Job Announcements

Earthjustice

Spring 2022 Legal Externship – Northeast Regional Office. New York, NY or remote. Legal externs work under the direct supervision of attorneys in the development and prosecution of litigation and other advocacy. Externs will participate in a wide range of tasks, including: (1) Assisting in case investigation, legal research, and discovery; and (2) Preparing memoranda, briefs, and other legal documents for administrative and judicial proceedings. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here and submit a resume, cover letter (see position description for specifics), writing sample, unofficial law school transcript, and list of three references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Spring 2022 Legal Externship – Los Angeles Office. Los Angeles, CA or remote. Duties include: (1) Working on case development and litigation; (2) Performing legal and factual research and developing case strategy and legal theories; (3) Preparing briefs and motions, meeting with clients and experts; and (4) Participating in moots of oral arguments and attend court proceedings and conferences with opposing counsel. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should apply here and submit a resume, cover letter (see position description for specifics), unofficial law school transcript, writing sample, and list of references. Applications will be viewed on a rolling basis.

Spring 2022 Legal Externship – Sustainable Food & Farming and Toxic Exposure & Health Programs. Two positions. New York, NY. Duties include: (1) Assisting with case investigation and legal research; and (2) Preparing memoranda and contributing to legal documents for administrative and judicial proceedings. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here and submit a cover letter (see position description for specifics), resume, unofficial law school transcript, writing sample, and a list of references by November 15th, 2021.

Senior Attorney. Denver, CO. Duties include: (1) Protecting public lands and wildlife from fracking, mining, and other threats; (2) Transitioning Colorado and Arizona from reliance on dirty fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy; and (3) Defending disproportionately impacted and tribal communities from pollution and other environmental harm. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply through Jobvite and must submit a resume, cover letter (see position description for specifications), writing sample, and three professional references.

DNA – People’s Legal Services

Staff Attorney. Farmington, NM, another DNA location, or remote. Duties include: (1) Providing legal assistance to low-income victims of crime under the New Mexico Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant; (2) Following all DNA and NM VOCA Grant policies, requirements, and all other applicable state, federal, and local regulations; (3) Participating in community outreach, training programs, legal clinics, and client education events; and (4) Participating in remote, local, or online intake. Interested candidates should submit an employment application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and writing sample to HResources@dnalegalservices.org. The position is open until filled.

Community Development Institute (CDI)

Federal Interest Specialist. Remote. Duties include: (1) Researching real property in the public and federal records and providing information on property records to ACF (OHS and the Office of Grants Management); (2) Reviewing the SF-429 real property report and providing findings to OHS and the Office of Grants Management (OGM); and (3) Developing action plans, materials, and resources to guide OHS and OGM in taking next steps to resolve federal interest properties. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to lgravelin@cditeam.org by October 29th, 2021.

Pueblo of Pojoaque

General Counsel. Santa Fe, NM. Duties include: (1) Providing legal services under the direct supervision of the Chief General Counsel; (2) Assuming diverse roles while working with the Pueblo people, their government, and Pueblo corporations; (3) Developing substantial knowledge and understanding of the Pueblo, its departments and businesses, and a general understanding of Indian Law and tribal-federal-state relations and the Pueblo of Pojoaque Law and Order Code. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a resume to sofstehage@pojoaque.org by October 31st, 2021.

The Federal Public Defender

Administrative Officer. Albuquerque, NM. Duties include: (1) Acting as principal advisor to the Defender on all aspects of office administration and management; (2) Assisting with the management of key day-to-day planning, operations, and special projects; (3) Supervising the administrative, information technology, and legal support staff; (4) Managing the financial operations of the defender office; and (5)
Ensuring adherence to federal and local procurement practices and procedures. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should, in one pdf document, submit a statement of interest, detailed resume, and three references to Margaret A. Katze, Federal Public Defender, FDNM-HR@fd.org by November 19th, 2021. Reference 2022-01 in the subject.

Administrative Assistant. Albuquerque, NM. Duties include: (1) Assisting in a variety of
administrative matters regarding operations, finance, procurement, property, space and facilities,
human resources, personnel, and policy; (2) Attending to administrative inquiries from staff in both offices as well as from other organizations; (3) Arranging travel and preparing travel vouchers for payment reimbursement, ensuring accuracy and compliance with government travel regulations; (4) Reviewing and preparing purchase orders and payments; and (5) Overseeing all office ordering and receiving, updating inventory, restocking and maintenance of equipment. Interested candidates should, in one pdf document, submit a statement of interest, resume, and three references to Margaret A. Katze, Federal Public Defender, FDNM-HR@fd.org by November 19th, 2021. Reference 2022-02 in the subject.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law

Project Director – Critical Race Studies Program (CRS). Los Angeles, CA. Learn more about the program here. Duties include: (1) Overseeing the creation of a publicly accessible, real-time tracking project that compiles and interactively presents information about new legislation and other formal policies suppressing anti-racist education, training, or research associated with CRT; (2) Producing briefs and other materials synthesizing and analyzing research and data collected; and (3) Convening academics, litigators, and advocates to discuss and develop the legal theories being used to contest these initiatives. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should apply here by October 18th, 2021.

Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC)

Native Law Staff Attorney. Anchorage, AK. Duties include: (1) Providing legal services to Association of Village Council Presidents (“AVCP”) member Tribes and tribal members; (2) Representing tribal clients in state child welfare proceedings and enforcing the Indian Child Welfare Act; and (3) Litigating other matters on behalf of AVCP Tribes and tribal members. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references to Pearl Pickett, Supervising Attorney, ppickett@alsc-law.org. Please reference Native Law Staff Attorney in the subject line of the application. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Alaska Native Justice Center

Summer 2022 Native Law Clerk Intern. Anchorage, AK. Our mission is justice for Alaska Native People. This internship seeks to encourage rising 3L law students to work in the field of Native law.  Interns will have opportunities to pursue a wide variety of projects. We provide legal services to victims and survivors of crime, including representation in family law matters and protective order cases. We also support and partner with Alaska Tribes to build capacity, implement cultural values and remedies, and access resources for Tribal Justice Systems. Finally, we represent Alaska Tribes in State Child of Need Aid cases where the Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”) applies. The internship offers training; the opportunity to shadow experienced attorneys advocating on behalf of Alaska Tribes, tribal organizations and Native people; and a competitive stipend. Alaska Native/American Indian applicants, as defined in P.L. 93-638 Indian Self-Determination Act, who are currently enrolled as 2L law students are encouraged to apply here by November 30th, 2021.

United South & Eastern Tribes, Inc. (USET)

Health Policy Analyst. Washington, D.C. Remote work temporarily available. Duties include: (1) Monitoring, identifying, and analyzing health-related developments in programs, policies, regulations, and legislation that may require USET SPF attention and action; (2) Working closely with USET’s Tribal Health Program Support Department and member Tribal Health Programs to identify and provide technical support around health policy issues at the regional and Tribal Nation levels; (3) Assisting in the preparation of talking points, testimony, comments, resolutions, technical reports, data analysis, and white papers on health-related issues to USET SPF member Tribal Nations; and (4) Providing technical support and occasional representation at relevant meetings and conferences, including the meetings of federal Tribal advisory committees. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should apply through Indeed.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Hoopa, CA. Duties include: (1) Reviewing and negotiating contracts and government grants; (2) Researching and drafting tribal ordinances; (3) Advising the Tribal Council and Chairman; (4) Coordinating litigations and investigations; and (5) Handling employment matters.  We are open to applicants with a broad range of professional backgrounds. Please see the position description for more details. Please see the detailed minimum qualifications here. Interested applicants should submit an application, resume, and writing sample to Leah Offins, HR Coordinator at l.offins@hoopainsurance.com. The application form can be accessed here and the Hoopa Valley employment site here. The position is open until filled.  

Hobb Straus Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney. Oklahoma City, OK. Duties include: (1) Legal representation of Tribes and Tribal organizations. (2) Promoting and defending tribal rights. (3) Ability to participate in a highly-collaborative environment. (4) Familiarity with tribal communities and cultures and a commitment to tribal representation. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and recent writing sample to Cindy Bonewitz at cbonewitz@hobbsstraus.com. This position is open until filled. 

Echo Hawk & Olsen

Associate Attorney – interested in Business Law, Business Litigation, Employment Law and who is enthusiastic about Indian law. Pocatello, ID. Duties include: (1) Drafting tribal codes, business contracts, policy & procedures, regulations & other critical documents; (2) Communicating legal developments clearly and effectively verbally as well as in writing; and (3) Attention to detail, ability to effectively manage time, work in an organized and detailed manner to meet tight deadlines, keep accurate records, and produce desired results. Please see the position description for more information. Please submit cover letter, resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to reception@echohawk.com.

Pechanga Indian Reservation

Chief JudgeTemecula, CA. Duties include: (1) Supporting and defending the sovereignty and Constitution and Bylaws of the Pechanga Band, its traditions, customs, and Tribal laws. (2) Exercising considerable independent judgement in managing the docket of the Tribal court, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conducting hearings, and deciding cases in a fair and impartial manner. (3) Providing a tribal forum to resolve legal issues involving child welfare matters; child custody and child support; guardianship and adoption of minors; child welfare issues involving domestic violence, facts of birth and emancipation matters; business leases; employment matters; eminent domain; appeals from the Trust Review Board; cases arising from the Tribal Tax Code; disputes arising from the Pechanga Band Member Health Program; and any other subject matter as directed by the General Membership. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of intent to HR@pechanga-nsn.gov. The position is open until filled.

