Law Student Volunteer, Office of Tribal Justice, Fall 2026

Office of Tribal Justice, U.S. Department of Justice Washington, D.C.

The internship is designed to give students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working on challenging projects and cases principally involving issues of federal Indian law. Interns work closely with attorneys in OTJ on a wide range of federal Indian law issues and projects. Work may include legal research, drafting legal memoranda and briefs, participating in public policy development, reviewing proposed legislation, and responding to citizen correspondence. Also, interns may have the opportunity to attend Congressional hearings, oral arguments before the Supreme Court, and high-level meetings with OTJ attorneys.

All full-time, second- or third-year law students. Students should be able to demonstrate excellent academic credentials, good writing skills, knowledge of federal Indian law, and familiarity with tribes and tribal matters.

This position is in person at OTJ’s office in Washington, D.C.; telework is not available. Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks.

This position is unpaid; course credit or work-study may be available depending upon school requirements. Open until May 15, 2026. https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/law-student-volunteer-office-tribal-justice-fall-2026

Virtual Spring Law Clerk Position

Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians Civil Trial Court and Court of Appeals, Remote

The Rincon Virtual Spring Law Clerk will be working in the leading tribal courts in the country under the direct supervision of Rincon’s tribal judges. The Spring Law Clerk will work on projects related to tribal court development and perform designated duties involving legal research and writing. Must be currently enrolled as a 2L or 3L at an ABA accredited law school. Academic Credit, Open Until filled. https://rincontribalcourt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Rincon-Virtual-Law-Clerk-Externship-Position-Spring.pdf

Judicial Law Clerk (Contracted, Part-Time)

Sac and Fox Nation Judicial Branch Stroud, OK

The Sac and Fox Nation Judicial Branch seeks a part-time, contracted Judicial Law Clerk to provide onsite and remote legal research and drafting support to the District Judges, Supreme Court Justices, and to support the efficient operations of the court system.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting legal research and analysis (tribal, federal, and state law)
• Drafting memoranda, court orders, and judicial opinions
• Reviewing and recommending updates to the Tribal Code of Laws
• Assisting with development and revision of court procedures
• Ensuring all legal documentation adheres to applicable laws and judicial precedent

Qualifications:

• Current student at an ABA-accredited law school 
• Proof of tribal membership or first-degree tribal descent 
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Availability for onsite participation

Compensation: Contracted, part-time position.

Term: Ending 09/30/2026.

To apply, submit resume, writing sample, transcript, and proof of eligibility to:

courtadministrator@sacandfox.com, or mail to: 

Court Administrator, Sac and Fox Tribal Court, 356159 E. 926 Road, Stroud, OK 74079,

Deadline: April 3, 2026 at 4 pm.

Current Student at an ABA-accredited law school, proof of tribal membership or first-degree tribal descent, Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills, ability to maintain strict confidentiality, availability for onsite participation

$30.00/hour, Open until April 3, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. https://www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov/departments/tribal-court/

Legal Impact / Legal Programs Paralegal

California Indian Legal Services

Based in McKinleyville or Escondido, CA

The Legal Impact/Legal Programs Paralegal provides high-level, statewide coordination in support of the Director of Legal Programs (DLP) and the Director of Legal Impact & Legislative Affairs (DLILA). This role is responsible for coordinating complex legal, legislative, programmatic, and organizational initiatives that advance the mission of California Indian Legal Services (CILS). 

The Legal Impact/Legal Programs Paralegal plays an essential role in facilitating high-impact litigation support, legislative tracking and coordination, statewide program operations, attorney training logistics, case acceptance processes, and the development of publications and community education materials. This position requires advanced organizational, analytical, and communication skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and cultural competence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Minimum 3-5 years of legal services, legal coordination, or paralegal experience. 

Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program or equivalent legal training. 

Demonstrated knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and filings. 

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Teams, Planner, SharePoint, OneNote, etc.) 

Excellent writing and communication skills. 

Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Tribal communities. 

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. 

Experience working with or living in Tribal Communities. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience in legal services, Tribal government, or Indian law organizations. 

Familiarity with LSC regulations. 

Knowledge of federal Indian law topics including PL 280. 

Experience coordinating legal publications or trainings. 

KEY COMPETENCIES 

Project management. 

Legislative and policy comprehension. 

Analytical and detail-oriented coordination. 

Effective communication and collaboration. 

Cultural competence. 

