We welcome you to tune in to the podcast HilTime with Hilary Tompkins as she discusses the Native American Voting Rights Act legislation with Native American Rights Fund (NARF) attorney Jacqueline DeLeon.
Author: gabrielagendreau
Voting Rights Webinar – October 5th, 2021
Addressing Barriers to Native American Voting Rights: A Tribal-Federal Roundtable Discussion
October 5th, 2021 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm EDT | Register now!
Please join us for a virtual roundtable discussion addressing the barriers to Native American voting rights.
Speakers include:
Sen. Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico
Sen. Jon Tester, Montana
Rep. Sharice Davids, Kansas
Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Hopi Tribe
Chairwoman Shelly Fyant, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
General Counsel Natasha Singh, Tanana Chiefs Conference
Please view the attached flyer for more details. Register now!
Job Announcements
____________________________________________________________________________
To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send 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 links to the application
- An attached PDF job announcement.
____________________________________________________________________________
Lochen Law Offices
Law Clerk. Hartland, WI. The position is for law students who have successfully completed or are presently enrolled in Constitutional Law and Federal Indian law, and have a demonstrated interest and/or background in advocating on behalf of Indian tribes. Duties include: (1) Assisting with legal research and writing; (2) Litigation in various jurisdictions; (3) Conducting Tribal economic development projects; (4) Drafting/reviewing corporate bylaws, resolutions and ordinances; (5) Researching and drafting policies and procedures for various Tribal governmental departments; and (6) Researching and drafting research memos on tax issues, jurisdictional questions, and other matters that focus on representation of Indian tribes and Tribal entities. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Eric Lochen, Managing Partner, eric@lochenlaw.com. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Walker Law LLC
Fall 2021 Law Associate / Student Law Clerk. Washington, D.C. Area. Duties include: (1) Assisting with federal litigation; and (2) Assisting with other legal and governmental affairs issues for the firm’s Native American Indian Tribe clients and Native Business clients. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a resume, law school transcript, two or three references, and cover letter to Liz Walker (Liz@Liz-Walker.com). These positions are open until filled.
University of Miami- Native American & Global Indigenous Studies (NAGIS)
Tenure Track Position. Miami, FL. Duties include: (1) Joining an appropriate academic department within the College of Arts and Sciences; (2) Playing a key role in the creation of a curriculum and associated program in Native American and Global Indigenous Studies; (3) Strengthening existing faculty and programming in NAGIS across the university through excellence in research, teaching, and service, including sustained community engagement and outreach; and (4) Teaching and mentoring students. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit an application via the UM Careers website. Please view the position description for specifics. Applications will begin to be reviewed November 15th, 2021.
Wilton Rancheria Tribal Office
Executive Director of Indian Child Welfare. Elk Grove, CA. Duties include: (1) Assessing the needs of the community and developing and monitoring programs accordingly; (2) Educating tribal and surrounding community members on the Indian Child Welfare Act; (3) Working with Tribal Member families, children, the legal system (including local, county, state, federal, and tribal), and county social workers and service providers to ensure compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act and applicable Tribal Laws; and (4) Attending court hearings and maintaining record of court proceedings and monitoring on-going ICWA case. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should apply here.
Earthjustice
Senior Attorney. Anchorage, AK; Juneau, AK; or Remote. Duties include: (1) Litigating cases from beginning to end, performing all aspects of litigation; (2) Developing litigation and legal advocacy strategies to support program goals; (3) Collaborating and managing relationships with co-counsel, clients, and coalition partners; (4) Cultivating new and diverse clients, allies, and coalition partners; (5) Leading teams and mentoring other staff, including associate attorneys, litigation assistants, and law clerks; and (6) Serving as spokesperson for Earthjustice, clients, and partners. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here and submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and list of three references Please see position description for submission specifications.
Associate Attorney – The Coal Program. Philadelphia, PA or Chicago, IL. Duties include: (1) Working closely with Senior Attorneys, Deputy Managing Attorneys, Managing Attorney, and clients to investigate, develop, and prosecute cases; (2) Participating in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery, briefing, witness preparation, and oral advocacy; (3) Engaging in proceedings before state and federal courts, public utility commissions, and other administrative tribunals; (4) Preparing comments on proposed agency actions, permits, and environmental review documents; (5) Interacting with clients, coalition partners, and experts; and (6) Hire and supervise law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.
Associate Attorney. San Francisco, CA or Los Angeles, CA. Duties include: (1) Conducting legal and factual research and preparing memoranda on issues relating to ongoing and potential litigation projects; (2) Reviewing and analyzing a paper record and interviewing fact witnesses and scientific experts; (3) Advocating in front of administrative agencies for strong health and environmental protections; (4) Assisting in or taking the lead in preparing a legal brief; and (5) Hiring and supervising law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, and a writing sample by applying here.
The National Congress of American Indians
Project Attorney – Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction. Washington, D.C., but the applicant can work remotely. Duties include: (1) Project management; (2) Coordination among project partners; (3) Planning and coordinating inter-tribal working group meetings; (4) Legal analysis and drafting; (5) Drafting and reviewing tribal codes, policies, and procedures; (6) Planning and conducting webinars and trainings; (7) Coordination with federal agencies; and (8) Advising and updating tribal stakeholders on important issues. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, references, and sample writings (5-7 pages) by 12/31/2021.
Project Manager – Victim Services Micro-Grant Program. Washington, D.C., but the applicant can work remotely. Duties include: (1) Project management; (2) Coordination among project partners; (3) Knowledge and interpretation of federal regulations for OVC’s tribal VOCA set-aside program; (4) Assisting in the financial management of all accounts including subrecipient grants; (5) Overseeing subrecipient monitoring and assisting sub grantees and vendors with compliance with federal regulation; and (6) Preparing and overseeing execution of contracts and grant agreements. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, references, and sample writings (5-7 pages) by 12/31/2021.
Kanji and Katzen
Administrative Manager. Ann Arbor, MI or Seattle, WA. Duties include: (1) Opening, maintaining, and closing of case files, including conflicts checks, client communications and contracting, billing set-up; (2) Managing firm archives, including organization and retrieval and scheduled file disposals; (3) Liaison with bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll contractors; (4) Development and maintenance of administrative practices and policies. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jellison@b2-mgmt.com.
