Author: Sarah M Donnelly

Friday Job Announcements

Sarah M Donnelly1 Comment

Job vacancies are posted on Friday. Some announcements might still appear throughout the week. If you would like your Indian law or leadership job posted on Turtle Talk, please email indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Tulalip Tribes

Staff Attorney, Tulalip, W.A. Provides civil legal representation to the Tulalip Child Support Program. Position will also involve representing other Tribal departments in civil legal hearings.

Portland City Auditor

Chief Hearings Officer, Portland, O.R. Acts on behalf of City Council to conduct quasi-judicial administrative hearings and render impartial decisions related to code enforcement, land use, vehicle tows, appeals, and other types of cases.
The Hearings Office is a division of the City Auditor’s Office, which provides it administrative support and a neutral base from which to make its decisions, which are subject to appellate review. As an elected official, the Auditor is independent of the Mayor, Commissioners, and City management.

National Congress of American Indians

Director of Governmental Affairs, Washington, D.C. Responsible for representing Indian Country’s consensus policy priorities with Congress and the Administration. The successful candidate will be prepared to work in a collaborative environment to develop and implement a strategy to advance the policy priorities identified by the NCAI membership and Board. The Director will work with the federal government, tribal nations, Native organizations, and non-Native partners to enhance opportunities for tribal nations while ensuring the trust responsibility towards tribes is upheld. Typically, the Director works closely with the Executive Director and General Counsel and leads a staff of 2-4 policy associates and a Fellow.

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

2018 Summer Legal Intern, Manistee, M.I. Interns will assist the Unified Legal Department in its role as in-house legal counsel to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The position is paid at a rate of $15.00-$17.50 per hour, depending on experience. The position is temporary part-time and will last eight to twelve weeks. The Department is willing to accommodate a flexible schedule but wants a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. Hours worked should conform to a schedule of Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications must be received by March 30, 2018, 5:00 p.m. EST. Applications will be reviewed on a revolving basis, beginning December 1, 2017, until the position(s) is filled.

Department of the Interior

Regional Solicitor, Office of the Solicitor, Southeast Region, Atlanta, G.A. Represents and acts for the Solicitor as the chief legal officer for the Department of the Interior for legal matters covered in the Southeast Region. Closes Tuesday, February 6, 2018.

Previous Friday Job Announcements: 2018/01/05

Desert Southwest Voting Rights Hearing

Sarah M Donnelly

Link: Flyer(PDF)

Thursday, January 11, 2018 | 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ASU College of Law | Great Hall | 111 E Taylor St | Phoenix, AZ 85004
Regional Chair: Maria Dadgar, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona Executive Director

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Register to attend or submit testimony: vote@narf.org

TELL YOUR STORY ABOUT VOTING IN NON-TRIBAL ELECTIONS
We want to hear about your experience in voter registration and voting in federal, state, and local (non-tribal) elections. Issues to be addressed include whether Native voters have opportunities in their communities that are equal to those of non-Natives or if they experience discrimination in:

• Location of voter registration
• Location of in-person voting
• Voter identification requirements
• Vote-by-mail
• Early voting
• Poll worker opportunities
• Redistricting
• Treatment at the polls
• Language barriers
• Other discrimination

Witnesses will include tribal leaders, advocates, and voters. If you would like to testify or want more information, please contact Patty Ferguson-Bohnee at indianlegalclinic@asu.edu.

VOTING RIGHTS IN INDIAN COUNTRY
The Native American Voting Rights Coalition is an alliance of national and grassroots organizations, scholars, and activists advocating for equal access for Native Americans to the political process. It is holding field hearings throughout Indian Country to document barriers to registration and voting in non-tribal elections. Information from the hearings will help promote public education, identify policy solutions, and advance other legal remedies to expand Native access to voting.