Ability to work independently within defined parameters and under attorney supervision. 

Strong organizational systems development. 

 Salary $31.22-$34.72 per hour. Non-exempt, Full-time. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. Open until Filled https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3955957

Tribal Prosecutor

Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska, Niobrara (Santee), NE

The prosecutor’s duties include, but are not limited to:  reviewing reports from law enforcement for legal sufficiency and making charging decisions based on the evidence; preparing adult criminal complaints, juvenile offender petitions, and abuse/neglect petitions and placing them on file with the Clerk of the Tribal Court; conducting trial preparation and issuing praecipes for subpoenas in a timely manner so that all witnesses are notified that they must testify at trial; and professionally and effectively conducting trials in all cases where reasonable settlement negotiations have not disposed of the matter.

Juris Doctorate from an ABA Accredited Law School

Salary Negotiable Open until filled

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample to joseph.henry.james.ii@gmail.com.

Pro Tem Judge

Intertribal Court of Southern California, Valley Center, Ca

• Preside over cases within the jurisdiction of the Court as assigned by the chief judge

• Conduct legal research when necessary for case resolution

• Prepare written orders, judgments, and opinions

• Assist in development of court rules, policies, and procedures as requested

• Perform other duties as assigned by the chief judge

The Intertribal Court of Southern California Inter-Governmental Agreement establishes the following minimum qualifications for judges of the Court:

• Be thirty (30) years of age or older

• Be of good moral character

• Hold a high standard of conduct and integrity

• Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent

• Be capable of carrying out the duties of the office

• Demonstrate knowledge of tribal, California state, and United States federal law

• Have never been convicted of a felony

Compensation: Dependent on experience. This position is subject to appointment by the Tribal Judicial Council of Southern California and will remain open until filled. https://www.intertribalcourt.org/employment-opportunities

Associate Attorney, National Climate Earthjustice

Any Earthjustice Office (Primary)

Responsibilities

Associate Attorneys perform a range of litigation and advocacy-related tasks that can include:  

Conducting legal and factual research.

Reviewing and analyzing administrative records and technical documents.

Drafting motions, briefs, and other legal and factual documents in support of litigation and administrative advocacy.

Participating in proceedings before federal courts and agencies. “

Qualifications

Law school graduate

2-6 years of legal experience and admitted to, or willing and eligible to apply for admission to the bar of the state in which they reside.

Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.

Strong and demonstrated work ethic, good judgment, initiative, and creativity.

Strong desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.

Ability to work well independently and in a team-oriented atmosphere.

Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.

Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

Ability and desire to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

High level of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills.

Salary: $101,200 – $135,900  Open until 3/13 with a rolling deadline. https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=osdKzfwI&s=Handshake

Summer Legal Intern

Hannah Goins (Lumbee) -working for the Indigenous Conservation Council of the Chesapeake Bay

The position is hybrid- mostly remote with travel to Tribal homelands required (preference for applicants on the east coast-their location will determine the amount of travel) Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting treaty rights analysis, including historical and doctrinal research related to the 1677 Treaty of Middle Plantation
• Supporting research on inherent Tribal sovereignty, aboriginal title, and jurisdictional authority
• Reviewing Tribal constitutions, codes, and governance frameworks
• Assisting in legal analysis of state legislation, regulatory actions, or conservation initiatives affecting Tribal Nations
• Conducting research related to land status, environmental governance, and Tribal regulatory authority
• Drafting legal memoranda and briefing materials
• Supporting preparation for intergovernmental meetings, Tribal workshops, or collaborative legal discussions
• Participating (as appropriate) in conversations with Tribal leadership, staff, and partner organizations” “Required: • Respect for Tribal sovereignty, confidentiality, and government-to-government processes
• Rising 2L or 3L at an ABA-accredited law school
• Successful completion of Federal Indian Law, or relevant experience working with Tribal Nations if the applicant’s law school does not offer the course or the applicant has not yet had the opportunity to take it
• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples or Tribal Nations
• Demonstrated interest in Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous governance

Preferred: 

• Additional coursework in Tribal law, environmental law, administrative law, natural resources law, or constitutional law
• Experience engaging directly with Tribal governments
• Familiarity with treaty rights, land status issues, or jurisdictional questions
• Background in policy analysis or regulatory frameworks

Applicants who are citizens of federally recognized Tribal Nations, particularly those connected to Tribal Nations in VA are strongly encouraged to apply. This organization is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected status.