Legal Assistant – Paralegal. Ann Arbor, MI or Seattle, WA. Duties include: (1) Case management and organization; (2) Court and administrative filing; (3) Experience with motions practice, discovery, and trial preparation preferred. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a resume to jellison@b2-mgmt.com.
Summer 2022 Associate. Seattle, WA and Ann Arbor, MI. Seeking 2L students, but highly motivated 1Ls may apply as well. Applicants should possess a stellar academic and professional record, excellent research and writing skills, and a commitment to serving tribal nations. Prior coursework in Indian law or experience with tribal communities is also highly valued. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, legal writing sample, law school transcript, references to Terri Walrod (twalrod@kanjikatzen.com) by October 1, 2021.
White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe
Assistant General Counsel. White Earth, MN. Duties include: (1) Serving as legal advisor to the White Earth Reservation Business Committee and its divisions, programs, entities, businesses, and services; (2) Providing counsel to White Earth RBC members, administration, and senior management; (3) Prosecuting all laws of the White Earth Band in White Earth Tribal Code, including housing, environmental, hunting and fishing, juvenile, child protection, and traffic matters; (4) Working with juvenile agencies and social service agencies or other programs for the prevention and solution of juvenile delinquency, child abuse or neglect; and (5) Assisting with the implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in tribal or state court proceedings. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here. Position is open until filled.
Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC
Paralegal. Remote, Eastern Time Zone preferred. Duties include: (1) Conducting legal and factual research; (2) Organizing and managing client matters, including tracking deadlines, monitoring task lists, and communicating internally and with clients; (3) Assisting with scheduling calls and meetings, and other calendar management tasks; (4) Preparing documents for filing, including proofreading, cite checking, formatting, and ensuring compliance with applicable court or agency rules; (5) Composing and preparing correspondence; and (6) Assisting with generating client invoices. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to jobs@culturalheritagepartners.com by 11:59 pm on Friday, October 15, 2021. Please include the job title in the subject line.
Partners for Justice
Advocate for Native American People in the criminal legal system. Pablo, MT. Duties include: (1) Identifying potential non-criminal penalties of arrest; (2) Partnering closely with attorneys to provide relevant information and documents for clients’ criminal case and other legal issues; (3) Ensuring seamless coordination across interdisciplinary legal and social service teams; (4) Assisting clients with clearing past criminal convictions, preparing for child services interventions, accessing public benefits, maintaining work licenses, finding and maintaining housing, and obtaining mental health or substance abuse treatment; (5) Developing partnerships with local government agencies and community organizations; and (6) Advocating for clients with service providers, attorneys, judges, landlords, employers, and others. Please see the position description for more information. Learn more about PFJ here. Interested candidates should email apply@partnersforjustice.org with a resume and a short writing sample that answers assigned prompts (see position description for details).
Anishinabe Legal Services
Staff Attorney. Cass Lake, MN. Duties include providing civil legal assistance and court representation to program clients before area Tribal Courts, State Courts, and Administrative Forums. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three references to ALS Executive Director Cody Nelson, cnelson@alslegal.org. The position is open until filled.
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Chief Judge. Nespelem, WA. Duties include: (1) Maintaining a fair and just court system for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation pursuant to the Constitution of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation; (2) Analyzing information and data to make recommendations for amendment or adoption of laws to improve the legal and judicial system; (3) Working with tribal communities and a working knowledge of the differences between tribal customs/traditions, statutory and case law, and tribal, federal and state law; and (4) Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with tribal officials, employees and the general public. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here and submit supporting documents to the Human Resources Office (grace.ferguson@colvilletribes.com) by October 29th, 2021. Position is open until filled.
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.
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.
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.
Job Announcement
____________________________________________________________________________
To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send 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 links to the application
- An attached PDF job announcement.
____________________________________________________________________________
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; and (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.
Sonosky Chambers
Summer 2022 – Incoming 2L Student Associate. Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson, & Perry LLP is a national law firm dedicated to representing Native American interests in a wide range of endeavors – including trial and appellate litigation, federal Indian law, tribal law, Indian self-determination and self-governance matters, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and economic development. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to Mary Pavel, Partner at mpavel@sonosky.com and also copy kwray@sonosky.com. Applications are due by Friday, October 8th, 2021.
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.
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.
Southern Ute Tribe
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Request for Proposals – Special Prosecutor. Ignacio, CO. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is requesting contract proposals from attorneys or law firms to serve as Special Prosecutor for the Tribe. For full RFP email jrivera@southernute-nsn.gov or call 970-563-2141. Proposals due October 8th at 5 pm MST.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
In-House Attorney. Banning, CA. Duties include: (1) Providing on-site legal advice to the Tribal Council and various Tribal government and commercial entities regarding a wide variety of matters, including gaming related matters; (2) Attending frequent meetings of the Tribal Council and periodic meetings of the Tribe’s General Membership; (3) Drafting Tribal Ordinances, policies and procedures; (4) Negotiating and documenting commercial transactions; (5) Drafting formational documents of Tribal commercial entities; (6) Negotiating, writing and reviewing various types of contracts, including leases, permits, purchase agreements, development agreements and intergovernmental agreements; (7) and coordinating and working with the Tribe’s outside General Counsel and special counsel. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. Interested applicants can submit their resume and letter of interest by email to resumes@morongo-nsn.gov. Fill out an employment application here.
Tribal Court Clerk. Banning, CA. Under the direction of the Tribal Court Judge and the general direction of the Tribal Operations Administrator, the Tribal Court Clerk will perform varied duties including but not limited to preparing for and managing the functions of the Tribal Court and performing administrative duties related to the Tribal Court. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should contact the Tribal Administration and Enterprises Human Resources at 951-755-5184. The position is open until filled.
Healing Wellness Court Coordinator. Banning, CA. Duties include: (1) Facilitating planning, development and implementation for the Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court program; (2) Providing court intervention and early access to therapeutic and treatment services to youth that have entered into the criminal justice system and who may be dealing with issues involving alcohol and/or drug use; (3) In conjunction with Court staff, the Healing to Wellness Court Coordinator is responsible for forming, coordinating, and staffing a multi-disciplinary advisory team; (4) Drafting program policy and procedures to screen and determine eligibility of participants; and (5) Producing deliverables required by the grant and funder (Department of Justice) in a timely fashion. Interested candidates should contact the Tribal Administration and Enterprises Human Resources at 951-755-5184. The position is open until filled.