Friday Job Announcements

Sarah M Donnelly2 Comments

Job vacancies are posted on Friday. Some announcements might still appear throughout the week. If you would like your Indian law or leadership job posted on Turtle Talk, please email indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Santo Domingo Tribal Housing Authority

Executive Director, Santo Domingo Pueblo, N.M. Administers and manages all affordable housing programs for the Santo Domingo Tribal Housing Authority (SDTHA), including programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Bureau of Indian Affairs Home Improvement Program, the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, and through the Internal Revenue Service Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. Inquiries about the job application or position and a request for a complete job announcement should be directed to Timothy Humphrey, Stetson Law Offices, P.C., by contacting him at (505) 256-4911 or at tjh@stetsonlaw.com. The applicant shall submit a letter of application and a resume that includes at least three (3) housing-related references.  All applications must be received at Stetson Law Offices, PC, Attn: Timothy Humphrey, 1305 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104, no later than 5:00 p.m., January 5, 2018.  Applications not received by that time and date may be rejected. SDTHA reserves the right to reject any and all applications and to waive any and all deficiencies.

Penobscot Nation

Deputy Court Clerk, Indian Island, M.E. Performs a variety of administrative duties to process and manage the caseload of the Penobscot Nation Tribal Court and Appellate Court. Provide customer service to potential court users, litigants, judicial officers, attorneys, tribal government leaders, departmental personnel and the general public. Closes January 29, 2018.

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Public Defender, Mescalero, N.M. Represents individuals subject to any criminal complaint filed in the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court.  Works with the Chief Prosecutor’s Office to resolve criminal cases by deferred prosecution for treatment, counseling, family therapy or other options, or plea agreement or trial or sentencing and/or appeal.

Tohono O’odham Nation

The Tohono O’odham Office of Attorney General is hiring three (3) Assistant Attorneys Generals and the Prosecutor’s Office is hiring two (2) Prosecuting Attorneys.  The Office of Attorney General represents the interests of the Tohono O’odham Nation in tribal, state, and federal venues.  Attorneys enjoy a diverse practice, face challenging jurisdictional issues, and protect tribal sovereignty. While you must have at least 1 year of legal experience, the  first year of experience does not need to be as a licensed attorney and can be gained while working in legal fields. Starting salaries for each classification are as follows:

Assistant Attorney General I (1-3 Years of Experience) – $85,982.00
Assistant Attorney General II (3-6 Years of Experience) – $104,761.00
Assistant Attorney General III (6-8 Years of Experience) – $124,528.00
Assistant Attorney General IV (8+ Years of Experience) – $144,414.00
Assistant Chief Prosecutor (3 Years of Experience) – $92,594.00
Assistant/Juvenile Prosecutor (1 Year of Experience) – $72,333.00

The Nation offers generous benefits including paid holidays, employer funded retirement plan, sick and annual leave, and low cost medical, dental, and vision insurance. Requirements include an active Arizona State Bar license, or a license in another state and Arizona licensing within 18 months of employment.  A valid Arizona driver’s license is also required, along with consent to have your driving record checked periodically.  Applicants who are citizens or members of federally recognized tribes are preferred.

For more information, go to Tohono O’odham Nation Human Resources website at http://www.tonation-nsn.gov/employment/. Applicants must also pass a background check.  Send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for your last three employers to the Office of Attorney General Eunice.Grana@tonation-nsn.gov.

Comanche Nation

Prosecutor(RFP), Lawton, O.K. Full copies of the Request for Proposal can be obtained through the Comanche Nation website: http://www.comanchenation.com. Deadline for submission is January 11, 2018 at 4:00pm CST. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format via email: shannonn@comanchenation.com. Sealed proposals will be received in person at Comanche Nation Administration Building, 584 NW Bingo Rd., Lawton, OK 73502 Attention: Grants Department.

Dakota Plains Legal Services

Managing Attorneys(2), Pine Ridge and Fort Thompson, S.D. The Pine Ridge office serves the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and Oglala Lakota, Jackson and Bennett counties in South Dakota. The Fort Thompson office serves the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations in South Dakota and Brule, Buffalo, Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, Stanley and Sully counties in South Dakota.

