The Tribal Law Journal at the University of New Mexico School of Law is currently accepting abstracts addressing the impacts of Johnson v. M’Intosh on Native communities and tribal governments. The deadline is March 15, 2023. See below for more information. 

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

Harvard Law School

Staff Attorney. Cambridge, MA. The Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School is inviting applications for a full-time Staff Attorney. The Clinic works with scientists, medical professionals, nonprofit and public interest organizations, and state, municipal, and tribal government clients on environmental and energy issues at the federal, state, and local level. The work includes writing comments and briefs about federal and state regulations, drafting climate change mitigation and adaptation regulations and policies for municipalities, preparing guidance documents and manuals for non-lawyers, drafting model legislation, and preparing policy papers. Open until filled.

Gila River Indian Community

Court Clerk. Sacaton, AZ. The Court Clerk provides administrative and technical support to the courts by receiving, preparing and processing documents; maintaining databases and files/records; receiving and recording payments. This position interacts, assists the public, maintains a caseload, and coordinates with the Judge on scheduling and courtroom management. Closing Date: 03/09/2023.

Peebles Kidder

Law Clerk. Sacramento, CA, Louisville, CO, Rapid City, SD, Topeka, KS, and Washington, D.C. Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred.  Applicants must also possess excellent analytical, research and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced environment.  Peebles Kidder offers a competitive hourly wage for a 10-week summer position. Closing Date: March 31, 2023.

Midwest Environmental Advocates

Staff Attorney for Native Nation Partnerships. Madison, WI. Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) is hiring a Staff Attorney for Native Nation Partnerships to focus on providing environmental legal support to Native nations and other Indigenous partners within Wisconsin’s borders. The attorney’s work will be guided by the needs and requests of these partners. The attorney will assist Native nations to obtain recognition of their environmental standards by the Environmental Protection Agency and other non-Native governments. The positions will also provide legal support to Native nations when state and federal government agency decisions implicate Tribal environmental sovereignty or other environmental interests. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please see the position description for more information. 

United States Department of Agriculture

Program Analyst (Policy and Program Advisor, Farm Production and Conservation Portfolio). Washington, D.C. (Telework Eligible). Serve as a subject matter expert and liaison between the Secretary and all agencies on Indian land tenure and ownership issues.

Closing Date: 3/14/2023.

Administrative Assistant. Anywhere in the U.S. (Remote Job). Plan, evaluate, and coordinate a variety of essential business management activities and services. Closing Date:  3/13/2023.

The Catawba Nation

Associate Court Judge-Law Trained. Rock Hill, SC (Hybrid) The Associate Tribal Court Judge will be responsible for providing a full range of judicial services by hearing cases in the Governance Court regarding, but not limited to administrative decisions regarding Tribal governance matters. This position will be part time, with a variable schedule dependent on case filings and flexible work arrangements will be considered. This is anticipated to be approximately 1-15 hours per month. The duties performed require the individual to exercise considerable independent judgement in managing the docket, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conduct hearings, and decide cases in a fair and impartial manner to the end that justice may be administered and law order maintained. Closing Date: March 3, 2023.

Hopi Tribe

Deputy General Counsel. Kykotsmovi AZ. This is a tribal inhouse counsel position for the Hopi Tribe.  The position processes requests for legal review by the Tribal Council and the Tribe’s Officers, Departments and Programs.  These requests can range from contract review to answering and analyzing complex questions of law dealing with natural resources to human resources. Closing Date – Open until filled.

Chief Prosecutor. Keams Canyon, AZ. The Chief Prosecutor administers the Hopi Tribe’s Office of the Tribal Prosecutor.  He or she is responsible for the prosecution of violations of the Hopi tribal code and pursues dependency matters pursuant to the Hopi Children’s’ Code.  This position works (and coordinates) with Hopi and BIA law enforcement, the FBI and US attorney’s office.  The position also works with the Tribal Council in reviewing the Code and law enforcement matters on the Hopi Reservation.  Importantly, the position prosecutes cases before the Hopi Tribal Courts. Closing Date – Open until filled.