California Tribal Families Coalition

2022 Summer Law Clerk. Candidates are preferably rising 3Ls, however, 2Ls with relevant experience prior to or while in law school will be considered. CTFC provides an opportunity for summer law clerks with demonstrated interest in Indian law and/or social welfare law and policy. It is helpful if candidates have completed advanced research, writing, and a clinical placement. Primarily remote, but may include an opportunity to meet in-person in Northern California. Projects will vary. Past projects have included drafting state court briefs, research and writing an opposition to appellate case de-publication, developing training materials on state law, and drafting legal and policy strategy for legislation. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of two references to clerkapp@caltribalfamilies.org. Letters of recommendation are optional. All interviews will be conducted remotely. Deadline to apply is November 5th, 2021.

Indian Law Resource Center

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Attorney. Helena, MT, remote, or Washington, D.C. Duties include: (1) Researching and writing in Spanish and English; (2) Contact and consultations with Indigenous peoples and Indigenous organizations in Mexico and Central and South America; and (3) Asserting and defending Indigenous rights to self-determination and other related rights. Please see the position description for more information. To apply, submit a resume, a writing sample in English or Spanish, and two professional references to mt@indianlaw.org. Applications will be viewed as they are received.

Navajo Nation

Principal Tribal Court Advocate, Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing 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; (2) Child Support Enforcement: Presenting child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) Participating in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; and (4) Providing legal advice and case strategy. This position is open until filled. Please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit), Office of the Attorney GeneralWindow Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Representing 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; (2) Working 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; (3) Providing 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, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney Candidate, Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, the Attorney General, or the Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Providing legal direction to Navajo Nation divisions, departments, and offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues; (2) Preparing and presenting civil cases in tribal, municipal, state, federal courts and administrative bodies; (3) Providing advice to and preparing advisory opinions for assigned departments and branches of the government; (4) Conducting legal research, preparing briefs, pleadings and other legal documents; and (5) Assisting in routine operations of Department of Justice. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney, Office of the Attorney GeneralWindow Rock, AZ. Under the general direction of Attorney General Office and the direct supervision of the assigned Assistant Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Providing legal assistance to the Division of Economic Development, Capital Projects Management Department, the Navajo Gaming Regulatory Office, and other entities of the Navajo Nation; (2) Representing the Navajo Nation programs before courts and administrative tribunals; (3) Providing guidance to the Navajo Nation on gaming related matters and representing the Nation at various gaming meetings with tribes, states, and/or the federal government; (4) Monitoring, advising, and assisting the Navajo Nation on legal matters related to census, redistricting, and voting; and (5) Attending meetings with relevant stakeholders, state, and federal officials. This position is open until October 18, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Chief Prosecutor, Office of the Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing administrative, managerial, and prosecution work in directing the Office of the Chief Prosecutor and component districts including the Juvenile Justice and White Collar Crime programs; (2) Administering short and long range planning, organizing, directing, strategic planning for annual, external, and supplemental budgets, and related activities of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor; (3) Coordinating and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the assigned program offices and districts.; and (4) Adhering to the Plan of Operation and establishing annual goals and objectives. This position serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney, Office of the ProsecutorRamah, NM. Under supervision of the Chief Prosecutor/Deputy Chief Prosecutor. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation government; (2) Providing and assisting several district prosecutor offices in prosecution of criminal and civil cases; (3) Attending arraignments, trials, adjudications, child dependency adjudications, motion hearings, and other related issues to court attendance; (4) Preparing all required legal documents; (5) Reviewing investigative reports and related documents and determines nature of the criminal offense; (6) Establishing case plan with and advising law enforcement personnel on most serious criminal offenses; and (7) Preparing and obtaining search warrants, conducting follow ups on cases and elements of cases, conducting legal research, reviewing criminal complaints, interviewing witnesses. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor, Office of the Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying of litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathers facts and data; (4) Preparing 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; and (5) Making decisions in sensitive cases and seeking assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary, Office of the ProsecutorDilkon, AZ. Duties include: (1) Drafting legal correspondence, forms, documents, and/or reports, reviews for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with applicable rules and regulations; (2) Finalizing draft notices, petitions, pleadings, complaints, briefs, summons, orders, affidavits and other legal forms; (3) Transcribing hearings, depositions, and meetings for use by the prosecutors/attorneys or as court exhibits; (4) Opening new cases, completing case management, and closing of completed case; and (5) Inputting reports, preparing and generating reports/statistical information. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Request for Proposals

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) seeks proposals that would provide Will and Estate Planning legal services (Program) directly to CTUIR members (Client). The Program is a pass-through contract administered by the CTUIR Office of Legal Counsel. Services include individual Client meetings, advising and drafting estate planning for trust land and other property they may own, accessing or coordinating with federal and tribal agencies related to the completion of the will drafting, and causing the documents to be filed with the CTUIR Enrollment Office. Apply via https://ctuir.org/contracting-opportunities/rfp-wills-estate-planning-attorney-services/ Umatilla is a tribal preference employer.

