Friday Job Announcements

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

Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP

2018 Summer Law Clerks. Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP (“FPM”) is a nationwide firm dedicated to the practice of Federal Indian Law.  FPM represents Native American tribes and organizations in a wide spectrum of areas including business transactions, litigation, and governmental affairs. FPM is seeking applications from second year law students for 2018 Summer Law Clerks for offices in Louisville, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; and Sacramento, California. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school.  Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is required and/or preferred  at most FPM office locations. Applicants must also possess excellent analytical, research and communication skills, and the ability to work well independently and as a team member in a fast-paced environment.  FPM offers a competitive hourly wage for a 10 – 12-week summer position.

Applicants should e-mail a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and law school transcripts to Ann Hacker at ahacker@ndnlaw.com no later than September 30, 2017.  The cover letter must indicate preference for each FPM office location by completing the chart below (i.e.: #1 is for the top location preference followed by 2, 3, etc. If you are not applying for consideration at a particular office location please note N/A). The cover letter should be addressed to Ann Hacker. If your preferred office location includes our Colorado office a separate cover letter needs to be addressed to the attention of Thomas W. Fredericks.

Louisville, CO
Omaha, NE
Sacramento, CA

Department of Justice

Assistant United States Attorney, District of Colorado. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently interviewing for an Assistant United States Attorney to serve in Durango, Colorado, as part of the Criminal Division. Closes Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

National Indian Child Welfare Association

Executive Communications Manager, Portland O.R. responsible for promoting NICWA’s public image and visibility through a variety of communications media and provides communications support to the executive director and NICWA staff. Closes Monday, October 2, 2017.

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska

Appellate Court Administrator, Juneau, A.K. Responsible for developing and managing the Appellate Court expansion project for the Tlingit & Haida Tribal Court, which will include code drafting, hiring and administratively supervising consultants for drafting statutes, policies and procedures; working closely with the Judiciary Committee and Judges; and providing administrative support for the development of the Tlingit & Haida Trial Courts and other Southeast Alaska Tribal Courts.

National Indian Gaming Commission

FOIA Officer, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, D.C. Oversees the Commission’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) program. Responsible for directing the work of the FOIA office staff and developing program policy. Closes Thursday, October 5, 2017.

Ain Dah Yung Center

Indian Child Welfare Compliance Monitor, St. Paul, M.N. Provides court monitoring, education and outreach, and advocacy to ensure court compliance.

Sonosky Chambers Sachse Miller & Monkman, LLP

Attorney, Anchorage, A.K. The Sonosky Chambers firm specializes in representing Native American interests in a wide range of work involving tribal sovereignty and self-governance, health care, complex litigation, appellate and Supreme Court work, legislative affairs, and a wide range of additional matters. Additional information about our firm is available at www.sonosky.com. Interested applicants should have strong credentials and a commitment to representing Native American interests. One to four years’ experience is preferred but all qualified applicants will be considered. Please send a letter of interest, resume, writing sample and transcripts to sue@sonosky.net. All applications will be kept confidential.

Blackfeet Tribe

Staff Attorney, Browning, M.T. Responsible for general litigation matters, employment relations, legislative advocacy, and assisting tribal programs. It is preferred that an applicant have at least five (5) years experience in the practice of law. The applicant must be licensed in the State of Montana and produce a Certificate of Good Standing with the Montana State Bar. The applicant should have demonstrated interest and knowledge of federal Indian Law, administrative law, and trial advocacy.  The position requires personal integrity and the ability to produce timely and accurate written work.  Full-time with salary negotiable.  Applicant must submit to a criminal background check and pass a pre-employment drug screen. Please send a resume, three (3) references and a short writing sample to Blackfeet Legal Department, P. O. Box 849, Browning MT 59417 7777 or email blackfeetlegal@gmail.com. The position will remain open until filled. If you have questions or need further information, please contact the Blackfeet Legal Department at (406) 338-7777.

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Tribal Health Attorney, Anchorage, A.K. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium anticipates expanding it legal team to support new and exciting initiatives to improve health care quality and access for Alaska Native patients and communities. We are seeking additional legal expertise to assist with new and developing partnerships and transactions, health care and medical staff issues, personnel matters, information technology and security issues, and regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates will have at least seven years of experience in health law or another relevant field; an understanding of “Indian law,” the intersection between medical staff and employment issues, and government contracting; demonstrated experience working for complex clients in a team-oriented environment; exquisitely good judgment; and the ability to reconcile competing legal principles to assist ANTHC in finding innovative ways to achieve its vision that “Alaska Natives are the healthiest people in the world.”