Deputy Tribal Prosecutor. Keams Canyon, AZ. The Deputy is responsible for the prosecution of violations of the Hopi tribal code and pursues dependency matters pursuant to the Hopi Children’s’ Code. This position works (and coordinates) with Hopi and BIA law enforcement, the FBI and US attorney’s office.  The position also works with the Tribal Council in reviewing the Code and law enforcement matters on the Hopi Reservation.  Importantly, the position prosecutes cases before the Hopi Tribal Courts. Closing Date – Open until filled.

Earthjustice

Litigation Assistant, Clean Energy. San Francisco CA, Denver CO, Los Angeles CA, New York City NY, Washington DC, Philadelphia PA. The Senior Litigation Assistant will join a team of seven Litigation Assistants and paralegals who provide administrative and litigation support services for approximately thirty active Clean Energy Program attorneys practicing in state and federal courts, in public service commissions, at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and in other administrative forums. Closing date: 3/5/2023.

Office of the Secretary of Interior, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Legislative Affairs Specialist. Washington, D.C. Duties of the Specialist include 1) drafting and analyzing legislative proposals and other bills covering Indian Affairs policies, programs, and procedures; 2) coordinating communications with Congressional offices to present or obtain information relating to legislation involving Indian Affairs programs, and 3) supporting AS-IA principals as they appear before Congressional committees as expert witnesses to justify and advocate Indian Affairs and Department views. Application deadline: 03/04/2023.

Harvard University

Staff Attorney – Emmett Environmental Law & Policy Clinic. Cambridge, MA. The Clinic works with scientists, medical professionals, nonprofit and public interest organizations, and state, municipal, and tribal government clients on environmental and energy issues at the federal, state, and local level.  The work includes writing comments and briefs about federal and state regulations, drafting climate change mitigation and adaptation regulations and policies for municipalities, preparing guidance documents and manuals for non-lawyers, drafting model legislation, and preparing policy papers. Open until filled.

Ziontz Chestnut

Summer Law Clerk. Seattle, WA. Duties include assisting with any/all current legal matters as assigned. The position closes on May. 1, 2023.

Kazhe Law Group PC

Associate Attorney. Elk Grove, CA. This position will be in support of the senior partner and include client management and supervisory duties in a team-oriented practice. This is a full-time, in-office position with the billing requirement of 130 hours per month. The attorney in this position will have immediate responsibility. This is an opportunity to build a career in a favorable environment that encourages your personal and professional development. Our firm strives to practice ethically, responsibly, and giving the highest quality representation for our clients. Position open until filled.

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

RFP – Dowagiac River Environmental Condition Inventory. Dowagiac, MI. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is soliciting RFPs for proposals from companies interested in the Dowagiac River Environmental Condition Inventory. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians would like to invite you to submit a proposal in accordance with our RFP process. Closing time for receipt: March 8th, 2023.

Navajo Nation Judicial Branch

Supreme Court Law Clerk. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Chief Justice, performs work of moderate to extreme difficulty in analyzing supreme court cases. Conducts legal research, drafts opinions, and orders; and, provides legal advice related to appellate cases, petitions, notices and other documents filed with the Navajo Nation Supreme Court. Performs related duties as assigned. Closing Date: February 27, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

American Indian Governance and Policy Institute – University of Montana

Director. Missoula, MT. The Director will be responsible for all aspects of leading and growing AIGPI; in addition to overseeing daily operations and ongoing engagement with tribal governments, this includes engaging in significant fundraising efforts and securing outside funding sufficient to cover all costs associated with AIGPI after the first year. For assistance with this, the Director will work with the ORCS and the University of Montana Foundation (UMF) to identify and apply for research and other funding opportunities. The Director is also responsible for coordinating AIGPI’s fledgling research program and related activities, keeping them on schedule, within stated budgets, and functioning smoothly. Priority Application Deadline is Monday, March 13, 2023.

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians

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.  Open until filled.

Click here for last week’s job announcements!

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

Environmental Law Institute

Senior Manager, Attorney Education. Washington D.C. As a part of ELI’s Education team, the Senior Manager of Attorney Education’s primary objective is to help develop and deliver programs for members consistent with ELI’s mission, with a focus on developing ELI’s Annual Boot Camps and CLE events. Associated tasks involve tracking current events and legal policies relevant to environmental law and policy, as well as developing concepts and write-ups for trainings, master classes, programs, major conferences, and cosponsored conferences. Application Deadline: 2/28/23.