November 9th, 2021 Live Stream: Cherokee Legal History Panel with J. Matthew Martin, Stacy Leeds, and Trey Adcock

Cherokee Legal History Panel with J. Matthew Martin, Stacy Leeds, and Trey Adcock.

Tuesday, November 9th at 6:00pm ET

Like most of our events, this event is free, but registration is required. Click here to RSVP for this event. Prior to the event the link required to attend will be emailed to registrants.

If you decide to attend and purchase the authors’ books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!

About the Seminar:

The first legal history of the first tribal court upends long-held misconceptions about the origins of Westernized tribal jurisprudence. This book demonstrates how the Cherokee people—prior to their removal on the Trail of Tears—used their judicial system as an external exemplar of American legal values, while simultaneously deploying it as a bulwark for tribal culture and tradition in the face of massive societal pressure and change. Extensive case studies document the Cherokee Nation’s exercise of both criminal and civil jurisdiction over American citizens, the roles of women and language in the Supreme Court, and how the courts were used to regulate the slave trade among the Cherokees. Although long-known for its historical value, the legal significance of the Cherokee Supreme Court has not been explored until now.

About the Speakers:

J. Matthew Martin is the first American Bar Association (ABA) Tribal Courts Fellow. In 2013 he retired after over a decade of service as an Associate Judge of the Cherokee Court, the Tribal Court for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. For over 25 years, Judge Martin has been Board Certified as a Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Law by the North Carolina State Bar. In the 1991 Term, at age 31, he argued Wade v. United States before the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Martin has spoken nationally and internationally on issues ranging from federal Indian law to criminal law and the judicial process. He is published in multiple peer-reviewed periodicals.  

Judge Martin received a BA with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD from the UNC School of Law. He also holds a Ph.D. in Judicial Studies from the University of Nevada-Reno. He has taught law students as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the UNC and Elon Schools of Law. He is a long-time member of the faculty of the National Judicial College and former Secretary to the College’s Board of Trustees.

Judge Martin was honored as a T.C. Roberson High School “Graduate of Distinction” and received the “Franklin Flaschner Award” from the ABA’s National Conference of Specialized Court Judges as the nation’s outstanding specialized court judge in 2014. The Cherokee Supreme Court: 1823-1835 is his first book.

Trey Adcock (ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ, Citizen of Cherokee Nation), PhD, is an associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and the director of American Indian and Indigenous Studies at the University of North Carolina Asheville. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Native Health and sits on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Cherokee Studies.

Stacy Leeds is Foundation Professor of Law and Leadership at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University. Leeds is Dean Emeritus, University of Arkansas School of Law (2011-2018) and the first Indigenous woman to lead a law school. Learn more at http://stacyleeds.com/biography

Two In-Person CLEs: Friday, October 15th

2021 Indian Law Seminar: Reconnecting Our Sovereign Nations

Friday, October 15, 2021 from
8:00 AM to 6:30 PM CDT

Where:
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
2400 Mystic Lake Blvd.
Prior Lake, MN 55372

In previous years, the tribal leaders, scholars, and practitioners of our Indian law community gathered at the Federal Bar Association’s annual Indian Law Conference to share our knowledge, triumphs, and trials in the pursuit to protect the sovereignty of our tribal nations. As we return to congregating safely, our members now have the opportunity revive these important gatherings. In the spirit of perpetuating community, connection, and education in the Indian Law community, the Minnesota chapter of the Federal Bar Association along with the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association, the national FBA’s Indian Law Section, the New Mexico Chapter of the FBA, presents the 2021 Indian Law Seminar: Reconnecting Our Sovereign Nations. This seminar will run simultaneously with a seminar in New Mexico, and attendees will hear from two live panels and two simulcast panels in each state for CLE credit.

PDF version here.

Agenda available here.

New Mexico Chapter: Indian Law Seminar

October 15 @ 8:00 am – 3:45 pm MST

Where:

Sandia Resort & Casino, 30 Rainbow Rd
Albuquerque, NM 87113

This event is the first of its kind within New Mexico and Minnesota. We will be hosting live sessions in both states while providing live simulcast to our partner state. Our aim is to provide participants in both states and surrounding jurisdictions with content relevant to attorneys who practice in the field of Federal Indian law.

Topics include:
U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Cooley
ICWA, State ICWA laws, and possible implications of Brackeen v. Haaland
Native Americans and the Criminal Justice System
Yellen v. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

Note: We have added a virtual participation option also! The cost is the same, so please register using the link below, and then email Roshanna Toya at roshannak.toya@gmail.com to request a link to the presentations.

Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Preparing for COP26

Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Preparing for COP26

The University of Colorado’s American Indian Law Program and Getches Wilkinson Center invite you to “Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change: Preparing for COP26,” taking place:

Oct 20th, 2021, 12pm-1:15pm MT, via Zoom at https://cu.law/AILP

Moderated by Professor Kristen Carpenter, the panel features Fawn Sharp, President, National Congress of American Indians; Kim Gottschalk, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund; and Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council.

On October 31, 2021, the world will gather in Glasgow for COP26, a major summit on climate change. As the U.S. rejoins the Paris Agreement, Indigenous Peoples, their traditional knowledge, and relationship with the earth are also at the forefront. Join Colorado Law for a discussion with Indigenous leaders and advocates to learn what’s at stake for all of us.

Tribal Traditional Law in Practice: 2021 Indigenous Law Conference Day 1 Panel 1

Please register to join us virtually for the 18th Annual ILPC/TICA Indigenous Law Conference!

For information about the agenda, sponsorships, and registration, please visit the event site.

Tribal Traditional Law in Practice

November 4th, 2021 | 10:30am-11:45am ET | 1.25 CLE

This presentation unravels the difficulties and reliabilities of incorporating traditional law into modern practices in the context of Diné Fundamental Law statute, oral testimony of the Jemez Pueblo’s elders, and Anishinaabe law and jurisprudence.

Speakers include:

Rodgerick Begay: Assistant Attorney General, DOJ Chapter Unit, Navajo National

Matthew L.M. Fletcher: Director & Professor, Indigenous Law & Policy Center, Michigan State University College of Law

Robert Alan Hershey: Clinical Professor of Law Emeritus, Indigenous Law & Policy Program, University of Arizona College of Law

Moderator – Alyana Jimerson: Student, Michigan State University College of Law

MILS Discussion and Presentation with NYT Best-Selling Author of “Firekeeper’s Daughter” Monday, October 25th at 7:00pm EST

Michigan Indian Legal Services and Uniting Three Fires Against Violence present a discussion with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Angeline Boulley. The author of Firekeeper’s Daughter will present with special legal guests and discuss the book, domestic violence, and criminal jurisdiction on tribal lands. The discussion will provide an interesting dissection of the relevant topics, along with the book’s unique setting in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Audience members are encouraged to bring their questions.

Monday, October 25th, 2021 at 7:00pm ET

Hosted on MILS Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to watch our live event. Just login at https://bit.ly/MichiganIndianLegalServices and you can view with us.

Pre-Registration (optional) here

Free and open to all

Distinguished Panelists include:

Angeline Boulley, Author of Firekeeper’s Daughter

Jeff Davis, of Counsel with Barnes & Thornburg, LLP, former AUSA Western District of Michigan

Hon. Jocelyn K. Fabry, Chief Judge of the Sault Ste. Marie Tirbe of Chippewa Indians Tribal Court

Hon. Melissa L. Pope, Chief Judge of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potowatomi Tribal Court

Prof. Kirsten Matoy Carlson, Wayne State University Law School

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Free Virtual Programs

pdf version with working links

Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 11th, 2021

This worldwide movement recognizes the history and contributions of Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas. This year, we will honor those who never returned home from Indian Boarding Schools.

Free Virtual Programs:

12:00pm (CT) via Zoom – Get tickets on Eventbrite

Join us for an informational presentation for students about the Indian Boarding school era. There will be time for a short Q&A at the end of the presentation.

6:00pm (CT) via Zoom – Get tickets on Eventbrite

Join us for a presentation and discussion with guest speakers about Indian Boarding schools in North America. There will be a short Q&A at the end of the presentation

Presentation by:

Lauren van Schilfgaarde

Cochiti Pueblo

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Tribal Legal Development Clinic Director at UCLA School of Law

www.mitchellmuseum.org/ipd2021

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The Indigenous Law & Policy Center is at the forefront of Indian law issues and home to one of the most well-known Indigenous Law programs in the nation. 

Today on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize this work and celebrate the next generation of water protectors, Indian childhood welfare defenders, and tribal judges supported by the Center, as well as the students and communities they serve.

Artwork: “The Seeds Are Planted” by Zoey Wood-Salomon

Job Announcements

The Catawba Nation Legal Department

3L Spring 2022 Legal Internship. Applicants will assist the Nation’s Legal Department by researching pertinent issues, attending meetings, and drafting ordinances, memoranda, and policies. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, applicants will be asked to work remotely. Please see the position description for more information and for a list of requirements. Interested candidates must be a 3L and should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and law school transcript to Deputy Tribal Attorney Lydia Locklear (Lydia.locklear@catawba.com) by November 30th, 2021.

