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 Catawba Nation

Associate Tribal Court Judge. Rock Hill, SC. Responsible for providing a full range of judicial services by hearing cases in the Governance Court regarding, but not limited to administrative decisions regarding Tribal governance matters. This position will be part time, with a variable schedule dependent on case filings. This is anticipated to be approximately 1-15 hours per month. The duties performed require the individual to exercise considerable independent judgement in managing the docket, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conduct hearings, and decide cases in a fair and impartial manner to the end that justice may be administered and law order maintained. Open until filled.

Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP

Litigation Attorney. Omaha, NE. Seeking candidates with 5-10 years of litigation experience to join our metropolitan Omaha, Nebraska office (remote possible). The right candidate will have the opportunity to work on cases in a variety of areas including constitutional law, environmental law, real estate, employment, tax issues, corporate/business matters, and complex federal, state and tribal court litigation at both trial and appellate levels. Open until filled.

Policy Specialist/Lobbyist. Washington D.C. Seeking candidates with 3-5 years of policy experience related to Indian Country issues. The right candidate will have a significant history working with tribal communities and federal decision makers, but particularly knowledge of Capitol Hill. This position is responsible to track and monitor key developments in the U.S. Congress, at the White House, and at federal agencies for applicability to clients; attend and analyze Congressional hearings and press events on behalf of clients; create written analysis and advice for clients based on legislative and executive activity relevant to Indian Country; schedule and attend Congressional and agency meetings, including coordination and preparation of materials for those meetings; and generate significant billable work for clients related to federal policy on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Open until filled.

National Indian Gaming Commission – Office of General Counsel

Legal Intern. Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job). OGC is committed to the professional development of new attorneys in the field of federal Indian law. Under the supervision of OGC attorneys, interns may assist with a variety of matters, including legal research and writing for legal advisory opinions and other memoranda; reviewing tribal gaming ordinances, proposed management contracts, and other tribal submissions; and providing legal support in enforcement actions and appeals. The intern will be assigned at least one major research and writing project. The intern is expected to work 40 hours per week and will be paid at a GS-7 step 1 equivalent rate. Optionally, at the selected applicant’s request, the internship can be converted to an unpaid externship for law school credit. The internship will be conducted virtually using videoconferencing and collaboration software platforms. Closing date: 4/26/2023.

Earthjustice

Legislative Director, Healthy Communities. Washington, D.C. This position provides legislative and administrative strategy development and implementation as well as oversight of a team of the Policy and Legislation staff working on Earthjustice’s Healthy Communities priorities, including limited PAL advocacy in the states if applicable. This position is based in our Washington, DC office under a hybrid plan, the staff member is expected to go into the office a minimum of 2 times weekly. Open until filled.

University of Arizona – Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program

Administrative Assistant. Tucson, AZ. The James E. Rogers College of Law is seeking an Administrative Assistant for the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program (IPLP). The Administrative Assistant will be responsible for providing administrative and clerical support for the Associate Director of the IPLP International Human Rights Clinical Programs, United Nations Special Rapporteur for the rights of indigenous peoples. This position is a combination of secretarial and administrative duties that requires the highest skill level in the secretarial field. Open until filled.

Viejas Casino and Resort

Assistant Attorney General. Alpine, CA. The Assistant Attorney General will work in the Office of the Attorney General under the direct supervision of the Attorney General for the Viejas Band. The Assistant Attorney General will work with the Attorney General and Deputy Attorneys General to render legal services to the Viejas Band, including its government departments, enterprises, and elected officials. Competitive salary depending on experience and comprehensive benefits. Open until filled.

XOS Trucks

Corporate Paralegal. Xos is hiring a talented and experienced Corporate Paralegal who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to adjust and respond to competing business deadlines. A successful Corporate Paralegal will be driven and have prior professional experience as a paralegal in a law form or in-house legal department. This is an on-site based opportunity from our Los Angeles, CA Headquarters. Open until filled.

