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

1. In the email body, a typed brief description of the position which includes
   • position title,
   • location (city, state),
   • main duties,
   • closing date,
   • and any other pertinent details such as links to application;
2. An attached PDF job announcement.

State of Michigan Office of the Governor

Deputy Legal Counsel, Lansing, MI. Attorneys within OLC work frequently with other divisions within the Executive Office of the Governor, including Appointments, Communications, Community Affairs, Federal Affairs, Legislative and Public Affairs, and Policy, as well is with the Department of Attorney General and leadership within other departments and agencies in the Executive Branch. OLC provides a range of legal services for the Governor of the State of Michigan and her staff within the Executive Office of the Governor. Closing Date October 16, 2020. Applicants will be reviewed and may be interviewed on a rolling basis. Please see the job description

Earthjustice

Staff Attorney, Los Angeles, CA. Earthjustice is now accepting applications for a Staff Attorney to join our California Regional team in its Los Angeles office. This position will focus on litigation and advocacy to compel a shift away from fossil fuels and toward equitable zero-emissions solutions across the transportation, power, and building sectors in California. This work serves as an important part of our work to clean up places in the country with the most polluted air, in addition to reducing harmful climate pollution. This Staff Attorney will work closely with our existing team of attorneys, a Research and Policy Analyst, and a Litigation Assistant/Legal Practice Administrator, in addition to other dedicated staff from the California Regional Office. 

The Native American Disability Law Center

Attorney Position, Flagstaff, AZ. The Law Center addresses the issues such as special education, employment, housing, abuse & neglect, and cases involving disability discrimination. Attorneys represent clients in administrative hearings, and tribal, state, and federal court actions – with a focus on systemic change. Additionally, Attorneys work with tribal governments on legislation & policies effecting individuals with disabilities. Please see the position description.

Southern Ute Tribe

Tribal Water Attorney, Ignacio, CO. Under the supervision of the Legal Department Director, attorney will serve as a member of the Tribe’s Legal Department, with principal responsibility for representing the Tribe on water matters. Where time allows, the attorney will represent the Tribe in other matters that require the Legal Department’s attention, including code review and drafting, litigation, contract review, and employment matters. Apply online at https://careers.southernute.com/pfund. Closes October 29, 2020, 5:00pm MST.

Havasupai Tribe Head Start Director

Head Start Director, Supai, AZ. The Head Start Director is responsible for managing the Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program for the Havasupai Tribe. The Head Start Director must provide leadership in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating program standards and procedures. The Head Start Director achieves program objectives by leading staff, developing program strategies and plans, overseeing grant funds and budgets, setting and managing program performance measures, and ensuring compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements. Closing date – October 30, 2020. Please see the job announcement for more information.

ACLU of Montana

Civil Rights Staff Attorney, Missoula, MT. The ACLU of Montana works on a variety of issues that impact Indigenous people – including tribal sovereignty, voting rights, education equity and school discipline, criminal legal reform, religious freedom, and the decriminalization of poverty. This is currently a two-year position with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years. This position is based in Montana with the specific location open to discussion. This position will be remote until the office re-opens after the Covid-19 pandemic, at least through December 31, 2020. Application review will start October 19, 2020. Applications after this date are encouraged and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We are aiming for a start date in November, 2020. To learn more about the work of the ACLU-MT, please visit www.aclumontana.org or view the job description.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

RFP for Certified Public Accountant (CPA). EBCI Legislative Branch invites qualified individuals or firms to submit CPA services proposals. The Legislative CPA will work with Tribal Council to access all business transactions and prepare accurate reports, brief Tribal Council on the EBCI’s financial position and recommend solutions to improve results, thoroughly review the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, review and revise the EBCI’s budgeting procedures, and develop, revise, and review EBCI accounting policies and processes. The proposal must be received no later than 3:00 P.M. Thursday, October 29, 2020.

Mille Lacs Band

Deputy Solicitor General, Onamia, MN. The Deputy Solicitor General performs legal work involving interpreting laws and regulations; preparing legal opinions, briefs, and other legal documents; rendering legal advice and counsel; consulting with trial attorneys; assisting in preparing cases for trial; drafting bills for legislative consideration, and assisting the Solicitor General in managing the affairs and duties of the function of Solicitor General. Application is open until filled.