Procopio

Summer 2022 Native American Internship Program. Two positions available. San Diego, CA. The Native American Law Internship provides an opportunity for two law students to gain hands-on experience dealing with everyday legal issues facing Native American communities. Interns are involved in matters that deal with specific Indian law-related legal practice matters and other legal problems facing tribal governments and Native entities. Interested candidates should submit a writing sample, law school transcript, resume, cover letter by Friday, October 15th, 2021 by 5pm PST. The program is ten to twelve weeks and begins after May 15, 2022. Applications should be emailed (with “2022 Summer Internship” in the subject line) to: kerry.patterson@procopio.com.

Environmental Law Institute (ELI)

Spring 2022 Research and Publications Internship. Interns work directly with staff attorneys, editors, scientists, and economists on a variety of projects including: climate change, land use, biodiversity, air quality, public health, hazardous waste and brownfields, wetlands and watersheds, armed conflict and the environment, environmental management systems, public participation, environmental justice, Indigenous issues, and environmental enforcement. Duties include: (1) Conducting in-depth research; (2) Reporting on outside events; (3) Analyzing, editing, and synthesizing material; and (4) Assisting with preparation for environment training courses. Internship is available to students who have completed their first year of college. Interested applicants. should submit a resume, cover letter, and 3-5 page analytical writing, and submit an application here by Friday, November 12, 2021.

California Tribal Families Coalition

2022 Summer Law Clerk. Candidates are preferably rising 3Ls, however, 2Ls with relevant experience prior to or while in law school will be considered. CTFC provides an opportunity for summer law clerks with demonstrated interest in Indian law and/or social welfare law and policy. It is helpful if candidates have completed advanced research, writing, and a clinical placement. Primarily remote, but may include an opportunity to meet in-person in Northern California. Projects will vary. Past projects have included drafting state court briefs, research and writing an opposition to appellate case de-publication, developing training materials on state law, and drafting legal and policy strategy for legislation. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of two references to clerkapp@caltribalfamilies.org. Letters of recommendation are optional. All interviews will be conducted remotely. Deadline to apply is November 5th, 2021.

Earthjustice

Associate Attorney, Midwest Regional. Chicago, IL. Duties include: (1) Conducting legal and factual research and preparing memoranda on issues relating to ongoing and potential litigation projects; (2) Drafting motions, briefs, and other pleadings; (3) Working closely with Senior Attorneys, Deputy Managing Attorneys, Managing Attorney, and clients to investigate, develop, and prosecute cases; (4) Engaging in proceedings before state and federal courts, public utility commissions, and other
administrative tribunals; (5) Hiring and supervising law students who work as interns or law clerks; and (6) Engaging with clients, coalition partners, and experts, as well as internal communications and legislative staff. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should apply here and submit a resume, cover letter (see position description for specifics), writing sample, law school transcript, and list of three references via Jobvite by October 31st.

Lummi Nation Office of the Reservation Attorney

Staff Attorney I or II. Bellingham, WA. Duties include: (1) Providing legal advice and representation to the Nation, its departments, and entities, in judicial and administrative proceedings in tribal, federal, and state forums; (2) Assisting in the resolution of complex legal issues impacting the Nation, and its departments and entities; (3) Continuing professional development through Continuing Legal Education and/or training in the areas of Indian Law or other issues relevant to job duties; (4) Traveling locally and out of state as necessary to represent the Lummi Nation, as approved in accordance with the Lummi Nation’s policies and procedures; and (5) Attending meetings of the LIBC, the General Council, and Lummi’s Commissions, Boards or Committees, and Inter-tribal or other conferences or meetings. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit an application, cover letter, resume, and reference letters here. Position is open until filled.

Coconino County Attorney’s Office

Attorney II. Two vacancies. Flagstaff, AZ. Duties include: (1) Managing caseloads, which include interviewing and advising clients on their legal rights and obligations; (2) Analyzing case material after investigations; (3) Conducting legal research; (4) Representing clients or the State at court hearings; and (5) Preparing and submitting legal documents to the courts on behalf of clients or the State. Interested candidates can view more information and apply here.

Tanana Chiefs Conference

Associate Counsel. Fairbanks, AK. Duties include: (1) Assisting the General Counsel in all matters assigned to the legal division; (2) Participating in the development of TCC policies, procedures and programs and providing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications; (3) Represent the company in legal proceedings; Interact with members of TCC, the legal profession, officials of state and federal
government; and (4) Providing legal advice and services on issues concerning the rights, obligations, and
privileges of the organization and member tribes. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Cass Lake, MN. Duties include: (1) Providing analysis for ongoing legal cases and issues including Business Transactions, Finance, Gaming, Government Affairs, Litigation, Environmental Law and Policy, Energy, Natural Resources, Taxation, Tribally controlled schools and colleges, and Tribal Housing; (2) Researching and drafting complex legal opinions, preparing drafts of
contracts, notices, ordinances, codes, resolutions and other legal documents; and (3) Defending and prosecuting on behalf of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in all actions arising under the jurisdiction of the Leech Lake Tribal Court, other state and federal district courts and forums as needed. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should fill out an application; see the position description for detailed instructions. The position is open until filled.

