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

US Department of the Interior – Division of Indian Affairs

Legal Intern. Washington, D.C. or Remote. Legal research and writing on an array of federal Indian law matters. Closing date – August 15, 2023 (for Spring 2024 position) and August 25, 2023 (for Summer 2024 position).

The Association of Village Council Presidents Lands and Natural Resources Division

RFQ – Facilitator. Remote, Alaska preferred. Main duties include conducting a situational report, facilitating the revision/refinement of the current plan, along with development of goals and objectives and performance metrics. Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis.

National Council of Urban Indian Health

Federal Relations Associate. Remote. The Federal Relations Associate will work to advance NCUIH’s mission through excellence in public policy, technical assistance, and research. This position is an opportunity for an individual who is passionate about upholding the United States’ trust responsibility to American Indians and Alaska Natives to work at an organization which is at the forefront of these issues as they relate to the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Federal Relations Associate should have a working knowledge of either the federal regulatory system or Federal Indian Law. Closing Date – 8/31/23.

Orsted

Government Affairs Lead, Indian County. Annapolis, Austin, Boston, Charlottesville, Chicago, Houston, New York City, Newark, Providence, Washington DC. You’ll be part of Government Affairs and Market Strategy where you, together with your colleagues, will work with Tribal Nations to identify, understand, and respond to any potential concerns about impacts to their communities from project development. You’ll maintain regular communications with Tribal Nations to enhance long-term relationships and mutual understanding. You will represent us at public events, incl. Tribal activities and local, regional, and national-level conferences or workshops. You’ll draft company policies and plans on engagement and communication. As a team, we work in a team-oriented environment, and are self-motivated, creative communicators and problem-solvers. We enjoy working with multiple and diverse communities. Application deadline: August 31, 2023, 23:59 EST.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians 

Prosecutor’s Office – Assistant Prosecutor. Tacoma, WA. Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Researches, evaluates, and analyzes laws, court decisions and authorities. Prepares and presents complaints, motions, and other legal documents for civil and criminal prosecutions. Prepares and maintains legal and administrative records and reports. Represents the Puyallup Tribe in the enforcement of the Criminal, Juvenile Justice and/or Children’s Codes in Tribal Court proceedings as the Assistant Prosecutor/Presenting Officer, as assigned by the Senior Prosecutor. Other duties as assigned. Closing: When filled.

Setter Roche Smith & Shellenberger LLP

Tribal Law /Federal Indian Law Attorney. Denver, CO. Setter Roche Smith & Shellenberger LLP (SRSS) is a mid-size Denver-based law firm that is looking to add an experienced Tribal Law /Federal Indian Law Attorney to our team. Qualified candidates should have several years’ tribal and federal Indian law experience and be licensed to practice law in Colorado. Licensures in New Mexico and/or Arizona is a plus. Experience working with tribal housing authorities and matters governed by NAHASDA is required. Licensure and experience practicing law with the Navajo Nation is preferred, and working experience with other tribes or tribal entities is helpful. This is a full-time position that offers a hybrid work schedule. The ability to travel to and from tribal courts/tribal jurisdictions is required. Open until filled.

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Tribal Court Case Manager. Petoskey, MI. Assists the probation officer and other court staff with case management for probation clients and participants in specialty court programming.  Closes: August 03, 2023.

Rothstein Donatelli LLP

Associate Attorney – Indian Law. Tempe, AZ. Rothstein Donatelli LLP has offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tempe, Arizona. The Tempe office is seeking an associate attorney for its Indian law practice group. The ideal candidate will have three or more years of experience with a demonstrated commitment to the highest quality of legal practice, excellent research and writing skills, and an interest in representing tribal Nations. Experience in Indian law is not required. Open until filled.

Native American Rights Fund

Wilderness Society Fellow. Boulder, CO, Washington, D.C. or Remote Work Considered Fellow Job duties will include but is not limited to working with NARF Staff Attorneys and NARF clients, in cooperation with other partners as applicable, to develop materials related to empowering tribal sovereignty and governance within the current rubric of public land management in the U.S. The successful candidate will help increase understanding of how cooperative agreements are being used to share power in decision making between federal, state, and tribal governments on public lands. The work will result in memos or white papers on issues concerning legal solutions or policy positions that are advantageous in creating more just and effective cooperative practices. Position will be opened until filled. Interviews begin in August.

