filled.

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.  Under the general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General, the position is assigned to the “Humans Services & Government Unit” of the Office of the Attorney General; 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. 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. Assist in routine operation of the Department of Justice. This position is open until filled.

Attorney (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General, provides legal direction to Navajo Nation Division, Departments and Offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory authority, contract disputes and procurement issues; and intergovernmental relations; performs professional legal work in research, trial prep and other legal work; and performs related duties as required. Confers with, gives advice to, and prepares opinions for assigned departments and branches of the government; drafts legal and judicial processes; 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.

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.

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.

Click here for last week’s job announcements!