To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send all of the following information to indigenous@law.msu.edu:

In the email body: 

• A typed brief description of the position which includes: 
  • Position title 
  • Location (city, state) 
  • Main duties 
  • Closing date 
  • Any other pertinent details, such as a link to the application
• An attached PDF job announcement or link to the position description

Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry LLP

Full Time Associate Attorney. San Diego, CA. Main duties include legal research; drafting pleadings and other written advocacy; oral advocacy; providing advice to clients; drafting and revision contracts and related documents; and meeting with clients. Application is open until filled. Link to Firm: www.Sonosky.com/careers.

Full Time Experienced Attorney. Albuquerque, NM. Experienced Attorney (5 or more years) in litigation, transactional, water, natural resources or Indian law matters. Duties may include legal research; drafting pleadings and other written advocacy; oral advocacy; providing advice to clients; drafting and revising contracts and related documents; and meeting with clients. Application is open until filled. Link to Firm: www.Sonosky.com/careers.

2023 Summer Associate. Washington, D.C.; San Diego, CA; Anchorage, AK; and Juneau, AK.Under the supervision of an attorney, the summer associate performs duties such as cite checking, editing attorney work, conducting legal research, and drafting memoranda.  Summer associates may also have the opportunity to attend and take notes on government briefings and hearings on tribal issues. Closing date: June 30, 2022. Link to Firm: www.Sonosky.com/careers.

Tribal Law and Policy Institute

Tribal Wellness Court Specialist. Remote/Telework. The Tribal Law and Policy Institute (TLPI) is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing training, technical assistance, resource development and other services to enhance tribal justice systems across the nation. The full time Tribal Wellness Court Specialist position is responsible for a range of duties that work toward implementing and enhancing effective and competent training and technical assistance for American Indians and Alaska Native Tribes and their respective justice systems. For more information please see the position description.

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

RFP. Seeking proposals from qualified individuals and legal entities interested in providing consultation for the development of the Pokagon Band jury system. Closing time for receipt: June 30th, 2022. See the RFP for more information.

UCLA Law

Critical Race Studies Program (CRS) Forward Post-Graduate Fellow. Under a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension, the CRT Forward Post-Graduate Fellow will support and advance CRT Forward, a new initiative the program has launched to address the current attacks on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and anti-racist education, training, and research. Priority will be given to applications received by June 13^th. The application will close June 25^th.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Legal Development Clinic Director. UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA. Closing Date: Tuesday, Jul 19, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). This non-litigation Clinic assists Native Nations, mainly in California but also nationwide, in enhancing their governmental and legal systems through the development of tribal constitutions, codes, regulations, rules, policies, protocols and justice systems. The Director will design and develop a curriculum for the Clinic. The Director will teach the Clinic throughout the Fall and Spring semesters and will also supervise students who are working on Clinic projects during the summer months. The Director will manage the Clinic budget, hire and supervise support staff and summer students, produce reports for and maintain relations with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and fundraise for the Clinic. Apply here.

Richard M. Milanovich Fellowship in Law 2022-23. UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, CA.

Closing Date: Friday, Jul 22, 2022 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). UCLA School of Law’s Native Nations Law and Policy Center seeks applicants for the position of the Richard M. Milanovich Fellow for a 1-2 year term, beginning approximately August 1, 2022. This full-time position offers the opportunity to work in academic and practice contexts with Native Nations faculty, students, and community members on projects in furtherance of the mission of the Native Nations Law and Policy Center. The position is well-suited for a recent law school graduate with interest in federal Indian law, tribal law, and/or international Indigenous human rights, who is ultimately planning a career in academia or policy. The fellowship is set to run for one year, but a second year of the fellowship may be available depending on funding and assuming satisfactory performance in the first year. The position is a non-tenure track, full-time, limited-term appointment. The salary is $75,000, with a competitive benefits package, and some research and travel support. Apply here. 

Rothstein Donatelli, LLP

Associate. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seeking Associate for criminal law practice to represent, in federal, state, and tribal courts, individuals accused of offenses including capital offenses, terrorism offenses, complex white-collar offenses, governmental fraud, homicide and other violent offenses, sex offenses, federal drugs and weapons offenses, human trafficking, child pornography, DUI, and domestic violence, and to represent business entities facing criminal investigations and charges at the federal and state levels. More information about the firm is available at www.rothsteinlaw.com.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

In-House Attorney. Fort Yates, ND. Shall provide legal assistance and representation to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Apply: www.standingrock.org. Closing Date: June 20, 2022.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Attorney II. Remote within Portland Oregon or Seattle Washington Metro Area. The Cowlitz Legal Department consists of 4 attorneys and one paralegal supporting the activities of the Cowlitz Tribal Government. Attorney II reports directly to the Tribal Attorney who, in turn, reports directly to the 22-member Cowlitz Tribal Council. Attorney II is an independent role. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing and analyzing contracts, legal documents, Tribal Constitution, Codes, and Ordinances and making high-quality presentations to the Cowlitz Tribal Council. Attorney will be a presenting officer in Tribal Court and State Court.  Attorney will also Assist the Tribal Attorney with issues and activities concerning Tribal legal rights, obligations, and privileges. Closing date: July 3, 2022 or until filled. Apply here or send resume and cover letter to recruitment@cowlitz.org.

Michigan Indian Legal Services

Part-time Staff Attorney, Traverse City, MI. Providing legal advice to income-eligible members of the Native Communities with legal issues in Michigan.  Open until filled.   