Paid position (salary determined on whether they stay 9 or 10 weeks). Open until July 31 (option to extend until August 7 depending on when their fall semester starts). https://www.indigenous-chesapeake.net/post/looking-for-a-legal-eagle-learning-to-fly

Chief Prosecutor

Yavapai-Apache Nation, Camp Verde, AZ

POSITION DESCRIPTION:.   

The Chief Prosecutor is responsible for the executive and administrative control/supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office within the Office of Attorney General.  The Chief Prosecutor represents the Yavapai-Apache Nation in criminal, juvenile and child welfare proceedings in the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court.  The Chief Prosecutor will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in an ethical manner and assure that justice is upheld according to the laws and customs of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigate alleged violations of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Criminal Code as submitted by the Yavapai-Apache Police Department and other law enforcement agencies.  Exercise prosecutorial discretion and authority to prosecute criminal violations and, to the extent consistent with public interest and public policy, negotiate plea agreements.

• Work with the Nation’s Department of Social Services in child welfare proceedings under the Nation’s Children and Families Code.  

• Direct, train, mentor and evaluate the performance of supervised advocates.   

• Develop criminal justice, educational and outreach programs to increase the effectiveness of the Office of the Prosecutor.

• Seek out grant and other resources to assist the Office in carrying out its responsibilities. 

• Train, assist and advise the Tribal Police in the prosecution of criminal cases including preservation of evidence, investigations, civil rights, and the preparation and execution of search and arrest warrants.

• Ensure that tribal criminal and related codes are current and amend codes as necessary. 

• Work collaboratively with other tribal agencies, specifically Department of Social Services, Police Department, Probation, and Yavapai-Apache Wellness Court towards coordinated resolution of cases.

• Attend Continuing Legal Education seminars and trainings to maintain legal proficiencies and required licensing as authorized by the Attorney General. 

• Attend bench/bar meetings and Wellness Court staffing meetings within the Yavapai-Apache Tribal Court and contribute to the development and continued growth of the Nation’s judicial system.

• While protecting the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, assist, coordinate and cooperate with local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities as needed regarding criminal investigations and prosecutions occurring within their respective jurisdictions.

• Ensure all applicable codes are applied consistently, effectively and fairly.

• Other duties as assigned by the Attorney General.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must possess a law degree from an ABA accredited law school (mandatory).

• Must be licensed to practice law in a jurisdiction in the United States and in good standing (mandatory).

• At least six (6) years substantial prosecutorial experience in tribal, federal, or state courts, including trials.

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of tribal, state, and federal law, rules of evidence and criminal procedure.

• Proven experience with difficult criminal cases involving complex factual and legal issues.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to supervise and train advocates fairly and effectively.

• Ability to maintain a high standard of professionalism and ensure that applicable codes and laws are applied fairly; strive to maintain and build the community’s trust in the legitimacy and fairness of the criminal justice system.

• Ability to interact with individuals in highly emotional and adversarial situations.  

• Strong investigative skills, instincts and techniques.

• Superior organizational skills and ability to handle significant number of active cases simultaneously. 

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for the law and for public service.

• Excellent references from individuals with substantial personal knowledge of applicant’s legal abilities (not related to applicant).

• Must have valid Arizona Driver’s License, be insurable with the Nation’s auto insurance policy and sustain insurability throughout the duration of employment.

Salary: 100,000 to 120,000 Open Until Filled https://yavapai-apache.org/employment/

Muckleshoot Chief Legal Counsel (GC)

AstroHire for Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn, WA (Onsite)

Under the direction of the Tribal Council, the Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for all legal matters involving the Muckleshoot Tribe, including all governmental and business activities.

Esteemed legal candidates will work directly with AstroHire on behalf of and in collaboration with MIT.

1) To pursue this job, submit application materials here: https://zurl.to/Yo5W?source=CareerSite

2) AstroHire will contact well-matched candidates directly. There’s no need to contact MIT at this juncture.

3) When contacted by AstroHire, discussion points may include: history and current position needs, compensation, the candidate’s qualifications, career goals, personal motivations, living needs, and logistical/relocation constraints.

4) This is a multi-step interview process, which may include phone calls, 1-to-1 video interviews, group panel interviews, and eventual on-site interviews in Auburn, Washington, USA.

15 years Multi-disciplinary Supervision of attorneys Conversation starts at $300,000 DOE. Open until April 30, 2026 https://zurl.to/Yo5W?source=CareerSite