Gun Lake Tribe
General Counsel. Shelbyville, MI. Duties include: (1) Providing legal counsel and legal representation to the Gun Lake Tribal Council and departments of the Gun Lake Tribal Government; (2) Advising governmental departments and subordinate entities regarding legal rights, practices and allocation of legal resources; (3) Overseeing the Gun Lake Tribe’s Legal Department, providing oversight, coordinating the activities of retained outside counsel and managing all contracting including monitoring legal costs and issues; and (4) Acting as the Chief Litigator for the Band. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. Interested applicants should register and apply here.
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.
The Wilderness Society
Government Relations / Communications Specialist to the President. Washington, D.C. Duties include: (1) Overseeing the efficient operations of TWS’ legislative advocacy work; (2) Ensuring effective coordination of the Government Relations team internally and across the organization; (3) Supporting priority campaigns by managing special projects; (4) Developing written advocacy materials, and directly engaging congressional offices; (5) Preparing the President for meetings with Members of Congress, the Administration, and other decision makers. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply by October 17th.
Native American Rights Fund
Law Librarian. Boulder, CO. Duties include: (1) Providing general library services that support the mission of the National Indian Law Library (NILL); (2) Supporting the legal work of NARF and the Indian law information needs of the general public. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: Anne Lucke, Library Director, Native American Rights Fund, nill@narf.org. Open until filled with preference given to applications received by October 8th, 2021. See our website for full position description and qualifications: https://www.narf.org/contact-us/join-team/
Alaska Fellow. Anchorage, AK. Duties include: (1) Working with NARF Staff Attorneys and NARF clients in all aspects of complex impact litigation before tribal, state, and federal courts, including factual and legal research, discovery, motion practice, trials, appeals, and amicus briefs; (2) Identifying and researching tribal sovereignty issues, and writing demand letters, legal memoranda, and advocacy letters; (3) Representing NARF and NARF clients before various community and stakeholder groups; (4) Representing NARF clients before federal and state agencies and in regulatory proceedings; (5) Building and leading coalitions with diverse stakeholders and working in partnership with other organizations. Position is for two years only and is not a guarantee of full-time NARF employment after the end of the fellowship. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should apply here by October 13th, 2021.
Gila River Indian Community Office of General Counsel
Assistant General Counsel. Sacaton, AZ. Duties include: (1) Advising and representing the Community in tribal, state and federal courts and administrative bodies; (2) Handling civil regulatory matters; (3) Advising community officials, departments and programs; (4) Assistance in drafting ordinances and resolutions; (5) Drafting and reviewing programmatic policies; and (5) Drafting and reviewing contracts, business agreements and intergovernmental agreements. This position is advertised as open until filled. Please see the position description for more information. Additional details may be found and applications may be initiated at www.gilariver.org.
Prospective Services Attorney. Protective Services Office, located at the Family Advocacy Center. Sacaton, AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing support in various child welfare matters (including dependency, child in need of care, abuse/neglect and juvenile offender cases) and adult protection matters in the Community’s courts; (2) Representing the Community in cases arising under the Indian Child Welfare Act in Arizona and other state courts; and (3) Providing counsel and advice to the Community’s Tribal Social Services Department on substantive issues relating to child welfare. Please see the position description for more information. This position is advertised as open until filled. Additional details may be found and applications may be initiated at www.gilariver.org.
Kanji & Katzen PLLC
Summer 2022 Associate. Seattle, WA and Ann Arbor, MI. Seeking 2L students, but highly motivated 1Ls may apply as well. Applicants should possess a stellar academic and professional record, excellent research and writing skills, and a commitment to serving tribal nations. Prior coursework in Indian law or experience with tribal communities is also highly valued. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, legal writing sample, law school transcript, references to Terri Walrod (twalrod@kanjikatzen.com) by October 1, 2021.
The Nez Perce Tribe’s Law and Justice Department
Prosecutor. Lapwai, ID. Duties to include: (1) Representing the Tribe in all criminal and juvenile cases before Nez Perce Tribal Court; (2) Reviewing reports and charging cases; (3) Drafting written complaints, motions, proposed orders, legal briefs, jury instructions, sentencing recommendations, and other legal documents; (4) Representing the Tribe in civil prosecutions and Minor-In-Need-Of-Care/ICWA proceedings that come before the Tribal Court; and (5) Supervising an Administrative Legal Assistant, Deputy Prosecutor, and Child Support Enforcement Attorney. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should provide a legal writing sample with application, and resume listing at least three work-related references by October 11, 2021.
Friday Job Announcements
____________________________________________________________________________
To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send 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 links to the application
- An attached PDF job announcement.
____________________________________________________________________________
Earthjustice
Spring 2022 Legal Externship – Coal Program. A full or part-time legal externship for spring 2022. The legal extern may work remotely or at the Chicago, IL; New York, NY; or Philadelphia, PA office once offices reopen. Legal externships are unpaid and students must receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship. Duties include: (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 or visit here for more information. Interested applicants can apply here and should submit a resume, cover letter (see specifications), a writing sample, an unofficial law school transcript, and a list of references including at least one law professor or legal employer. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Spring 2022 Legal Externship – Oceans Program. A full or part-time legal externship for spring 2022. The legal extern may work remotely or at the Chicago, IL; New York, NY; or Philadelphia, PA office once offices reopen. Legal externships are unpaid and students must receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship. Duties include: (1) Working with attorneys in the Oceans Program investigating matters related to federal litigation and domestic and international marine issues; (2) Assisting in the development of case strategy and legal theories; and (3) Under the supervision of an attorney, performing legal and factual research and preparing memoranda. Please see the position description or visit here for more information. Interested applicants can apply here and should submit a resume, unofficial law school transcript, a writing sample, and a list of references including at least one law professor or legal employer. Applications are due by October 17, 2021. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry, LLP
Summer 2022 – Incoming 2L Student Associate. Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson, & Perry LLP is a national law firm dedicated to representing Native American interests in a wide range of endeavors – including trial and appellate litigation, federal Indian law, tribal law, Indian self-determination and self-governance matters, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and economic development. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to Mary Pavel, Partner at mpavel@sonosky.com and also copy kwray@sonosky.com. Applications are due by Friday, October 8th, 2021.
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. 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.