The Consortium works with Alaska’s Tribal health organizations and over 229 federally recognized Tribes to administer the Alaska Tribal Health System. The Consortium partners with Southcentral Foundation to co-manage the 150+ bed Alaska Native Medical Center, which is a Level II Trauma Center and has achieved Magnet status in recognition of nursing excellence. ANTHC also provides community and environmental health services; constructs health clinics and water and sanitation systems in rural Alaska; develops and deploys telehealth technology; administers an epidemiology center; develops training for allied health providers; and provides technical assistance and support to other members of the Alaska Tribal Health System.

The Consortium’s main office is located in Anchorage, Alaska. In accordance with federal law, ANTHC applies Native Preference in hiring and contracting. Learn more about ANTHC at http://www.anthctoday.org/ and ANMC at http://www.anmc.org/. For more information, please direct inquiries and resumes to Nacole Heslep, General Counsel at ndheslep@anthc.org with “Tribal Attorney B” in the subject line.

Previous Friday Job Announcements: 9/8/17

Friday Job Announcements

Klamath Tribes

Water Attorney(RFQ). The Tribes is accepting “Qualification Statements” from attorneys or law firms that are active members in good standing of the Oregon State Bar (or is willing to obtain admission into the Oregon State Bar at own expense) and have experience in Oregon water law and Indian Water Rights. The primary purpose is to provide legal advice and represent the Klamath Tribes on a number or critical natural resource and water-related issues ongoing in the Klamath Basin. RFQI’s will be accepted up to 4PM on October 10, 2017.

Ho-Chunk Nation

Tribal Prosecutor, Black River Falls, W.I. The position hours are Monday-Friday 8 AM-4:30 PM. Pay depends on qualifications. Interested applicants should submit an application, resume, and transcripts if they are within 2-5 years of graduating law school. Applicants may visit the Ho-Chunk nation website to apply.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Managing Attorney, Office of the Reservation Attorney. Requires JD/LLM from ABA accredited law school, licensure and membership in good standing in any State Bar; must be licensed by the Washington State Bar Association within 2 years of hire. At least 10 years’ experience as an attorney required, with at least 5 years’ experience supervising legal office attorneys/staff. Requires experience/expertise in Indian Law, excellent legal research and writing skills, budgeting and organizational skills. Requires expertise and experience in Indian Law and tribal government operations. Must have at least a substantial working knowledge in applicable federal and state laws, regulations and rules related to tribal governmental operations. Must be familiar with the applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to tribal jurisdiction/sovereignty. Salary DOE; provides generous health and retirement benefits. Requires completed application, cover letter, resume listing at least three professional references and writing sample. Contact Human Resources at www.colvilletribes.com for application materials and more information. Open until filled. First round applications review Sept. 15, 2017.

Navajo Nation Washington Office

Government and Legislative Affairs Associate. Assists the Nation with protecting its interests by assisting on proposed and pending congressional legislation and policy initiatives. Visit the Navajo Nation website to apply. Open until filled.

DNA-People’s Legal Services

Medical Legal Partnership Attorney, Tuba City, A.Z.  In collaboration with hospitals and health systems, we provide free, comprehensive legal services to low-income children and their families in the medical home setting. Provide trainings, resources, and technical assistance to medical and social service providers on the full range of health care programs and services that benefit patients. Conduct systemic advocacy to improve access to health care and reduce barriers to support programs for low-income children and their families. This position reports to the Managing Attorney. The MLP program is a client referral program from doctors, who have been trained by the MLP
attorney to identify legal issues. Closes October 13, 2017.

Staff Attorney, Hopi Public Defender. Visit the DNA-People’s website to apply. Also closes October 13.

Berkey Williams LLP

Indian Law Fellowship, Berkeley, C.A. The one-year Fellowship offers a competitive salary, full benefits, training, and the opportunity to work with experienced attorneys in a firm focused exclusively on serving Indian tribes and tribal organizations. The Fellowship begins in September, 2018, with some flexibility depending upon the candidate’s schedule. Interested law school graduates or 3rd year law school students should send a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to Gloria Coronado, ICWA/Administrative Assistant, at gcoronado@berkeywilliams.com. No phone calls please. Deadline to apply is October 6, 2017.

California Indian Legal Services

Staff Attorney, Sacramento office. The Staff Attorney will assume a varied case load that may include: brief counsel and services to low income Indian individuals; state and federal court litigation; contract negotiation; advising tribal clients; developing and implementing constitutions, codes, and policies for tribal clients; making presentations; and ICWA related dependency cases. Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas, Director of Administration, California Indian Legal Services, Re: Sacramento Staff Attorney, 117 J Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95814. E-mail hiring@calindian.org. We will accept applications until the position is filled. All applicants will be notified when a final hiring decision is made.