The California Indian Law Association (CILA)

2022 California Legal Journal Submissions. The deadline for submission is June 24, 2022. Ideal submissions are 600-1200 words and focus on the 2022 California Indian Law Conference theme “Post Self-Determination: A New Era of Indian Law” though all articles will be considered. Please contact us at calindianlaw@gmail.com with any questions.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Legal Department

Two (2) Associate Tribal Attorneys. Cass Lake, Minnesota. The Associate Tribal Attorneys assists 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.  The tribal attorney is responsible for preparing and analyzing contracts, legal documents, Tribal Codes, ordinances and Resolutions.  The attorney will represent 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.

Pueblo of Laguna

Family Legal Assistance Attorney; Dept: Government Affairs Office; Closing date for application submission – June 15, 2022. Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions at www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov or you can contact the Human Resources office at (505) 552-6654.

Gun Lake Tribe

Paralegal. Shelbyville, Michigan. Open until filled. Duties and responsibilities include: Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects; Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures; and more. You are required to register and apply through our online employment portal to be considered for this position. If you require assistance or to apply in person, please call 269.397.1780, to schedule an appointment.

SEARHC – Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium

Associate General Counsel. Juneau, AK. Open until filled. Find more information here.

USDA

GS-11 Attorney Advisor (General). Washington D.C. Closing date June 24, 2022. The announcement can be accessed here.

The City of Boston

The Supporting Indigenous Communities Fellow will help Boston to deliver on promises of support and provide meaningful channels of representation for Indigenous people and communities. This role will sit between the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics and the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. This is a full time position with a Boston residency requirement For more information on the City’s effort thus far visit: boston.gov/indigenous-efforts. The application can be found [here].

WI Judicare, Inc.

Full-time staff attorney, Indian Law Office. Wausau, WI. Qualified applicants willing to work remotely in or near the service area are encouraged to apply.

Lippes Mathias LLP

Associate Attorney – Indian Law. Buffalo, NY. Closing date: July 1.

The Hopi Tribe

In-house counsel, Deputy General Counsel, supervised by the tribe’s General Counsel.  The position handles a variety of legal matters for the Hopi Tribe and may include some litigation.  It is therefore important that the applicant be a member of a state bar (preferably Arizona) or able to become a member within a year of accepting the job.  The applicant will also be expected to become a member of the Hopi tribal bar.  The job interacts with the tribal programs, department, officials, and Council.  The office of the General Counsel is located on the Hopi Reservation in the Hopi village of Kykotsmovi (about 90 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona).  Salary is negotiable – factors affecting salary include, but are not limited to, the applicant’s level of experience.

Chief Prosecutor.  The position is both administrative and legal as the Chief Prosecutor manages the Tribe’s Office of the Prosecutor and maintains a caseload of criminal prosecutions.  The Prosecutor’s Office handles both the tribe’s criminal prosecutions as well as children’s cases arising on the reservation (or transferred pursuant to the ICWA) before the Hopi Tribal Courts.  The office is located in Keams Canyon, Arizona, on the Hopi Reservation.  Applications, resumes, and references should be directed to the Hopi Tribe’s Human Resources Department.  An email link to the Department is here.

Northwest Justice Project

Staff Attorney – Native American Unit – Western Washington | Seattle, WA. NJP is contracting with Office of Civil Legal for COVID Pandemic legal aid funding to expand its capacity to address the civil legal needs directly and indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The attorney will provide legal assistance to Native Americans, with an emphasis on serving Native Americans in Western Washington. This attorney will be part of NJP’s Native American Unit (NAU). The NAU is a specialized unit that advocates for the rights of Native American individuals and communities, on and off-reservation. This is a regular, full-time position covered by NJP’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Please apply here.

Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General

Principal Tribal Court Advocate, Window Rock, AZ.  Performs legal work related to representation of the Navajo Nation government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General, including legal research, negotiations, legal writing, drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, resolutions and other documents for the divisions, departments, or programs assigned. Child Support Enforcement: Present child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Participate in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; provide 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), Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally represents the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, in state administrative water rights matters and in any settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights. The Principal Attorney works closely with technical staff within the Water Rights Unit Staff, Department of Water Resources and other programs within the Navajo Nation, and with consultants retained to provide technical support to the Nation or to serve as expert witnesses. The Principal Attorney provides legal advice on all water rights matters to the Office of the President and Vice President, the Office of the Speaker, the Navajo Nation council, and its committees and subcommittees and the Navajo Nation Water Rights commission (NNWRC) to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are effectively pursued and protected.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Principal Attorney, Window Rock, AZ.  Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government; Review documents, such as service contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participate in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Attorney (Tax and Finance Unit).  Respond to Requests for Services and other legal inquiries from clients, particularly in the area of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and federal Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF). Perform legal research and provide legal advice orally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; as well as advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. Participate in Legislative Branch and Executive Branch meetings, including Standing Committee meetings and Council Sessions, regarding approval of FRF expenditure plans and the planning and implementation of FRF programs and projects, in order to respond to legal questions pertaining ARPA and the use of FRF.  Provide trainings to clients on relevant federal, state, and Navajo laws regulations, policies and procedures. Attend trainings, continuing legal education courses, and federal-tribal consultations and meetings in order to develop and maintain legal expertise on ARPA and FRF matters.  This position is open until June 21, 2022 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor

Prosecutor, Kayenta, AZ.  Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); research and study of litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases including appellate cases, reviews police, social service, and related reports/complaints, and other law enforcement documents and reports; prepares oral arguments, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; attends juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Makes decisions in sensitive case and seeks assistance as needed in the juvenile matter.  This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Prosecutor, Shiprock, NM.  Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Attends staff meetings, training, law seminars and workshops; provides training to Prosecutors and Juvenile Presenting Officers and on request to law enforcement personnel; collaborates with law enforcement agencies; negotiates settlement with opposing parties. Present major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts; perform extensive legal research; and perform other work-related tasks/assignments as assigned. This position is sedentary with a potential for high levels of stress. 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.

Previous posts.