Pechanga Indian Reservation
Chief Judge. Temecula, 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.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
In-House Attorney. Banning, CA. Duties include: (1) Providing on-site legal advice to the Tribal Council and various Tribal government and commercial entities regarding a wide variety of matters, including gaming related matters; (2) Attending frequent meetings of the Tribal Council and periodic meetings of the Tribe’s General Membership; (3) Drafting Tribal Ordinances, policies and procedures; (4) Negotiating and documenting commercial transactions; (5) Drafting formational documents of Tribal commercial entities; (6) Negotiating, writing and reviewing various types of contracts, including leases, permits, purchase agreements, development agreements and intergovernmental agreements; (7) and coordinating and working with the Tribe’s outside General Counsel and special counsel. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. Interested applicants can submit their resume and letter of interest by email to resumes@morongo-nsn.gov. Fill out an employment application here.
The Pueblo of Sandia
Assistant General Counsel. Albuquerque, NM. Under the general supervision of the In-house General Counsel. Duties include: (1) Providing a diverse range of legal advice to the Pueblo and its economic enterprises; (2) Performing high level legal research and analysis in various areas of law and policy; and (3) Serving as the primary legal contact for the Pueblo’s enterprises on contract matters, subject to the direction and oversight of the General Counsel. Please see the position description for more information and visit Pueblo of Sandia Assistant General Counsel to apply.
Assistant General Counsel – Water, Environment & Natural Resources. Albuquerque, NM. Under the general supervision of the In-house General Counsel. Duties include: (1) Providing a diverse range of legal advice to the Pueblo; (2) Performing high level legal research and analysis in various areas of law and policy specifically in relation to water and environmental law and policies; and (3) Serving as the primary contact and expert for the Pueblo’s water and natural resource legal matters, subject to the direction and oversight of the General Counsel. Please see the position description for more information and visit Pueblo of Sandia Assistant General Counsel – Environment to apply.
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.
Yakama Nation Office of Legal Counsel (“OLC”)
Staff Attorney. State of Washington. Duties include: (1) Providing a full range of legal services needed by the Yakama Nation Tribal Council, Tribal Programs and departments, as well as Yakama Nation enterprises as directed and where there is no conflict of interest; (2) Providing legal advice on questions related to federal, state and tribal law, the Treaty of 1855 and Tribal Sovereignty; (3) Assisting the Lead Attorney, Staff Attorney III’s and Staff Attorney II’s, to provide legal advice, consultations, and presentations; (4) Performs legal research, reviews contracts and other legal documents; drafts memos, resolutions, letters, agreements, codes, contracts, policies, and any necessary pleadings; and (5) As assigned, serves as co-counsel on cases in Yakama Nation, federal or state courts. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send their cover letter, resume, a 5-7 page writing sample, law school transcripts, and list of at least three professional references to both the Yakama Nation Human Resources Department at https://yakama.isolvedhire.com/jobs/, with a courtesy electronic copy to OLC at jobs@yakamanation-olc.org. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
Rosette, LLP
Associate Attorney. Chandler, AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing counsel and legal services to clients as well as represent clients; (2) Participating in business development functions (trade shows, seminars, etc.) to maintain and build client relationships as well as expand business; (3) Communicating with opposing attorneys to expedite cases to closure; (4) Conducting legal research by preparing legal memoranda and necessary pleadings required in all aspects of state, federal and tribal litigation matters; (5) Appearing at hearings and trials as needed and/or assigned; (6) Drafting tribal codes, regulations, agreements, analyze and review legal documents. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, official/certified law school transcript, Arizona Bar Certificate of good standing, and a writing sample to HR@ROSETTELAW.COM. All correspondence can be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
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.
American Civil Liberties Union
Staff Attorney – LGBTQ & HIV Project. Two positions available: LGBTQ & HIV Project staff attorney posting LGBT-19, LGBTQ & HIV Project staff attorney posting LGBT-20. New York, NY. We know that having more Indigenous voices represented in and leading our work will increase its quality and expand the scope of impact. While we are primarily looking for experienced litigators, we are also open to hearing from anyone interested in the positions. Duties include: (1) Litigation in federal and state courts, including pleadings and briefs, conducting discovery and motion practice, handling hearings and trials, and arguing appeals; (2) Supervising law clerks; (3) Working with ACLU political advocacy and affiliate staff on bills in state legislatures and in Congress; and (4) Engaging in community outreach and public speaking, including representing ACLU positions to the media and the public generally. Please see the position descriptions linked above for more information.
University of Idaho College of Law
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.
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 6th, 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.
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) produce 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 September 30th, 2021.
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 8th, 2021.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Interested in learning more about the rich culture and history of Latin America but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; we’ve compiled some resources for you to begin. For those who are unfamiliar, the term Hispanic refers to people of a Spanish or Spanish speaking background, whereas Latino relates to peoples of Latin America.
Latino cultural podcast Alt.Latino is hosting NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts this month with performances by Latin artists including J Balvin. Tune in to ‘El Tiny’ to experience the rich cultural blending found in Latin music firsthand, and follow NPR’s Somos NPR special series for continued coverage throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Learn more about the growing Latino presence and cultural impact in the United States through NBC’s Suzanne Gamboa and Nicole Aceveo’s piece “The new Latino landscape“, or The Library of Congress’s National Hispanic Heritage Month site for lists of events and further resources.
We hope that you enjoy and learn a bit more about Hispanic heritage this month!
Job Announcements
____________________________________________________________________________
To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send 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 links to the application
- An attached PDF job announcement.
____________________________________________________________________________
California Indian Legal Services
Staff Attorney. Eureka, CA. Duties include: (1) Providing exceptional legal services in all areas of Federal Indian law. (2) Providing brief counsel and services to low income Indian individuals. (2) Developing and maintaining effective relationships with tribes and Indian organizations in the service territory, including all funding sources, and ensuring that the office pursues and secures meaningful opportunities to work with tribes, Indian organizations and Indian individuals. (3) Developing and implementing constitutions, codes, and policies for tribal clients. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas, Director of Administration, EUR-hiring@calindian.org. The position is open until filled.
Legal Administrative Assistant. Eureka, CA. Duties include: (1) Answering and directing incoming calls including intake screening and providing telephone referrals to clients. (2) Greeting and maintaining professional tact in dealing with or assisting CILS clients, tribal members, tribal officials, outside counsel or other CILS visitors. (3) Creating, maintaining, and organizing case and correspondence files including case file tickling with minimal supervision. (4) Representing attorney by communicating and obtaining information; following-up on delegated assignments. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and references to Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas, Director of Administration, California Indian Legal Services via email EUR-hiring@calindian.org.