Manager, Educational Programs. Washington D.C. As a part of ELI’s Education team, you will help plan the logistics for high-quality attorney trainings and educational programming that serves the interests and needs of ELI’s membership and the environmental law profession the world over. The Education team puts on 50+ programs a year and is key to setting the agenda and curriculum for what our members and the environmental law community around the world need to know now. As the Manager of Educational Programs, you will be setting up and helping plan educational events for those in the know in the environmental law field. Application Deadline: 2/28/2023.

Director, Communications. Washington D.C. The Environmental Law Institute is seeking a Director of Communications to support its efforts to realize environmental progress by leading all of the Institute’s communications initiatives.  They work with everyone at the organization, from the President to interns, to ensure cohesive, strategic, and inspiring communications.  They cultivate and maintain ELI’s organizational voice in a way that motivates people to act and helps position ELI to benefit fundraising, awareness, and impact.  The Director looks at ELI holistically and “connects the dots” between departments and programs as they relate to communications and marketing.  This position is key both to deepening the reach and impact of ELI’s work, as well as to supporting vital development efforts. Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Grand Canyon Trust

Climate Fellow. Remote AZ, UT, NM, CO. Gain a deep understanding of the Trust’s mission and vision and what our strengths are as an organization. Play an as-needed support role for the energy director in a long-standing campaign to gain permanent protection for the Grand Canyon region from uranium mining. Assemble a comprehensive list of climate action needs and climate action obstacles for the region. Conduct research and analysis of current and projected national and regional climate legislation. Summarize current climate related work that is already being done on the plateau by other organizations, government entities, and grassroots groups. Craft a revised long-term goal for approval by the board of trustees in coordination with the energy director, conservation director, and executive director. Closes 3/6/23.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan

Senior Associate General Counsel. Mt. Pleasant, MI. Under the supervision of General Counsel, represent the tribe in all judicial and administrative forums and in the tribe’s governmental and business relations with all persons, organizations and entities, public and private, excluding representation performed by the General Counsel. Open Until Filled.

Circle Law Group, P.C

Attorney. Sacramento, CA. The Circle Law Group, P.C. is an American Indian owned law firm representing tribal governments and tribal businesses across the state of California and western states. The Circle Law Group seeks two attorneys to represent firm clients in business development, government negotiations, tribal housing, land acquisition, land use planning, cultural resource protection and representation related to internal tribal governance matters. A qualified attorney candidate will work in the Sacramento office or in a hybrid mode. Seeking two qualified candidates. Position open until filled.

Sycuan Casino Resort

Assistant General Counsel. El Cajon, CA. Serves as Assistant or Deputy legal representative to the Sycuan General Counsel, and as an advisor to the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Closing date: open until filled.

Tulalip Tribes

Attorney – Child Support. Tulalip, WA. Drafts and reviews various legal pleadings, motions, documents and correspondence necessary to litigate child support cases and meet all applicable time frames and deadlines. Represents the Tulalip Tribes in civil proceedings regarding the Tulalip Child Support Program. Provides legal advice and support to Tulalip Child Support Program staff members. Reviews child support recommendations and worksheets prepared by the Tulalip Child Support  Program. Works cooperatively with Tulalip Child Support Program to ensure timely flow of cases. Drafts and revises Tribal Codes, procedures, templates, and forms. Conducts legal research concerning Tribal, Federal, and State Law. Participates in planning, legal advice and strategy sessions with the Board of Directors and government departments. Closing Date: March 5, 2023.

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

Senior Staff Attorney/Staff Attorney. Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  Large face paced tribe is seeking to hire either two Senior Staff Attorneys or one Senior Staff Attorney and one Staff Attorney.  Under the guidance of the General Counsel these positions represent tribal government, a gaming entity and two economic entities in a broad variety of matters.  The majority of the work involves regulatory, policy/procedure, ordinance and contract drafting, finance, insurance, gaming operations and expansion, online gaming, general business advisement, treaty rights implementation and management, elections compliance and real property issues. Open until filled.

Click here for last week’s job announcements!