Legal Administrative Assistant. Xos is hiring an experienced Legal Administrative Assistant who is comfortable in a fast-paced environment and able to adjust and respond to competing business deadlines. A successful Legal Administrative Assistant will be driven and have prior professional experience as an assistant or administrator in a law firm or in-house legal department. This is an on-site based opportunity from our Los Angeles, CA Headquarters. Open until filled.

The Hopi Tribe

Legal Counsel Services for Hopi School System. Hopi Reservation, Kykotsmovi, AZ. Legal counsel will provide legal services to the Hopi School System (HSS), a unified school system of seven Tribally Controlled Schools on the Hopi Reservation. General responsibilities include providing necessary legal advice and counsel to the Hopi Board of Education (HBE) and Chief School Administrator (superintendent) to support them in the performance of their duties, including: 1) advise on the Hopi Education Code, HBE Bylaws, HSS Policies and Procedures, the HSS Handbooks and applicable Tribal, federal, and state laws as they relate to matters which come before the HBE and the Chief School Administrator; and 2) provide written analysis and documents to address educational matters, hiring and employment, and other HSS matters as the need arises. Closing date: May 17, 2023, 5:00 p.m. (MST).

Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence

Staff Attorney-Survivor Law Project. Detroit, MI. Have a passion and understanding of insuring the individual client is treated with dignity and respect and is excited to work and learn collaboratively including understanding the value of non-attorney advocacy. Understand the complex legal systems that victims of crime come in contact with and be willing to engage in advocacy at any and all points. Interview victims of crime in a manner sensitive to the trauma they may have experienced and attuned to honoring their choices. Be willing to engage in thorough research and brief writing. Be willing to adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards. Provide legal services including legal research and factual investigation, counsel and advice, brief services and document preparation, and representation of clients in administrative and judicial proceedings; and more. Closing date: April 28, 2023.

Northern California Tribal Court Coalition

Executive Director. Eureka, CA. Northern California Tribal Court Coalition (NCTCC) invites applications for the position of full time Executive Director. Two (2) years’ experience in managing projects, financial administration, or business operations; education and experience as a paralegal (minimum) or attorney (new JD program graduates will be considered); ability to work with tribal communities and tribal courts; high standard of commitment to integrity and ethics; residence within commuting distance of the Eureka office. Open until filled.

Shivwits Band of Paiute Indians

RFQ – Solar-Hydroelectric Power Project. Ivins, UT. Soliciting qualifications from an engineering firm to conduct design and engineering studies, including the production of a Preliminary Engineer Report and a feasibility report for a solar-hydroelectric power project. Pursuant to an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Shivwits Band is researching the possibility of constructing a project that would combine a solar farm with a closed pumped hydro unit. The Tribe will strongly consider a firm with significant experience in the production of preliminary engineering reports for energy projects, including pumped hydro projects. Deadline for submissions is May 12, 2023.

Environmental Law Institute

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: May 9 2023.

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Case Manager. Harbor Springs, MI. Assists the probation officer and other court staff with case management for probation clients and participants in specialty court programming.

Washburn University

Visiting Assistant Professor, Washburn Law Clinic. Topeka, KS. Washburn University School of Law invites applicants for a two-year visiting assistant professor to teach in the Washburn Law Clinic and to teach complementary doctrinal courses, beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. We are particularly interested in applicants qualified to teach in a small business, transactional, and/or non-profit law clinic. While this is a visiting position, it may convert into a tenure-track appointment after the 2022-2024 academic year depending on budget and curricular needs. If a tenure-track position is approved for the 2023-2024 academic year and beyond, the law school will conduct a national search and the visiting faculty member will be welcome to apply for the position. If the successful candidate has earned tenure at another ABA-approved law school, the candidate may be eligible for an appointment with tenure if selected for the tenure-track position. Application materials should clearly articulate the candidate’s record of work supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and state how the candidate will contribute to Washburn University’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices. Open until Filled.

Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General

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.

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, including the Divisions of Education, Health, Social Services, General Services, Human Resources, and Law Enforcement. 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.

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.

Attorney (Natural Resources Unit/FRF). Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. Review documents, such as services 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.

Law Clerk – Intern. Window Rock, AZ. Under general supervision of the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General or the Assistant Attorney General, will perform legal research on applicable legal and factual issues using computerized techniques and/or Westlaw library materials; will interpret and apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities in the preparation of briefs, correspondence, and related documents; will ensure all written work is thoroughly reviewed by a supervising attorney; will contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit’s service to its clients by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team; will maintain accurate records and files; will prepare a variety of records and reports as assigned; will attend meetings to obtain information and to learn about the Navajo Nation and substantive subject areas. 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.

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 May 3, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.

Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation

Associate Justice. Window Rock, AZ. Under administrative direction of the Chief Justice, performs work of unusual difficulty, hears arguments, reads briefs and conducts research necessary to pass judgment and issue rulings on cases brought before the Navajo Nation Supreme Court; may serve as acting Chief Justice; performs related duties as assigned. Open Until Filled.

Court Solicitor. Window Rock, AZ. Under the general direction of the Chief Justice or his/her designee, provides a variety of legal advice, counseling, research and related legal services in support of the overall judicial operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; develops and implements improved court processes and supports courts in their use; provides legal advice, research and drafting documents for court operations; performs related duties as assigned. Serves as attorney advisor for court operations, specifically on the development of court rules, forms and standards throughout the Judicial Branch; focuses on development of case management policies and procedures to effectively provide excellent services to court customers; performs analysis and assessment of court operations and case management process; develops procedures and policies to ensure consistent, best practices in the courts; prepares and transmits to the Judicial Conference and the Supreme Court statistical data and reports regarding case management and court operations; serves as the court attorney advisor in conjunction with staff attorneys to provide legal counsel and advice. Open Until Filled.

Judicial Hearing Officer. Window Rock, AZ; Shiprock, NM. Under the administrative supervision of the Chief Justice or his/her designee, this position exercises authority to preside over hearings and dispositions involving the Domestic Abuse Protection Act and Alchinni Bi Beehazannii Act occurring within the respective jurisdictions of the District Courts of the Navajo Nation; performs related work as assigned. Open Until Filled.

Traditional Program Specialist. Crownpoint, NM; Kayenta, AZ. Provide administrative support, recruit, orientate, train and mentor peacemakers; Recommend and guide individuals and families with follow-up services; Provide guidance in traditional Navajo healing approaches incorporating both Western, faith-based and Navajo traditional philosophies; Implement the Peacemaking Program’s traditional curriculum to provide services to youth, adults, families to restore harmony; Attend trainings and conferences pursuant to established training plans; Randomly monitor and promote the effectiveness and efficiency of peacemakers; Assist with written agreements and narratives; Interview individuals to obtain and verify required case documents and other information; Performs intake process for individuals or as ordered by the court; Completes and/or serves notice of peacemaking sessions; Maintains case management of case files, implements, updates and distributes progress reports; Enters and retrieves case information using automated database or manual logs; Schedules peacemaking sessions and records events as they occur; Shall maintain confidentiality in regards to client information and records at all times. Provide complex traditional cultural knowledge and teaching of fundamental law. Open Until Filled.

District Court Judges. Navajo Nation Wide. Under administrative direction of the Chief Justice, performs work of unusual difficulty in presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases; provides policy direction and guidance in the operation of Judicial Districts; performs related duties as assigned. Open Until Filled.

Staff Attorney. Aneth, UT; Kayenta, AZ. Under general direction of the Judges of the assigned district, performs work of considerable difficulty in providing complex legal advice and guidance; conducts legal research and drafts legal documents in support of the judges, court solicitor and court administrators; undertakes special projects for the Judicial Branch; performs related duties as assigned. Open Until Filled.

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