University of Idaho College of Law
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.
The Federal Public Defender for the District of New Mexico
Attorney. Las Cruces, NM. Duties include: (1) Providing training and assistance to CJA Panel attorneys. (2) Completing case assignments. (3) Assisting CJA Panel attorneys and the Court with the efficient processing of vouchers for reimbursement. (4) Participating on the CJA Panel selection committee. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants 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 October 1st, 2021. Reference 2021-12 in the subject.
Legal Assistant. Las Cruces, NM. Duties include: (1) Case management to include opening and closing cases. (2) Screening and referring telephone calls and visitors. (3) Organizing and photocopying legal documents and case materials. (4) Case file creation and management. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit, in one PDF document, a statement of interest and resume and three references to: Melissa Read, Administrative Officer FDNM-HR@fd.org by September 15, 2021. Reference 2021-11 in the subject.
Navajo Nation Department of Justice
Principal Tribal Court Advocate. Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representation of the Navajo Nation government, 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. (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 General. Window Rock, AZ. 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) 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, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.
Senior Programmer Analyst. Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Installing, programming, maintaining, and saving of organization’s digital information within the Office of the Attorney General. (2) Facilitating implementation management information systems. (3) Performing diagnostic and problem resolution with staff; participates in formulation of integrated support plans for multiple local are network. This position is open until September 7, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.
Attorney Candidate, Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing legal direction to Navajo Nation divisions, departments, and offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory authority, contracts and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations. (2) Preparing and presenting civil cases in tribal, municipal, state, federal courts and administrative bodies. (3) Assisting in routine operations of Department of Justice. Other duties as assigned. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.
Chief Prosecutor. Office of the Chief 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. 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. 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 representing the interests of the Navajo Nation government. (3) Reviewing investigative reports, legal pleadings from defense counsel, law enforcement reports and related documents. (4) Establishing case plan with law enforcement personnel from various governmental agencies on most serious criminal offenses such as vehicular homicide, sexual assault, aggravated batteries, child neglect or spousal abuse, etc. (5) Providing legal guidance and advice to law enforcement personnel in proceeding with investigation. 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 including appellate cases, reviews police, social service, and related reports/complaints, and other law enforcement documents and reports. (3) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research. (4) Drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings. (5) Identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. 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.
Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation
Judicial Hearing Officer. Judicial District. Chinle, AZ. Duties include: (1) Exercising authority to preside over hearings and dispositions involving the Domestic Abuse Protection Act and Álchíní Bi Beehaz’áannii Act occurring within the respective jurisdiction of the District Courts of the Navajo Nation. (2) Performing related work as assigned. (3) Engaging in legal research and writing in child welfare, domestic abuse, temporary minor or adult guardianship, child custody and other family matters. For more information, please visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.
Staff Attorney, Judicial District, Chinle AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing complex legal advice and guidance. (2) Conducting legal research and drafting legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. (3) Providing legal representation for the court in various legal arenas; attends meetings. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.
Staff Attorney, Kayenta Judicial District, Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing complex legal advice and guidance. (2) Conducting legal research, drafting legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. (3) Providing legal representation for the court in various legal arenas. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.
District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. Duties include: (1) Presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases. (2) Providing policy direction and guidance in the operation of the Judicial District. (3) Hearing and deciding cases within the jurisdiction of the Navajo Nation courts, including but limited to evidentiary hearings, motions writs and trials. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.
Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry, LLP
Summer 2022 – Incoming 2L Student Associate. Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson, & Perry LLP is a national law firm dedicated to representing Native American interests in a wide range of endeavors – including trial and appellate litigation, federal Indian law, tribal law, Indian self-determination and self-governance matters, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and economic development. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to Mary Pavel, Partner at mpavel@sonosky.com and also copy kwray@sonosky.com. Applications are due by Friday, October 8th, 2021.
Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
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.
Hoopa Valley Tribe
Associate Tribal Attorney. 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. (5) Handling employment matters. Please see the position description for more information. Submit application, cover letter, resume and writing sample to: melia@hoopainsurance.com. Contact Leah Offins, HR Coordinator l.offins@hoopainsurance.com with questions.
Seneca Nation of Indians
SNI Peacemakers Court Legal Advisor. Seneca Nation Allegany & Cattaraugus Territories, New York. Duties include: (1) Providing accurate and timely legal advice to the SNI Peacemakers Judges on a variety of legal topics that come before the courts. (2) Providing the Judges with substantive legal advice on resolving the cases before the courts. (3) Performing legal research, providing written as well as verbal legal opinions, draft legal memoranda, proposed orders and opinions, and discussing legal analysis and judicial procedures. Please see the position description for more information. Contact Karlene Familo, Judicial Conference Chair, Seneca Nation of Indians Seneca Nation Karlene.familo@sni.org.
Request for Proposals for Legal Services. For special counsel legal services for the Nation’s Peacemakers Court, the trial level court. Interested attorneys are invited to submit a letter of interest, statement of qualifications, and a detailed rate and service proposal to the Court Administrator. Proposals are due Friday, September 24, 2021. The Nation plans to schedule interviews the fourth week of September and select the attorney by October 8, 2021. Proposals should be submitted to: Karlene Familo, Judicial Conference Chair, Seneca Nation of Indians, Karlene.Familo@sni.org.
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Legal Department
Associate Tribal Attorney. Cass Lake, MN. Duties include: (1) Assisting the Legal Director with analysis of ongoing cases and legal issues in a broad range of subject areas central to the needs of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. (2) Preparing and analyzing contracts, legal documents, Tribal Codes, ordinances and Resolutions. (3) Representing the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in tribal, State and Federal Court. The position is open until filled and the application materials can be found on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe website at https://www.llojibwe.org/jobs/llbojobs.html.
The Office of the Solicitor, Northeast Region, Twin Cities.