Applicants must have a JD degree and be licensed to practice, or by reciprocity be able to obtain a license to practice, in South Dakota, or be qualified to take the next South Dakota Bar Exam; must be a bright, motivated, self-starter; must have the tenacity to assume immediate practice responsibilities, including handling a significant caseload touching on many different areas of law with regular appearances in court; must demonstrate an interest in poverty law and working with Native American and low income clients.  Applicant must have at least one year’s experience in the practice of poverty law or Indian law, with trial and appellate experience in state and federal courts or two years’ experience in the general practice of law.  If Applicant does not possess this experience we would consider Applicant for a staff attorney position until qualified to be a Managing Attorney. Salary is competitive, depending on experience.  DPLS has an excellent fringe benefits package including generous leave benefits and employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability). Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: John J. Buchy, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services, PO Box 727, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-4444, dpls1@gwtc.net.

Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.  Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Barnhouse Keegan Solimon & West LLP

Transactional Attorney, Albuquerque, N.M. law firm focusing on representation of Native American Tribes and tribal businesses is seeking an associate attorney with four plus years’ experience working as a transactional lawyer.  Federal Indian law experience is a plus but is not required.  Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Barnhouse Keegan Solimon & West LLP at lvera@indiancountrylaw.com.

Yakama Nation

Attorney II, Office of Public Defender, Toppenish, W.A. Serves as attorney for the Yakama Nation Public Defender Office and is responsible for providing professional legal representation and advice to Tribal member clients in Tribal, State and Federal Court systems or administrative agencies as assigned by the Lead Attorney Program Manager. Employee is responsible for providing a full range of legal services to Tribal members in areas of criminal, dependency, children’s court, fish and game, civil, family and Federal Indian Law matters, as assigned by the Lead Attorney Program Manager. Services include, legal research, evaluation of potential cases, analysis and preparation of accepted cases, motions, hearings, trials and appeals. The attorney may be appointed by the court(s) as a Guardian Ad Litem in custody matters. Applications may be made to the Yakama Nation Human Resources Department at the Yakama Nation website. Closes January 17, 2017. UPDATE 1/23/18: Now open until February 5, 2018.

DNA-People’s Legal Services

All vacancies as of January 2018, multiple locations, A.Z. Attorneys represent clients in federal, state, and tribal courts, and before administrative agencies. Representation encompasses a wide range of civil matters, including domestic relations, public benefits, consumer problems, civil rights, land disputes, and for Hopi Public Defenders office they represent criminal cases.

Native American Legal Aid Program

Paralegal, Tacoma, W.A. The Native American Legal Aid Program is a project of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Foundation. Funded by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, this Program utilizes the resources of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association’s Volunteer Legal Services Program and other legal services providers to provide civil legal services that help meet the specific and unique needs of Native Americans in our community, including the needs of Puyallup Tribal Members, Alaska Natives and First Nations People. Staff working in this program are employees of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. To be considered for this position, please submit BY E-MAIL ONLY a letter of interest, resume, and 3 professional references by the application deadline to Laurie Davenport, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Volunteer Legal Services Program Director, at vls@tacomaprobono.org.

Michigan Advocacy Program

2018 Summer Law Clerks, multiple locations, M.I. Law clerks work under the supervision of our staff attorneys on all aspects of our work. Depending on the office, a law clerk’s work may include conducting client interviews, drafting pleadings, legal research, appearing in court hearings under the Michigan student practice rule, assessing legal problems, conveying legal advice through oral and written communication, conducting outreach to migrant labor camps, conducting educational seminars for clients and migrant agency staff, legal research and writing related to individual cases and broader policy issues, legislative tracking and analysis, other systemic advocacy projects in one or more poverty law areas (housing, public benefits, consumer, foreclosure, and family law), MLH content development and maintenance, and assisting with staffing LiveHelp.