Tohono O’odham Legislative Branch

Assistant Legislative Attorney, Sells, AZ. Under the direction of the Legislative Attorney, provides legal advice and representation to the Legislative council and standing committees on a wide range of issues affecting the Tohono O’odham Nation; works with tribal, federal and state officials as well as national- and state-level tribal advocacy groups, other tribes, private individuals and entities; maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Please see the job description for more information.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Court Administrator, Mashpee, MA.  The job duties are administration of all court activities and supervision of court staff.  Maintenance of all court and grant budgets.  Providing public information.  Working cooperatively with the Chief Judge and Elders Judiciary Committee.  Good communication skills, writing skills, and computer literacy are essential.  This position is open until we can fill it.  All resumes can be emailed to Vivian.Bussiere@mwtribe-nsn.gov .  Please review the attached job description.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Senior Tribal Attorney, Hoopa, CA. The Senior Tribal Attorney administers and supervises the Office of Tribal Attorney and will provide a broad range or legal services to the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, Chairperson, tribal departments and entities, including consultation, research, drafting, representation in administrative proceedings, and other duties as assigned. Deadline to apply is November 5, 2020. Link to required employment application here.

Associate Tribal Attorney, Hoopa, CA. The Associate Tribal Attorney will serve in the Office of Tribal Attorney and will provide a broad range or legal services to the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council, Chairperson, tribal departments and entities, including consultation, research, drafting, representation in administrative proceedings, and other duties as assigned. Deadline to apply is November 7, 2020. Link to required employment application. Link to required employment application here.

DHHS/DVS

Statewide Victim Services Liaison, Traverse City, MI. Leads and coordinates the OVC Statewide Liaison project and develops policy for the Division of Victim Services, Department of Health and Human Services by working with local, tribal, federal, and other state programs serving rural and Native American victims for the purposes of identifying opportunities to improve services and increase access to legal assistance and representation for rural and Native Americans victims of domestic and sexual violence, and other related crimes, including Indian Country crimes. For more information please see the job description.

Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Court

Tribal Court Administrator, Trinidad, CA. Responsible for management and supervision of daily court operations and management, including assuming responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of case management systems, facilities management and security, strategic planning and fiscal activity, including budget development and administration and supervision of other financial matters of the Court. Applications can be downloaded here.

Chief Judge, Trinidad, CA. Responsibilities include the overall development of court rules and procedures, expansion of court jurisdiction,  administrative operations of the Tribal Court and supervision of and training of its employees, including case management, ancillary services (which may include things such as wellness court, cultural mediation program, victim protection program, child support, and youth program, contingent upon funding), and the timeliness of judgments and orders. Additionally, the Chief Judge will be working on comprehensive tribal code development, including reviewing and updating existing laws and codes, develop new essential codes, and community education and awareness meetings. Applications can be downloaded here.

Peebles Kidder

Associate Attorney(s), Sacramento, CA. Seeking entry level Associate and a mid-level Associate with experience in the areas of business transactions, corporate governance, contracts, economic development, or finance.  Our firm is widely recognized for our representation of Indian tribes and tribally owned entities. Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, law school transcript and writing sample. Positions open until filled. For more information please see the job description.

Tribal Partnerships

Midwest Staff Attorney.  Although the focus is on work in the Midwest, the person can be located in Chicago, Madison, Denver, or Seattle. This position will focus on litigation and advocacy on behalf of our tribal clients and partners in the Midwest and other regions as needed. Please see the job description for more information.

The Environmental Law Institute

Environmental Justice lead,  Washington, DC. We seek a policy-minded and committed strategic thinker to lead the further development of the ELI Research and Policy Department’s work devising legal, policy, and governance solutions to systemic racism. The EJ lead will coordinate the expansion of ELI’s Environmental Justice Initiatives, which requires an understanding of how racism has been entrenched in environmental law and policy, and strong relationships with community leaders challenging this systemic injustice. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. To apply, please visit https://www.eli.org/employment. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation

Staff Attorney, Chinle Judicial District, Chinle AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.

Staff Attorney, Aneth Judicial District, Aneth, UT. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.

Staff Attorney, Kayenta Judicial District, Kayenta, AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.

District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. The District Court Judge is responsible in presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases; provides policy direction and guidance in the operation of the Judicial District.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

See posts October 2, 2020.