Spring/Summer Law Clerk/Internship. Bloomington, MN. Desired Class Level(s): 2L, 3L. Duties include: (1) Drafting legal memoranda and litigation reports. (2) Drafting title opinions for land acquisition. (3) Participating in conference calls and strategy sessions with client agencies and the Department of Justice. The part-time schedule is flexible and remote work may be necessary due to the pandemic. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover Letter, unofficial transcript, writing sample and letter of recommendation from law professor to Mrs. Lori Keller at lori.keller@sol.doi.gov by September 22, 2021.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska
Senior Staff Attorney. Anchorage, AK. Duties include: (1) Litigating every step of the docket of complex cases, from initial client contact to final resolution at trial or appeal. (2) Expanding and defending civil liberties throughout Alaska and beyond. If interested, please email PDFs of your résumé; a professional writing sample that has not been substantially edited by others three professional references; and a letter describing why you think you’d be great at this job to jobs@acluak.org with the subject “Senior Staff Attorney.” Please state in your letter how you learned of this position. To be assured of consideration for the position, interested applicants should apply before 4:30 p.m. on September 20, 2021. Applications received after that date will be considered if the position remains available.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
Integrated Advocacy Director. Seattle, WA. Duties include: (1) Implementation and coordination of the ACLU-WA’s strategic work in the areas of: Legal/Litigation; Political Strategy; Policy Advocacy; Information and Referral; Communications. (2) Providing supervision and support to the Legal Director, Political Director, Director of
Policy Advocacy Group, the Information and Referral Program Managing Attorney. (3) Development of evaluation and learning tools to assist in determining the best strategic use of resources and determination of advocacy areas. (4) Developing and strengthening partnerships with organizations working with communities most impacted by civil liberties and civil rights violations. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Jobs@aclu-wa.org and include in the subject line of the email: your name and Integrated Advocacy Director. In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned of the posting. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2021. ACLU website.
Berkey Williams LLP
2022-2023 INDIAN LAW FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. Beginning September 2022. Duties include promoting and protecting Indian Nation sovereignty. Interested law school graduates and 3rd year law school students should send a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to Gloria Coronado, Administrative/ICWA Assistant, at gcoronado@berkeywilliams.com. No phone calls please. Deadline to apply is October 15, 2021.
Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP
Gaming and Compliance Attorney Omaha, NE or Winnebago, NE. Duties include: (1) Reviewing, negotiating, analyzing, and drafting key company contracts. (2) Providing strategic and proactive legal advice to applicable business clients. (3) Assessing applicable gaming laws and regulations for possible changes and reforms. (4) Inspiring confidence in business clients by consistently providing well-reasoned legal advice and practical solutions to complex issues. For more information, please see the position description. Please send resume and cover letter, including salary requirements to careers@bigfirelaw.com.
Tribal Government and Housing Attorney – Omaha, NE. Duties include: (1) Working on cases in a variety of areas including representation in tribal governments in tribal, federal, and state courts, before federal and state legislative bodies and agencies. (2) Drafting of ordinances, regulations and policies, negotiation and review of contracts and commercial transactions. Please send resume and cover letter, including salary requirements to careers@bigfirelaw.com. For more information, please see the position description.
Wilderness Workshop
Associate Attorney, (One-year term position). Carbondale, CO. Duties include: (1) Advocating at the federal level to achieve our conservation goals, in collaboration with our Legal and Policy Directors. (2) Bringing legal and policy expertise to our engagement in public land plans and projects, national policy efforts, federal legislation, and strategic litigation. (3) Supporting our major campaigns with legal and policy strategy and tactics. Please see the position description for more information. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest and resume to Jobs@wildernessworkshop.org with the subject: “Associate Attorney.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as possible. We anticipate beginning interviews in late-September.
Rincon Band of Luseño Indians Reservation
Federal Law Summer Internship. Northeastern San Diego county, CA. For law students who have completed at least one year of law school. Duties include: (1) Assisting the Attorney General in research and drafting Tribal ordinances, policies, and resolutions. (2) Reviewing and revising agreements. (3) Researching and preparing legal memoranda on a wide variety of legal matters handled by the office. Please see the position description for more information. This is an 8-week, full time, on Reservation internship (some telecommuting permitted). The position will be filled as soon as possible. To apply, please submit the following to Laurel McKee by email at lmckee@rincon-nsn.gov by no later than Friday, October 15, 2021: a cover letter, current resume, a brief writing sample, and a copy of your transcript.
Muskogee (Creek) Nation
Chief District Court Judge. Okmulgee, OK. Duties include: (1) Hearing and deciding matters. (2) Remaining faithful to tribal law, custom, and ordinances. (3) Requiring lawyers in proceedings to refrain from conducting bias or prejudice based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. (4) Accord to every person who has a legal interest in a proceeding, or that person’s lawyer, the right to be heard according to Muscogee (Creek) Nation law. Please see the position description for more information.
Friday Job Announcements
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Associate General Counsel. Mount Pleasant, MI. Duties include: (1) Preparing and reviewing contracts, agreements, leases, rights of way and similar documents in order to maintain the best legal interest of the tribe. (2) Negotiating contracts, purchases and other agreements maintaining the best legal and financial interests of the tribe. (3) Reviewing and recommending actions on a wide range of complex legal issues for Tribal Administration and Tribal Operations. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. View open positions and apply here.
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)
Associate Counsel, Attorney II. Anchorage, AK. Duties include: (1) Working collaboratively with ANTHC leadership, clinical staff, other attorneys, legal staff, and outside counsel to identify, analyze, prioritize, and respond to legal and regulatory compliance issues. (2) Performing legal research, drafting policies, reviewing contracts, conducting internal investigations, and advising ANTHC leadership on legal matters. To apply, please submit your resume to Chelsea Greene (cmgreene@anthc.org) and fill out an online application here.
The Yurok Tribe
Associate General Counsel, Office of the Tribal Attorney. Klamath, CA or as determined (currently work from home). Duties include: (1) Assisting the Tribal Council and Tribal Departments in the legal matters related to the business of the Tribe. (2) Performing legal research and providing legal advice. (3) Reviewing and negotiating contracts. (4) Advising on employment matters. (5) Drafting legislation. (6) Representing the Tribe in litigation. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. Fill out an application and apply here.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Attorney 1 Staff. Durant, OK. Duties include: (1) Providing research and legal advice to the assigned departments of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. (2) Managing cases and projects. (3) Negotiation of contractual agreements. (4) Mitigating legal liability. (5) Working with outside entities on behalf of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Please see the position description for more information. Apply here by September 7th, 2021.
Earthjustice
Associate Attorney, Fossil Fuel Program. Two positions. New Orleans, LA; Chicago, IL. Duties include: (1) Working with program staff and clients to investigate, develop, and litigate cases. (2) Participating in the full range of tasks involved in litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, memo writing, comments, briefing, discovery, and oral advocacy. (3) Reviewing and analyzing administrative records and technical documents, and preparing comments on proposed agency actions, permits, and environmental review documents. (4) Engaging with clients, coalition partners, and experts, as well as internal communications and legislative staff. (5) Hiring and supervising law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcript, and a list of three references here.
Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
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.
2022 Summer Law Clerk Program. Washington, D.C.. Only students currently enrolled in law school are eligible to apply, and second year law students are preferred but not required. The position will be a full time position for approximately 10 weeks, with specific dates to be determined. Qualifications for candidates include: (1) A strong academic performance. (2) Superior research and writing skills. (3) Strong communication skills. (4) Commitment to Federal Indian Law. Please see the position description for more information. To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial law school transcript, writing sample, and references to Robin Branthover at rbranthover@hobbsstraus.com. Please reach out to Robin or to Katie Klass at kklass@hobbsstraus.com with any questions.
2022 Fall Associate Attorney. Washington, D.C.. Duties include: (1) Promoting and defending Tribal Nations’ rights and exercise of sovereignty. (2) Expanding opportunities for Tribal Nations. (3) Improving the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Please see the position description for more information. To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial law school transcript, writing sample, and references to Robin Branthover at rbranthover@hobbsstraus.com. Please reach out to Robin or to Katie Klass at kklass@hobbsstraus.com with any questions.
Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry, LLP
Summer 2022 – Incoming 2L Student Associate. Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson, & Perry LLP is a national law firm dedicated to representing Native American interests in a wide range of endeavors – including trial and appellate litigation, federal Indian law, tribal law, Indian self-determination and self-governance matters, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and economic development. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to Mary Pavel, Partner at mpavel@sonosky.com and also copy kwray@sonosky.com. Applications are due by Friday, October 8th, 2021.
University of Idaho College of Law
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.
The Makah Tribal Council
Request for Proposals. The Makah Tribal Council invites proposals for interested parties to contract with the Makah Tribe to provide judicial services by acting as a Judge Pro Tem for the Makah Tribal Court in accordance with the Makah Tribe’s Law and Order Code. Duties include: (1) Presiding over, hearing, and resolving cases of the Makah Tribal Court involving criminal, civil, juvenile, domestic violence, fishing and traffic cases. (2) Strictly adhering to the Makah Code of Judicial Ethics, the Makah Law and Order Code, applicable court rules, and applicable bar regulations and ethics requirements. (3) Keeping court records as may be required. Questions regarding this RFP may be addressed to Leanne Ellis, Court Administrator, leanne.ellis@makah.com, or Vincent Cooke, Acting General Manager, vincent.cooke@makah.com. Please submit clearly marked Makah Judge Pro Tem RFP sealed bids either in person or by mail on or before October 1, 2021 at 4:00pm PST to:
Makah Tribe
Attn: Laurette Venske
161 Resort Drive / P.O. Box 115
Neah Bay, WA 98357
UPDATED: Indian Law Professor Jobs
The University of Colorado Law School
Tenure-Track Law Professor. Boulder, CO. Position begins at the start of the 2022-23 academic year. We welcome applications from candidates in all subject areas and at all levels of seniority. Strong needs in Tax Law, Environmental/Natural Resources Law, Health Law, Business/Commercial Law, American Indian Law, and Race and the Law (broadly construed). Interested in candidates who can teach classes in the first-year curriculum, especially constitutional law, criminal law, legislation and regulation, or property, and in candidates who can teach negotiation/alternative dispute resolution. Duties include: (1) Teaching and providing instruction and student advising. (2) Researching and preparing scholarly publications in the related areas of expertise, in addition to participation in academic conferences. (3) University service, which involves membership in departmental, college-level and university committees, attending departmental meetings, student recruitment and processing routine paperwork such as filling out reports, answering email, participating in surveys and voting in school and university elections as appropriate. Interested applicants should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, PDF sample of work, one to three research papers (combine documents into one file if submitting more than one paper), Diversity and Inclusion Statement, and Statement Describing Research Related Goals. The position will remain open until filled. Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
The University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law
Receiving applications from lateral candidates for full-time, tenured and tenure-track faculty positions expected to begin July 1, 2022. Also seeking junior lateral candidates whose scholarly work, teaching and/or mentoring focuses on Black experiences. Interested candidates should submit an updated C.V. along with a list of references (contact information only), Statement of Research and Teaching Interests (Optional), Scholarly Writing Sample (Optional), Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, cover letter (optional), and teaching evaluations (optional). Candidates should apply here by Friday, Sep 10, 2021 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) to ensure full consideration by the committee, though applications will continue to be accepted until Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time), but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Apply here.
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law
Assistant/Assoc./Full Professor, Legal Writing. Vermillion, SD. Duties include: (1) Teaching in the 1L Legal Writing program as well as select upper-division writing courses. (2) Scholarship. (3) Service to the law school and university. Inquiries and applications may be directed to Eric W. Young, Assistant Dean, University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, 414 East Clark Street, Vermilion, SD 57069 by September 6th, 2021. You may also send a message by email to eric.young@usd.edu or you may call at 605-658-3524.
Entry-level or lateral professor with expertise in the field of Business Organizations. Vermillion, SD. Duties include: (1) Teaching Business Organizations. (2) Selecting upper-division drafting courses. (2) Scholarship. (3) Service to the law school and university. Please see the position description for more information. Inquiries and applications may be directed to Eric W. Young, Assistant Dean, University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, 414 East Clark Street, Vermilion, SD 57069 by September 6th, 2021. You may also send a message by email to eric.young@usd.edu or you may call at 605-658-3524.
The University of Idaho College of Law
Tenure-track or tenured faculty member in the area of Tax Law. Moscow, ID. Both entry-level and lateral candidates are encouraged to apply. Duties include: (1) Teaching an introductory tax course, as well as other classes that may include advanced tax courses and Wills, Trusts, and Estates. (2) Mentoring students, advising students on curricular and co-curricular activities, and developing a scholarly, outreach, and engagement agenda that will enrich the scholarly and legal communities. (3) Conceivably, they might switch out estate planning for another course every other year (which could include Tribal Nations Economics & Law). On its face, this package does not include much in the Native American law arena. However, that very well could change over time and there are several extracurricular programs that could use expertise in tribal tax, estate planning, tribal economic development, etc. More details regarding these programs are available by emailing Dylan Hedden-Nicely at dhedden@uidaho.edu. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit an application, including a statement of demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive community, at https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources. Please direct general questions to Sam Newton, the search committee chair, at samnewton@uidaho.edu. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 15, 2021.