Foster Garvey PC

Indian Law Attorney. The position may be Associate, Principal, or Of Counsel, as appropriate. Seattle, WA (preferred), Spokane, WA, or Portland, OR. Remote work arrangements may be considered. Duties include: (1) Tribal treaty litigation; (2) Working with tribal clients on a broad range of tribal governance and economic development matters; (3) Developing experience in the attorney’s areas of particular interest; and (4) Representing tribes and tribal entities. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, recent writing sample, and list of at least three professional references via the firm’s Careers Portal. Review of applications begin next Friday (10/15/21).

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI)

Senior Staff Attorney. Highland, CA. Duties include: (1) Analyzing and drafting Tribal laws, regulations, and policies; (2) Advising on proposed and existing legislation, drafting proposed State and Federal legislation; and (3) Assisting and participating in State and national attorney work groups on matters related to Federal Indian law and gaming law issues, including legislative and litigation matters. Please see the position description and visit the career site for more information.

Navajo Nation

Principal Tribal Court Advocate, Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing 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; (2) Child Support Enforcement: Presenting child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) Participating in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; and (4) Providing legal advice and case strategy. This position is open until filled. Please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit), Office of the Attorney GeneralWindow Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Representing 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; (2) Working 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; (3) Providing 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, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney Candidate, Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, the Attorney General, or the Deputy Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Providing legal direction to Navajo Nation divisions, departments, and offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues; (2) Preparing and presenting civil cases in tribal, municipal, state, federal courts and administrative bodies; (3) Providing advice to and preparing advisory opinions for assigned departments and branches of the government; (4) Conducting legal research, preparing briefs, pleadings and other legal documents; and (5) Assisting in routine operations of Department of Justice. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney, Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Under the general direction of Attorney General Office and the direct supervision of the assigned Assistant Attorney General. Duties include: (1) Providing legal assistance to the Division of Economic Development, Capital Projects Management Department, the Navajo Gaming Regulatory Office, and other entities of the Navajo Nation; (2) Representing the Navajo Nation programs before courts and administrative tribunals; (3) Providing guidance to the Navajo Nation on gaming related matters and representing the Nation at various gaming meetings with tribes, states, and/or the federal government; (4) Monitoring, advising, and assisting the Navajo Nation on legal matters related to census, redistricting, and voting; and (5) Attending meetings with relevant stakeholders, state, and federal officials. This position is open until October 18, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Chief Prosecutor, Office of the Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing administrative, managerial, and prosecution work in directing the Office of the Chief Prosecutor and component districts including the Juvenile Justice and White Collar Crime programs; (2) Administering short and long range planning, organizing, directing, strategic planning for annual, external, and supplemental budgets, and related activities of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor; (3) Coordinating and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the assigned program offices and districts.; and (4) Adhering to the Plan of Operation and establishing annual goals and objectives. This position serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Attorney, Office of the Prosecutor. Ramah, NM. Under supervision of the Chief Prosecutor/Deputy Chief Prosecutor. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation government; (2) Providing and assisting several district prosecutor offices in prosecution of criminal and civil cases; (3) Attending arraignments, trials, adjudications, child dependency adjudications, motion hearings, and other related issues to court attendance; (4) Preparing all required legal documents; (5) Reviewing investigative reports and related documents and determines nature of the criminal offense; (6) Establishing case plan with and advising law enforcement personnel on most serious criminal offenses; and (7) Preparing and obtaining search warrants, conducting follow ups on cases and elements of cases, conducting legal research, reviewing criminal complaints, interviewing witnesses. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor, Office of the Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying of litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathers facts and data; (4) Preparing 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; and (5) Making decisions in sensitive cases and seeking assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary, Office of the Prosecutor. Dilkon, AZ. Duties include: (1) Drafting legal correspondence, forms, documents, and/or reports, reviews for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with applicable rules and regulations; (2) Finalizing draft notices, petitions, pleadings, complaints, briefs, summons, orders, affidavits and other legal forms; (3) Transcribing hearings, depositions, and meetings for use by the prosecutors/attorneys or as court exhibits; (4) Opening new cases, completing case management, and closing of completed case; and (5) Inputting reports, preparing and generating reports/statistical information. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Hoopa, CA. Duties include: (1) Reviewing and negotiating contracts and government grants; (2) Researching and drafting tribal ordinances; (3) Advising the Tribal Council and Chairman; (4) Coordinating litigations and investigations; and (5) Handling employment matters.  We are open to applicants with a broad range of professional backgrounds. Please see the position description for more details. Please see the detailed minimum qualifications here. Interested applicants should submit an application, resume, and writing sample to Leah Offins, HR Coordinator at l.offins@hoopainsurance.com. The application form can be accessed here. The position is open until filled.  