Other jobs recently posted:

Attorney, Gila River Indian Community (1/2/2018).

Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska (1/2/2018).

Family Court Judge, Oneida Nation, now open until January 8, 2018 (12/15/2017).

Previous Friday Job Announcements: 12/15/2017

Federal Court Denies Immunity to Lac Vieux Desert Band’s Sovereign Lending Solutions Employee

Sarah M Donnelly

Here are the materials in the matter of Pennachietti v. Mansfield, 17-cv-02582 (E. Penn. Dec. 11, 2017):

Link to deja vu suit.

Wisc. Court of Appeals Affirms Dismissal of DNR Claims

Sarah M Donnelly

Here are the materials in the matter of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources v. Timber and Wood Products Located in Sawyer County et al, 2017AP181 (Dec. 19, 2017):

Upcoming ASU ILP Events

Sarah M Donnelly

The Indian Legal Program at ASU College of Law presents:

Struggles in Federal Indian Law: Alaska Native Rights and the Katie John Litigation CLE Lecture

Jan 25, 2018 – 4:30 -6:00 pm / Beus Center for Law & Society / 11th Annual William C. Canby Lecture

Robert T. Anderson
Director, Native American Law Center, University of Washington 
Professor of Law, University of Washington 
Oneida Indian Nation Visiting Professor of Law, Harvard Law School

Free and open to the public.  Public reception to follow.  This will qualify for 1 general CLE credit.  More info & RSVP at:  https://law.asu.edu/canby

Unable to attend in person? View live/archived webcast at law.asu.edu/Canby2018. Link to Canby lecture flyer.

Wiring the Rez:  Innovative Strategies for Business Development via E-Commerce
The Fourth Annual Tribal Government E-Commerce Conference presented by the Indian Legal Program at ASU LAW

Thursday February 1- Friday 2, 2018  8 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Gila River Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Chandler, AZ

E-Commerce opportunities have created thriving economies on a few reservations, but they have also led to a complicated web of legal issues where state, tribal, and federal laws, policies, and interests can collide. Current tribal efforts to successfully operate ongoing endeavors, and to launch new ones, raise complicated economic and legal issues.

The goal of this conference is to explore the issues surrounding the development of Tribal Digital Sovereignty and E-Commerce in Indian Country including: jurisdictional complexities and the necessity of fostering open dialogue with federal and state counterparts, the changing political landscape, the possible implications to tribal sovereignty, and the ongoing need for tribes to finance and build infrastructures that facilitate economic growth on their reservations while complying with appropriate federal and state guidelines. Attorneys, financiers, scholars, iGaming, tax and cyberspace experts, and tribal entrepreneurs will share strategies and practical implementations of diverse business models of current and for future e‑commerce/infrastructure enterprises.

Conference Keynote and Featured Speakers:

  • Neal K. Kaytal, litigator, Partner with Hogan Lovells and Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law Georgetown Law (tentative)
  • Winona LaDuke, activist and Executive Director of Honor The Earth
  • Chris James, President and CEO of National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.
  • Gary Davis, President and CEO of Native American Financial Services Association

Focus areas:  Shifting political landscape, financing the Wiring of the Rez, corporate formation models, regulatory & tax issues, cyber-security, sports betting, and innovative entrepreneurship. Early registration ends Jan 5.   Register early to save!   http://events.asucollegeoflaw.com/ilp-wiringtherez/

Non-profit and tribal governments rates available.  Agenda download

Friday Job Announcements

Sarah M Donnelly1 Comment

Job vacancies are posted on Friday. Some announcements might still appear throughout the week. If you would like your Indian law or leadership job posted on Turtle Talk, please email indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Kewerak, Inc.