University of Minnesota Duluth
Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor. Duluth, Minnesota. Duties include: (1) Teaching, advising, research, and service. (2) Active commitment to working with diverse populations and fostering socially just, culturally responsive, and anti racist practices in higher education, social work or community settings. (3) Strong experience, knowledge base and commitment to American Indian and/or other Indigenous people and communities. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates can apply here and search for job opening 342786. Complete applications will be reviewed beginning October 1, 2021.
University of North Dakota School of Law
Fall 2022 Faculty Position, Grand Forks, ND. One or more tenure-track positions beginning fall 2022. Areas of interest include Federal Indian Law, Lawyering Skills, Civil Procedure, Business Associations, Energy, and Oil & Gas. Faculty will: (1) Conduct innovative research. (2). Work across disciplinary boundaries, including teaching and learning. (3) Be committed to equity and inclusion. Please see the open positions for more information and to apply. Please contact the UND School of Law’s Faculty Selection Committee at und.law.fsc@law.und.edu with any questions.
The University of New Mexico School of Law
Entry-level candidates for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in its Law and Indigenous Peoples Program (LIPP) to begin August 1, 2022. Preference for someone who graduated from law school in the past three to five years. Duties include: (1) Teaching doctrinal courses in LIPP. (2) Supervising the Tribal Law Journal. (3) Teaching in the Southwest Indian Law Clinic (SILC) from time to time. Please direct questions to Laura Spitz, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee (lauraspitz@unm.edu<mailto:lauraspitz@unm.edu>). For full consideration, applicants should apply by September 15, although it is recommended that you submit your materials as soon as possible. View the complete job description and apply here.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Candidates with experience in law practice, law-related professional fields, or academia who are interested in teaching in any field. We have needs in Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Legal Writing, Native American Law, Property, Torts, Trial Advocacy, and in our clinical law program. Candidates whose law-practice, teaching, research, or community-service experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. Candidates who are interested in, and excited about, teaching in our innovative blended learning program (https://mitchellhamline.edu/academics/j-d-enrollment-options/blended-learning-at-mitchell-hamline/).
University of Washington School of Law
The University of Washington School of Law is hiring for one entry-level tenure-track assistant professor or tenured Associate Professor or tenured Professor to teach and publish in Indian Law and one or more of the following core instruction areas of curricular need: business law, contracts, criminal law, and/or property while overseeing the Native American Law Center with an anticipated start date of September 16, 2021. This position is full-time and on a 9-month basis. Details here (https://ap.washington.edu/ahr/position-details/?job_id=67957).
Indian Law Professor Jobs
____________________________________________________________________________
To post an open Indian Law professor job to Turtle Talk, send 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 links to the application
- An attached PDF job announcement.
____________________________________________________________________________
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law
Assistant/Assoc./Full Professor, Legal Writing. Vermillion, SD. Duties include: (1) Teaching in the 1L Legal Writing program as well as select upper-division writing courses. (2) Scholarship. (3) Service to the law school and university. Inquiries and applications may be directed to Eric W. Young, Assistant Dean, University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, 414 East Clark Street, Vermilion, SD 57069 by September 6th, 2021. You may also send a message by email to eric.young@usd.edu or you may call at 605-658-3524.
Entry-level or lateral professor with expertise in the field of Business Organizations. Vermillion, SD. Duties include: (1) Teaching Business Organizations. (2) Selecting upper-division drafting courses. (2) Scholarship. (3) Service to the law school and university. Please see the position description for more information. Inquiries and applications may be directed to Eric W. Young, Assistant Dean, University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, 414 East Clark Street, Vermilion, SD 57069 by September 6th, 2021. You may also send a message by email to eric.young@usd.edu or you may call at 605-658-3524.
The University of Idaho College of Law
Tenure-track or tenured faculty member in the area of Tax Law. Moscow, ID. Both entry-level and lateral candidates are encouraged to apply. Duties include: (1) Teaching an introductory tax course, as well as other classes that may include advanced tax courses and Wills, Trusts, and Estates. (2) Mentoring students, advising students on curricular and co-curricular activities, and developing a scholarly, outreach, and engagement agenda that will enrich the scholarly and legal communities. (3) Conceivably, they might switch out estate planning for another course every other year (which could include Tribal Nations Economics & Law). On its face, this package does not include much in the Native American law arena. However, that very well could change over time and there are several extracurricular programs that could use expertise in tribal tax, estate planning, tribal economic development, etc. More details regarding these programs are available by emailing Dylan Hedden-Nicely at dhedden@uidaho.edu. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit an application, including a statement of demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive community, at https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources. Please direct general questions to Sam Newton, the search committee chair, at samnewton@uidaho.edu. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 15, 2021.
University of Minnesota Duluth
Tenure Track Assistant or Associate Professor. Duluth, Minnesota. Duties include: (1) Teaching, advising, research, and service. (2) Active commitment to working with diverse populations and fostering socially just, culturally responsive, and anti racist practices in higher education, social work or community settings. (3) Strong experience, knowledge base and commitment to American Indian and/or other Indigenous people and communities. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates can apply here and search for job opening 342786. Complete applications will be reviewed beginning October 1, 2021.
University of North Dakota School of Law
Fall 2022 Faculty Position, Grand Forks, ND. One or more tenure-track positions beginning fall 2022. Areas of interest include Federal Indian Law, Lawyering Skills, Civil Procedure, Business Associations, Energy, and Oil & Gas. Faculty will: (1) Conduct innovative research. (2). Work across disciplinary boundaries, including teaching and learning. (3) Be committed to equity and inclusion. Please see the open positions for more information and to apply. Please contact the UND School of Law’s Faculty Selection Committee at und.law.fsc@law.und.edu with any questions.
The University of New Mexico School of Law
Entry-level candidates for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in its Law and Indigenous Peoples Program (LIPP) to begin August 1, 2022. Preference for someone who graduated from law school in the past three to five years. Duties include: (1) Teaching doctrinal courses in LIPP. (2) Supervising the Tribal Law Journal. (3) Teaching in the Southwest Indian Law Clinic (SILC) from time to time. Please direct questions to Laura Spitz, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee (lauraspitz@unm.edu<mailto:lauraspitz@unm.edu>). For full consideration, applicants should apply by September 15, although it is recommended that you submit your materials as soon as possible. View the complete job description and apply here.
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