U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental & Natural Resources Division, Indian Resources Section

Trial Attorney. Denver, CO or Washington, DC. Duties include: (1) Litigation on behalf of federal agencies when they are protecting the rights and resources of federally recognized Indian tribes and their members, (2) Defending against challenges to statutes and agency action designed to protect tribal interests and affirmative actions to protect tribal rights and natural resources. The rights at issue include water rights, the ability to acquire reservation land, hunting and fishing rights, and other natural resources. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants must apply online through USAJOBS. Follow the prompts to register, answer a few questions, and submit all required documents by 11:59 PM (EST) by October 13th, 2021 to receive consideration. Applicants must submit a current resume, cover letter with brief statement of interest, law school transcript, writing sample, OF 306 – Declaration for Federal Employment https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf and DD-214 , if applicable.

Hobb Straus Associate Attorney

Associate Attorney. Oklahoma City, OK. Duties include: (1) Legal representation of Tribes and Tribal organizations. (2) Promoting and defending tribal rights. (3) Ability to participate in a highly-collaborative environment. (4) Familiarity with tribal communities and cultures and a commitment to tribal representation. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and recent writing sample to Cindy Bonewitz at cbonewitz@hobbsstraus.com. This position is open until filled. 

Echo Hawk & Olsen

Associate Attorney – interested in Business Law, Business Litigation, Employment Law and who is enthusiastic about Indian law. Pocatello, ID. Duties include: (1) Drafting tribal codes, business contracts, policy & procedures, regulations & other critical documents; (2) Communicating legal developments clearly and effectively verbally as well as in writing; and (3) Attention to detail, ability to effectively manage time, work in an organized and detailed manner to meet tight deadlines, keep accurate records, and produce desired results. Please see the position description for more information. Please submit cover letter, resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to reception@echohawk.com.

University of Idaho

Assistant Dean of Admissions, Moscow, ID or Boise, ID. The Assistant Dean will: (1) Report directly to the Dean of the College of Law and serve as a member of the senior leadership team. (2) Recruit for the College’s Native American Law Program, which enjoys significant support from the faculty and administration, as demonstrated by the development of our recent Tribal Homelands Scholarship. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here. The application will remain open until the position is filled.

Center for Court Innovation

Senior Program Manager – Technical Assistance. New York, NY or remote. Duties include: (1) Developing a broad range of subject matter expertise around tribal justice projects and community justice projects, including but not limited to, healing to wellness courts and treatment courts, strategic planning, alternatives to incarceration, juvenile Justice, corrections and reentry, tribal-state relationships, risk-need responsivity tools, and other problem-solving initiatives; (2) Assisting with grant proposals; (3) Giving presentations at national conferences and training events; (4) Helping lead the planning and coordination of roundtables and national training events; (5) Leading the writing of publications, including monographs, fact sheets, toolkits, and other products; and (6) Engaging in projects that support research development for tribal justice system. Please see the position description for more information. See the job posting here. Interested applicants should apply by October 15th, 2021.

18th Annual Indigenous Law Conference – Call for Sponsors

18th Annual Indigenous Law Conference Call for Sponsors

– TICA Champion – TICA Supporter – Panel Sponsor – Reception Sponsor – Other Sponsor –

Our generous sponsors help make the Indigenous Law Conference possible each year, for which we are very grateful! We hope to repeat past success, but we need your help once again to ensure another wonderful conference. Please read below about the different sponsorship tiers and opportunities. Thank you all for your time and consideration!

For more information, please visit indigenouslawconference.com/sponsorship.

TICA CHAMPION $5,000

  • Complimentary conference registration and 2022 TICA membership for up to four (4) attendees
  • Acknowledgment on Turtle Talk, TICA List-serve, TICA Facebook Page, and conference Website
  • Daily acknowledgment of sponsorship during the conference
  • Logo on TICA and conference websites

TICA SUPPORTER $2,500

  • Complimentary conference registration and 2022 TICA membership for two (2) attendees
  • Acknowledgment in Turtle Talk, TICA List-serve, TICA Facebook Page, and conference website
  • Daily Acknowledgment of sponsorship during the conference
  • Logo on TICA and conference websites

PANEL SPONSOR $1,000

  • Name and logo on conference materials, including prominently on the agenda to indicate panel sponsorship
  • Logo on TICA and conference website

RECEPTION SPONSOR $1,000

  • Name and logo on conference reception materials, including prominently on the agenda
  • Logo on TICA and conference website

OTHER SPONSOR

  • Name on TICA and conference website