Last Friday Job Announcements9/1/17

NABA-DC Letter to President Trump After Charlottesville

Download(PDF): Letter

Excerpt:

We ask that you and other governmental actors take steps to prevent racist and violent events like the Unite the Right Rally from occurring in the future, while allowing for legitimate speech protected by the First Amendment. We also ask that you support the removal of celebratory markers commemorating individuals who committed violence against and impinged on the rights of marginalized populations.

Friday Job Announcements

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

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

Tribal Court Solicitor. Provides legal review and advice to SRPMIC Court. Through legal expertise with Tribal laws, provides research for the Court, working to resolve legal issues as they arise. Ensures that applicable laws are followed so that tribal sovereignty is protect and enhanced. This position may be expected to work evenings and weekends as needed and is not subject to standard work schedule. The position will close on 9/16/2017.

Colorado River Indian Tribes

Deputy Attorney General (Civil) UPDATED 1/19/18. Provides legal representation to the Colorado River Indian Tribes, its Tribal Council, departments, and enterprises. The Office is a diverse and dynamic working environment.

Native American Disability Law Center

Attorney, Farmington or Gallup, N.M. Represents Native American children in state custody under the Indian Child Welfare Act. Also represents 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.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Assistant Attorney General. Tasked to provide non-partisan legal advice and act as in-house counsel for Tribal Council.  The Office of the Attorney General provides support to Tribal Council, Department Directors, Oversight Committees, and any other entities that Tribal Council shall authorize. For more information please contact Cecilia Damron or Ruben Valenzuela at (520) 883-5040.

Last Friday Job Announcement: 8/25/17

Wisconsin’s 6th Annual Indian Law CLE: Early Bird Deadline Tomorrow

Links: Complete schedule and list of speakers (PDF), registration.

Register by September 1st to save!

Whether you are a practitioner currently working in Indian Country, or looking to learn more about the exciting and broad field of Indian Law, do not miss the Sixth Annual Indian Law CLE!

Hosted by:

The Indian Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin

Date:

Friday, September 29, 2017

Time:

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: (Lodging deadline is August 29!)

Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
37600 Onigamiing Drive
Red Cliff, WI

Tuition

State Bar of Wisconsin Members:
$149
(if registered by Sept. 1, 2017) $179 (after Sept. 1, 2017)

Non-Attorneys & Law Students:
$39
(if registered by Sept. 1, 2017) $60 (after Sept. 1, 2017)

Non-State Bar of Wisconsin Attorneys:
$199
(if registered by Sept. 1, 2017) $249 (after Sept. 1, 2017)

Course Materials

Course materials will be provided in PDF format prior to the seminar. There is an additional charge of $25.00 for the print format.

Credits

This program will be submitted to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners for up to 8.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 EPR credit.

Newly Posted Tribal Justice Recorded Webinars: Healing to Wellness, Trauma Informed Justice Systems, and Peace Circles

The National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) in collaboration with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) have joined together to develop a free tribal justice webinar series! Working closely with partners, the Tribal Law and Policy Institute (TLPI) on the Healing to Wellness webinars and the Native American Rights Fund’s Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) for the Peace Circles webinar. See naicja.org for more information on upcoming training and the NAICJA National Tribal Judicial and Court Personnel Conference.

Tribal Justice Webinar – Planning a Healing to Wellness Court: Inspiration and Vision (8/22/17)

Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts bring together community-healing resources with the tribal justice process, using a team approach to achieve the physical and spiritual healing of the participant and the well-being of the community. This webinar will walk participants through the visioning and foundation planning process to begin the development and implementation of a Healing to Wellness Court. Focus will be given to the key partners needed, as well as primary components that should eventually be reflected in your policies and procedures. You’ll hear firsthand from seasoned tribal judges who will share reflections, tips, and lessons learned about their experience with developing their own Healing to Wellness Court.

Tribal Justice Webinar – Trauma-Informed Court Systems: A Webinar for Tribal Communities (7/27/17)

Research continues to clarify how traumatic experiences negatively impact the way traumatized people interact with the world. When an individual becomes court-involved it is highly likely that they have experienced some level of trauma. If the court system is not trauma-informed they can be re-traumatized, often triggering harmful reactions. Tribal communities have the challenge of addressing the traumatic experiences of individuals while at the same time dealing with the after effects of historical and intergenerational traumatic patterns that have affected entire communities. However, tribes also have strengths found in their traditional teachings that provide inspiration for strategies to address trauma in all its forms. This webinar will explain what is meant by the phrase trauma-informed courts, provide data about challenges facing tribes around the country, discuss how trauma looks in the court setting, and then provide practical ideas about how to incorporate both traditional values and research-based strategies to make tribal court systems not only trauma-informed but trauma-responsive.