Law Clerk. Alaska, Colorado, or Washington DC. Law Clerk Job duties will include but is not limited to assisting NARF attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting legal memorandums, drafting case filings, citation verification, proofreading, assisting in case management, working on special legal projects, and any other legal tasks as requested. Applications for this position will close on September 15, 2023.

Chambers of Lauren King, United States District Judge, Western District of Washington

Law Clerk. Seattle, WA. Law Clerks work closely with the Judge on civil and criminal litigation filed in District Court. Law clerks conduct research and prepare drafts of opinions and orders. Law clerks will also have the opportunity to work on various long-term projects, be involved in courtroom proceedings, and assist in the judicial extern program. Term law clerk beginning January 15, 2024. .Term law clerk beginning August 12, 2024 Closing date: July 25, 2023.

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP

Associate Attorney. Washington DC. Hobbs Straus specializes in Federal Indian Law and has worked for 40 years to realize positive change in Indian Country.  Our attorneys are dedicated to promoting and defending Tribal Nations’ rights and exercise of sovereignty, expanding opportunities for Tribal Nations, and improving the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Closing Date: August 1.

Pueblo of Laguna

In-House Attorney. Laguna, NM. Full-time attorney to provide legal advice, draft codes and policies, and protect government interests performing general counsel legal work.  One of three In-house attorneys and 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 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.

Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Court Judge

RFP – Judicial Services. The Tribal Court Judge oversees the administration of the Court; hears civil and criminal cases; and assists in developing the Tribal Court. The Tribal Court is located on the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Reservation in Darrington, WA. Hearings are held one or two days per month. If you are interested in applying for the position please send a letter of interest, or resume, to court.clerk@sauk-suiattle.com. Applications are due by: August 31, 2023.

Meskwaki Tribal Court

Chief Justice of the Appellate Court. Tama, IA. The Meskwaki Tribal Court is seeking a Chief Justice of the Appellate Court who will be responsible for appellate judicial work and court administration for the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa. The Chief Justice is responsible for supervision of the Court and its employees. Work includes hearing appeals and making judgments by applying Tribal law, ordinances and regulations, or applicable Federal and State laws. Chairs judge’s meetings and acts as a liaison between the judges, the Community Panel, Tribal Elders, and the Tribal Council. The position status calls for an independent contractor, as this position is contract as needed. 4 year term with remote work flexibility. Open until filled.

Rosette, LLP

Associate Attorney. Grand Rapids, MI. Main responsibilities include conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda and pleadings in tribal, state and federal courts, appearing at hearings, communicating with opposing counsel, drafting and reviewing contracts, tribal codes, regulations and other agreements, and interfacing with clients.  The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience and be able to work in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Closing Date: Open until filled.

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP

Associate Attorney. San Francisco Bay Area (Oakland or Santa Rosa). We are looking for an attorney who has three or more years experience representing tribes and tribal entities. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking professional growth and stable employment in a practice that will fully utilize their training, knowledge, and experience in representing tribal interests. Minimum qualifications include: Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school; active member in good standing with the CA bar or willing to sit for the next CA bar exam; ability to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area; three or more years of tribal/Indian law experience; proven skills in effectively communicating with tribal councils, gaming management, opposing counsel, and federal/state/local agencies; excellent analytical, research, and writing abilities; experience drafting transactional documents; litigation and court experience preferred; and ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. The duties and responsibilities include all the duties that typically are required of experienced tribal counsel, including relevant federal, state and tribal court experience. Open until filled.

Oglala Sioux Tribe

Attorney General. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD. The Attorney General is the Chief Prosecutor of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The Attorney General shall be directly responsible to the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council. The Attorney General may be dismissed upon ninety (90) days written notice by the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council. The Attorney General is responsible for providing administrative, management, and technical expertise in performing all administrative and programmatic functions of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General will supervise a support staff of eight (8) persons, including four (4) Tribal Prosecutors and four (4) clerks, in the day-to-day operations of the office. The Attorney General shall be responsible for their work performance, time and attendance, approval and disapproval of leave, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions, if necessary. The Attorney General will review training needs of staff and ensure that those needs are met to improve job performance. The election for the Attorney General will be made by the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council. Open until filled.