Staff Attorney, Nome, A.K. Kawerak Incorporated is recruiting for a regular full time Staff Attorney. Our offices are located in Nome, AK. The Staff Attorney provides legal services to the tribal governments in the Bering Strait region. This position will work closely with and be supervised by the General Counsel. The Staff Attorney will provide advice and legal services to the region’s tribes and to Kawerak program staff regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA),  development and implementation of tribal justice systems, tribal laws and policies and other tribal legal matters. The Staff Attorney will also develop programs and take actions which support and expand tribal sovereignty and self-governance, and monitor and analyze legal and political developments affecting tribal government in Alaska and disseminate such information to the tribes. The Staff Attorney is expected to travel frequently to meet with Tribal Councils, and to provide training in such subject areas.

Qualifications include: Law degree from accredited law school required.  Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Alaska, or able to become licensed in Alaska within six months of employment. Working knowledge of Alaska Native legal issues such as ICWA and tribal jurisdiction, preferred. Experience in cross-cultural and rural environments preferred. Two years active practice as an attorney preferred.

This position is subject to requirements regarding criminal and civil child protection history established by Kawerak as incorporated from the Alaska Barrier Crimes Act AS 47.05.310-47.05.390, 7 AAC 10,900-10. Native Preference per PL 93-638. For more information about the position please email rbahnke@kawerak.org. To obtain a Kawerak application, please visit www.kawerak.org – employment opportunities job posts.

Oneida Nation

Family Court Judge, Green Bay, W.I. Responsible for administering the judicial authorities and responsibilities of the Oneida Nation. This position exercises the inherent power to apply and enforce Oneida law as it pertains to children and families. This position will be under an employment contract. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding allocations. UPDATE 12/19/17: Now open to all applicants.

Department of Justice

AUSA, Criminal Division, District of South Dakota, Pierre, N.D. Advises federal law enforcement agents on criminal investigations, present criminal cases to the grand jury, prepare and argue a broad range of motions, and try criminal cases before the United States District Court. Candidates should be capable of handling a variety of significant and complex criminal prosecutions, including Major Crimes Act violations involving murder, child sex abuse, rape; white collar and economic crime; narcotics and immigration. Closes 12/26/2017.

Previous Friday Job Announcements: 12/08/17

Bree Black Horse, Native Lives Matter: Claiming Wrongful Death In Honor of Life

Sarah M Donnelly

Link: Article [PDF]

Spokane County Bar Association Indian Law Bar Prep Scholarship

Sarah M Donnelly

Link: SCBA ILS bar prep scholarship flyer and application [PDF]

Deadline for applications is January 31, 2018.

 

Friday Job Announcements

Sarah M Donnelly1 Comment

Job vacancies are posted on Friday. Some announcements might still appear throughout the week. If you would like your Indian law or leadership job posted on Turtle Talk, please email indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Policy Advisor/Counsel, Office of the Vice Chairman, Senator Tom Udall, Washington D.C. Covers legislative portfolio including economic development, law enforcement, energy, tax, and related issues impacting Indian Country. Additional duties include developing and executing legislative initiatives; monitoring legislative developments; conducting oversight; working with stakeholders; preparing materials for meetings, briefings, and hearings; and coordinating closely with senior staff and the Vice Chairman.  This position requires excellent communication, strong research and writing skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.  Ideal candidate will have work experience in the legislative and/or executive branch, as well as extensive knowledge of, experience with, and/or contacts with Indian Country.  J.D. preferred but not required.  The Office is an equal employment opportunity employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to SCIAresumes@indian.senate.gov.

U.S. Department of Justice

Task Force Member, Office on Violence Against Women, Washington D.C.  The U.S. Department of Justice is looking for tribal leaders to serve on a task force to advise us about research activities to help reduce violence against women in Indian country.  Task Force duties include:

  • Providing feedback on research and evaluation priorities, design strategies, protocol, and findings.
  • Assisting in disseminating results that influence policy and practice.
  • Drafting and reviewing reports and recommendations.

