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

Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Justice

Tribal Attorney. Black River Falls, WI. Performs a wide variety of legal work representing the Nation as a government, its departments, boards, and commissions.  The Tribal Attorney will prepare pleadings for hearings and other legal proceedings, perform legal research, provide court representation; and other duties as assigned. Open until filled.

Peebles Kidder

Paralegal/Litigation Secretary/Litigation Assistant. Rapid City, SD. This is a full-time on-site position for an experienced Litigation Legal Assistant/Legal Secretary/Paralegal located in Rapid City, SD. The Rapid City office is a fast pace and dynamic office supporting the firm’s litigation, housing, education and general counsel practice. The candidate will be responsible for providing administrative support to attorneys, drafting and editing legal documents, managing files, and providing general office support. The ideal candidate will have two or more years of solid litigation support experience, including calendaring, court filing requirements, and case management. Closing Date: Open until filled.

Associate Attorney. Rapid City, SD. The Rapid City office of Peebles Kidder seeks one Associate Attorney with preferred experience in the areas of contracts, employment law, housing, education, policy drafting, litigation and/or tribal governance. Open until filled.

Associate Attorney. Sacramento, CA. Peebles Kidder seeks an experienced associate to join its robust federal Indian law practice in Sacramento, California. The firm’s Sacramento office handles sophisticated matters ranging from cutting-edge litigation, tribal economic development projects, complex regulatory matters, and business transactions. Qualified candidates will have excellent research, writing, and communications skills. Court clerkship experience preferred but not required. California Bar admission is required. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Closing Date: Open until filled.

Equal Justice Works

Staff Attorney. Omak or Yakima, WA. Fellowship responsibilities include: Provide advice, limited and extensive pro se assistance, and representation, to Native American crime victims in tribal and state courts in eastern Washington. Develop and maintain relationships with tribal DV advocate programs and personnel. (This requires a willingness and ability to travel across Eastern Washington for outreach.) Engage with the client communities and conduct legal education events for client groups, social and human services providers, and civil and tribal justice system stakeholders. And more. Application Deadline: June 30, 2023.

Pueblo of Laguna

In-House Attorney. Laguna, NM – Full-time attorney to provide legal advice, draft codes and policies, assist with transactions, and protect government interests performing general counsel legal work.  One of three In-house attorneys. Works with Pueblo officials and management under supervision of Government Affairs Director.  Mostly transactional with some litigation.  Compensation DOE, open until filled.

Public Defender. Laguna, NM. Full-time attorney to represent and advocate for adults in criminal cases and juveniles in delinquency cases before Laguna Pueblo Court when accused of violating Pueblo of Laguna law.  Advocates for Pueblo community members to achieve justice and rehabilitation.  One of two legal positions in Community Legal Services division and shares full-time assistant with the Pueblo’s legal aid attorney, works under supervision of Government Affairs Director.  Compensation DOE, open until filled.

Prosecutor, Laguna, NM – Full-time attorney to prosecute adult criminal defendants and juveniles in Laguna Pueblo Court for violating Laguna Pueblo law.  Advocates for the Pueblo to achieve justice and rehabilitation.  Works in office having a full-time assistant and victim’s advocate, and is under supervision of the Pueblo Governor.  Compensation DOE, open until filled.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Staff Attorney – Government. Highland, CA. Under the direction of the VP Associate General Counsel, the Staff Attorney provides legal advice to the Tribal government, Tribal government operations and the Tribal government’s business enterprises. This position assists in counseling all levels of leadership in diverse issues related to transactions and contracting for the Tribal government, Tribal government operations and the Tribal government’s business enterprises. The Staff Attorney provides recommendations to minimize legal and financial exposure. This position also assures best practices to address emerging legal and business issues related to the Tribal government, Tribal government operations and the Tribal government’s business enterprises. Closing date: Open until filled.

Managing Attorney – Corporate/Finance/Complex Transactions. Highland, CA. Under the direction of the Deputy General Counsel, the Managing Attorney – Corporate/Finance/Complex Transactions will assure best practices by providing (i) strategic legal direction on legal services rendered by department attorneys and outside legal counsel, and (ii) effective development, training, and oversight of staff attorneys in delivering legal advisory services on emerging issues related to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ (SMBMI) government and its business enterprises. Closing date: Open until filled.

Paralegal. Highland, CA. Under the direction of the Director of Legal Operations and designated attorneys, Paralegals play a key role in providing legal-related assistance and administrative support for different functional areas of the organization including government, litigation, real estate, employment and labor, transactions and intellectual property management, as applicable based upon individual experience and need.

The Paralegal role is an integral part of the Legal Department, supporting a team of attorneys and a legal operations team in enabling the efficient and effective delivery of legal services to Tribal government and enterprise partners. This Paralegal role offers an unparalleled opportunity to increase your professional network, gain valuable experience, and grow with the organization as we pursue strategic initiatives in 2022 and beyond. Closing date: 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.

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.

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.

Attorney (Economic/Community Development Unit), Window Rock, AZ. Under the general direction of Attorney General Office and the direct supervision of the assigned Assistant Attorney General. The Attorney provides legal assistance to the Division of Economic Development, Division of Community Development, the Navajo Gaming Regulatory Office, and other entities of the Navajo Nation as needed. The Attorney represents the Navajo Nation on matters related to state and federal voting; and on matters related to the Navajo Nation’s gaming compacts. The Attorney will work on a wide range of legal issues including drafting and updating code and regulations; statutory and regulatory compliance; construction and professional service contracts; business site leases and business development; and intellectual property. The Attorney will represent the Navajo Nation before courts and administrative tribunals as needed. The Attorney will have other duties and responsibilities as assigned.  This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney, (Natural Resources Unit) Window Rock, AZ. Legal work related to Federal, State and Navajo Nation courts and administrative tribunal representation of the Navajo Nation Government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General of the Natural Resources Unit or the Office of the (Attorney General Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General), including representation of the Division of Natural Resources and the Navajo Environmental Protection Agency regarding a wide range of environmental and natural resources legal issues, conduct legal research, interview witnesses, prepare briefs and pleadings. Confers with and provides legal direction to Navajo Nation Divisions, Departments, Navajo Nation Council and Committees regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory compliance, interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions, contract and procurements issues. Reviews contracts, leases, permits and other legal documents. Other duties as assigned. This position is open until filled.

Principal Attorney, (Tax & Finance Unit) Window Rock, AZ. Under the general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General, represents and advises, meets and confers with, and resolves legal issues for, the Navajo Nation Office of the Controller (OOC), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of the Navajo Tax Commission (ONTC), Navajo Tax Commission (NTC), Department of Retirement Services (NDRS), Fiscal Recovery Funds Office (FRFO), Retirement Plan Administration Committee (RPAC), Budget and Finance Committee (BFC), Investment Committee (IC), and as required, to the Navajo Nation Council and Standing Committees, the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches, and Chapters regarding a wide range of legal issues. Attends meetings of, and analyzes pending legislation, drafts memoranda, and provides reports and legal advice for, the BFC, NTC, RPAC, IC and, as required, the Navajo Nation Council and Committees. Conducts legal research; drafts and reviews memoranda, legal opinions, contracts, legislation, finance transaction documents, reports, and other legal documents; advises clients on statutory and regulatory compliance, contract disputes, procurement issues, and other legal matters; assists to prepare and present cases in tribal, municipal, state, and federal courts; and performs related duties, as required. 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.