Are you interested in Tribal justice, leadership, and working with the community? We are offering our first Tribal Judicial Administration Certificate Program! It will be a short 8-week program; classes are online and during the evening!

We are excited to partner with Field of Tribal Courts for this first-of-a-kind course!

This online course will help California tribal community members prepare for a career in a California tribal court. This course gives a general overview on how tribal court systems compare with the American and international indigenous legal systems, the evolution of California tribal courts, and the main areas of tribal judicial administration in the following areas: Tribal Court Governance, Court Office Administration, Case Management and Trials, Financial Management, Court Staff Management, Community and Court Office Relations, and Court Planning and Performance (with a special focus on Court Development Management). In addition, this course aims to develop and prepare community members to be cross-trained for the role of either the court administrator or court clerk and identifies challenges tribal courts face today.

To learn more information, scan the 1st QR Code for our Info Session. It will be on February 23 at 6:00 PM. https://tinyurl.com/2fs5ey72

Use the Second QR Code to Register: https://tinyurl.com/2hp3wfkr

Payments will be collected at a later date.

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

Environmental Law Institute

Project Manager, Climate Judiciary Project. Washington D.C. As a part of the Climate Judiciary Project (CJP) you will be involved in fostering a better understanding of climate science and the law in the judicial community through educational programs. To do this you will engage with diverse constituencies of scientists, judges, and policy experts. You will serve as the project manager focusing on operational planning, relationship management, web content management, and project evaluation, reporting, and financial tracking. Application Deadline: 3/1/2023.

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP

Legislative Policy Advisor. Washington, DC. Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, a national law firm dedicated to promoting and defending the interests of Indian tribal governments and organizations, seeks a Legislative Policy Advisor to work in its Washington, DC office. This position is open until filled. Please see the Job Announcement for more information and how to apply.

Earthjustice

Litigation Paralegal, Northwest. Seattle, WA. This position provides paralegal and administrative support for the litigation and advocacy activities of the Northwest Regional office. The Litigation Paralegal will provide litigation paralegal services, including legal advocacy assistance, factual research, and drafting; assist in case development and management; and help ensure the overall effectiveness of litigation support in the Northwest Regional Office, including developing policies and best practices for litigation support. Apply By Date: Feb 12, 2023.

Federal Public Defender Office of New Mexico

Legal Assistant. Albuquerque, NM. Main duties are varied and are listed on the first page of the job announcement. Closing date for posting is 3/5/2023.

Administrative Assistant. Albuquerque, NM. Main duties are varied and are listed on the first page of the job announcement.  This is for a focus in Personnel and Human Resources. Closing date for posting is 3/5/2023.

Rothstein Donatelli

Summer Associate 2023. Tempe, AZ. This is a 40 hour/week in-office position with remote work flexibility, as needed and approved upon hire. Applicants must have completed 1L or 2L year by Summer 2023. Excellent research abilities. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Indian law coursework and work experience is preferred but not required. Closing Date: February 10, 2023. 

The Wilderness Society

Director of Government Relations. Washington, DC. The Wilderness Society (TWS) is seeking two highly skilled and experienced Government Relations professionals in Washington, DC, to lead our engagement with Congress and the administration on our core issue portfolios: climate and energy, equitable access to nature and land conservation. A successful candidate for these positions will be an experienced strategist and skilled manager who brings political savvy and creative thinking to achieving legislative and administrative policy and program goals. Application Deadline: February 26, 2023.

Chippewa-Cree Tribe TERO Department.

RFP for Legal Services. Remote with occasional meetings. The Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy Montana is soliciting bids from qualified attorney/lawyer to provide professional legal services with experience in employment law, TERO, and tribal employment ordinances/codes. This is a legal services contract for TERO located on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. The Attorney shall be primarily responsible for providing professional legal services for FY23 starting January 31, 2023, and running through January 31, 2023, to the TERO Office. The legal services will be performed both off-Reservation and within the exterior boundaries of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. The Attorney shall provide professional legal services to the Chippewa Cree Tribe/TERO department concerning review and enforcement of the TERO Ordinance, including but not limited to revisions to the ordinance, policies, and plans as needed; general advice/support to the TERO office; creation of vendor’s license, cease and desist orders, enforcement of compliance, violations, and fines. The closing date for this posting is January 31, 2023 or until filled.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan

Senior Associate General Counsel. Mt. Pleasant, MI. Under the supervision of General Counsel, represent the tribe in all judicial and administrative forums and in the tribe’s governmental and business relations with all persons, organizations and entities, public and private, excluding representation performed by the General Counsel. Posting Date: 1/09/2023-Open Until Filled.

Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

Assistant General Counsel. Watersmeet, MI. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel provides legal services and representation to the Tribe, its agencies, and its enterprises in a broad variety of matters, including contract law, employment law, administrative law, real estate matters, Indian gaming regulation, taxation, tribal jurisdiction, environmental law, cultural resource preservation, child welfare, and legislation. Lac Vieux Desert is hiring two candidates for this position. Open until filled.

Bay Mills Indian Community

Attorney. Brimley, MI. The attorney works under the direct supervision of the President of the Bay Mills Indian Community and Bay Mills Community College, and provides strategic legal advice as counsel for and on behalf of the Bay Mills Indian Community, and all its governmental and commercial entities to advance compliance with applicable laws, to appear as such before all federal, state and tribal courts, tribunals, departments, agencies and committees of Congress and the State legislatures, including services in connection with tribal claims against the United States. Work directly in developing tribal legislation, public policy, regulations, and represent Bay Mills in cases related to federal Indian law, the Indian Child Welfare Act, Indian gaming, environmental law, or natural resource law. Closing Date: Open Until Filled.

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Code Enterprise Attorney. La Conner, WA. We are seeking an energetic attorney, preferably with five or more years of experience as in-house counsel to a tribal or other indigenous government. A candidate’s qualifications must include excellent written, oral, research and analytical skills, strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, and an ability to work hard and thrive in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural environment; bring flexibility to a fast-paced and dynamic work setting; enjoy and excel at creative problem solving; and have demonstrated a commitment to working with Native or other minority communities. Qualified applicants must have experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: drafting and revising statutes, including leading a collaborative interdisciplinary drafting team; contract and grant document review and drafting; and tribal economic development enterprises. Open until filled.

Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians

Assistant Attorney General. Alpine, CA. The Assistant Attorney General will work in the Office of the Attorney General under the direct supervision of the Attorney General for the Viejas Band. The Assistant Attorney General will work with the Attorney General and Deputy Attorneys General to render legal services to the Viejas Band, including its government departments, enterprises, and elected officials.  Competitive salary depending on experience and comprehensive benefits. Open until filled.

Morongo Band of Mission Indians

Litigation Counsel. Banning, CA. Under general direction of In-House Counsel, the Litigation Counsel will be part of the Legal Department’s function of delivering legal counsel, advice, and support as the legal advisor to the Tribe, including the Tribal Council, General Membership, all tribal administrators and department heads, and various committees and commissions on litigation and other matters, including,  but not limited to, providing attorney services to the Morongo Cheehun ‘Evra – Office of Victims of Crime Program (OVC), funded by grants under the federal Office of Victims of Crime. The duties of the Litigation Counsel will be divided 60% to legal services to the tribal government and 40% to OVC. Opening until filled.

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Legislative Services Attorney. Harbor Springs, MI. The primary function of the Legislative Services Attorney is to serve the Tribal Council and provide legal advice in order to promote and protect Tribal Sovereignty, Tribal Self-sufficiency, and Tribal Self-determination. The Legislative Services Attorney shall interact and communicate with Tribal Council and Tribal Council committees, representatives from other tribes, local, state, and federal units of government when necessary; and in some cases, the Tribal citizens, while maintaining effective cooperative relationships. The Legislative Services Attorney will provide representation of Tribal Council; provide advice and analysis of the Tribal Constitution, Tribal Codes, state and federal laws and regulations; negotiate and draft legal, business and State/Tribal documents; and draft Resolutions, Statutes, Certified Motions, policies, procedures, Legislative Directives, Declarations, Special Tributes, agreements, proposals, legal memorandums, Memorandums of Understandings (MOU), Leases and contracts for the Tribe and Tribal Council. Open until filled.

Click here for last week’s job announcements!