Members must be representatives of:

  • Tribal governments
  • National tribal domestic violence and sexual assault nonprofit organizations
  • National tribal organizations

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Special Magistrate (RFQ), Onamia, M.N. Hears court cases specifically every Monday, except for designated holidays, beginning in January 2018 to September 2019. Cases heard are primarily family law, truancy, domestic abuse, harassment, criminal arraignments; however, there may be other case types added throughout the term of contract. Resumes are due by Friday, December 18, 2017 by the end of business.

Comanche Nation

Chief District Judge, Lawton, O.K. Conducts court proceedings and issues all orders and papers incident thereto, in order to administer justice in all matters within the jurisdiction of the Comanche Nation Court. Deadline for submission is December 19, 2017 at 4:00pm CST. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format via email: shannonn@comanchenation.com. Sealed proposals will be received in person at Comanche Nation Administration Building, 584 NW Bingo Rd., Lawton, OK 73502 Attention: Grants Department.

Associate District Judge(2), Lawton, O.K. Handles, presides over and adjudicates all criminal, civil, juvenile, and traffic cases and litigation as assigned by the Chief District Judge within the jurisdiction of the Comanche Nation Court. Deadline for submission is December 19, 2017 at 4:00pm CST. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format via email: shannonn@comanchenation.com. Sealed proposals will be received in person at Comanche Nation Administration Building, 584 NW Bingo Rd., Lawton, OK 73502 Attention: Grants Department.

Elk River Law Office, PLLP

Associate Attorney, Billings, M.T. The firm seeks an experienced associate attorney with three-years legal experience in a civil law firm including Federal Indian law.  Current and former judicial law clerks with experience in administration of civil cases are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be licensed to practice law in Montana, and must have strong research and writing skills. Competitive salary based upon experience. Please send a resume, cover letter and three references to: Georgette Boggio, P.O. Box 928, Billings, Montana 59103, or you can submit your information by e-mail to gboggio@elkriverlaw.com.  All applications are confidential.

Nevada Legal Services

Staff Attorney, Indian Law Project, Reno, N.V. Will be handling criminal defense cases in Tribal Courts in northern Nevada and will do some civil representation in Tribal Courts in northern Nevada. Our staff attorney’s salary begins at $42,154 and goes up based upon your experience. We provide medical, dental, and vision insurance and you may participate in the 403(b) TDA. A great deal of travel with some over-night stays is required in this position. If you are interested in the position, send a resume, writing sample, and list of three references to: Roberta O’Hara, Human Resources at rohara@nlslaw.net.

Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah

Legal Counsel(RFP), Cedar City, U.T. The Tribe is seeking proposals for general and/or special Legal Counsel Services from one or more firms or individuals who can demonstrate proficient expertise in Tribal Governance, Economic Development, and Tribal Employment as needed.

Claremont Graduate University

Native American Fellowship, Claremont, C.A. CGU has recently received a grant from the US Department of Education that will allow twelve Native Americans (in two cohorts of six each) to receive a 100% tuition fellowship and a living stipend ($1400/month for 15 months) to support their earning of a k-12 teaching California teaching credential and master’s of education from Claremont Graduate University.  Given that the first cohort will start classes in May 2018, recruitment has already begun. Contact either Rachel Camacho, Rachel.Camacho2@cgu.edu, or DeLacy Ganley, DeLacy.Ganley@cgu.edu, if you are interested or have questions.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Attorney, Division of Commerce, Durant, O.K. Primarily responsible for negotiating, writing, reviewing, summarizing, researching and executing a wide variety of agreements for business and internal support units. This will include service agreements, franchise agreements, organizational documents, marketing agreements, license agreements, real estate leases, confidentiality agreements, construction contracts and other general business contracts. Manage an array of general contractual and legal matters. Offer sound legal advice and counsel to Sr. Legal Director and internal clients on strategies, actions and decisions related to all such transactions and legal matters.

Other jobs posted this week:

Indian Child Welfare Attorney(RFP)(2), Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa (12/4/17)

Probate/Estate Planning Attorney(RFP)(2), Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa (12/4/17)

Previous Friday Job Announcements: 12/1/17