Tribal Justice Webinar – Healing to Wellness Courts Key Components and Standards (5/25/17)

The Tribal Key Components form the foundation of all tribal drug courts. The Adult Drug Court Standards represent the latest research-based best practices for what works within the drug court setting. Applicants for Wellness Court federal funding are now being asked to abide by both documents. This webinar overviews both the key components and the Standards, and discuss how they inter-relate. This webinar is designed for those less familiar with the Wellness Court model and those seeking to use these documents to apply for federal funding and/or integrate into their own Wellness Court.

Tribal Justice Webinar – Peace Circles: A Virtual Circle on Peacemaking (4/26/17)

Peacemaking is not alternative dispute resolution to Native communities – it is the original, traditional way our communities managed to work through disputes for centuries before tribal courts were created. Because of natural limitations inherent in tribal courts, there is increasing interest in the continuation and revitalization of those traditional ways.

This webinar explains how tribal traditions may hold a solution to some problems that have proven especially difficult in tribal court, provide some examples of how other tribes have had success, and explain how this movement is part of a bigger picture, even internationally, of how indigenous communities are using their own wisdom to solve their problems. Speakers include well known and seasoned Peacemakers including NARF Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative staff and advisory committee members.

Friday Job Announcements

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

Oglala Sioux Lakota Housing

Chief Executive Officer, Pine Ridge, N.D. Closes September 15, 2017, at 4:30PM.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Deputy Public Defender, Tuscon, A.Z. provides representation to adults and juveniles, charged with criminal offenses, in the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court. This representation includes court appearances, investigation, preparing and arguing motions, conducting bench, jury trials, and appeals. To apply, please visit our website or contact Alyssa Preciado or Ruben Valenzuela at (520) 883-5040.

Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa

Clerk of the Tribal Court, Tama, I.A. Responsible for administration of the Trial Court and the Court of Appeals for the Meskwaki Tribal Court and for such other administrative and ministerial duties prescribed by the Code or assigned to her/him by the Meskwaki Tribal Council or the Chief Justice. This position is open until filled.

Navajo Nation Department of Justice

Attorney, Litigation and Employment Unit. Will focus on litigation for the Navajo Nation government before federal, Navajo Nation, and state courts and administrative tribunals in a variety of subject areas, including natural resources, public safety, and jurisdictional issues, with some work with Navajo Nation government programs advising and representing programs on labor and employment matters. Open until filled.

Last Friday Job Announcement: 8/18/17

California Indian Law Association 17th Annual Indian Law Conference & Gala

Link: Register

CILA is pleased to announce that its 17th Annual Indian Law Conference & Gala will take place at the Thunder Valley Casino and Resort, 1200 Athens Avenue, Lincoln, California. Attorneys attending the Conference may receive 6.00 Regular MCLE credits.

Agenda at a Glance

Welcome Dinner & Gala
October 12, 2017
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

6:00 – 6:30 pm Arrival
6:30 pm Dinner Service Begins
6:45 – 7:10 Recognition of 2017 California Bar Foundation Diversity Bar Review Scholarship Recipient ​
7:15 – 7:30 pm Presentation of Outstanding Achievement in California Indian Law Award
9:00 pm Gala Concludes

Conference Panels
October 13, 2017
8:30 am – 5:00 pm

8:30 – 8:50  am Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:50 – 9:00  am Opening Prayer and Welcome

9:00 – 10:15 am Update on California Indian Law Litigation and Legislation
Moderator: TBD
Panelists: [INVITED]Jacob Mejia, Executive Director, Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations
                  [INVITED]Seth Davis, Assistant Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine School of Law

10:15 – 10:30 am Break

10:30– 12:00 pm California Gaming Update: The End of the Brown Administration
Moderator: TBD
Panelists: [INVITED]George Forman, Founding Partner, Forman & Associates
                  [INVITED] Joe Dhillon, Senior Advisor for Tribal Negotiations, Office of Governor Brown
                  [INVITED] Loretta Tuell, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (provided)

12:15 – 12:45 pm Keynote Address:  Judge Abby Abinanti, Chief Judge, Yurok Tribe

1:15 – 2:30 pm  Tribal Disenrollment and Exclusions: A Discussion of Tribal Interests 
Moderator: [INVITED]Adam Bailey, Associate, Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker
Panelists: TBD

2:30 – 3:30 pm CILA Organizational Matters: Board Elections and Other Business

3:30 – 5:00 pm Professional Responsibility – Protecting Your Tribal Clients & Yourself
Moderator: TBD
Panelists: [INVITED]Samuel Kohn, Associate, Dentons LLP
                  TBD

Kialegee Tribal Town Sues DOI Over Jurisdiction After Muscogee (Creek) Nation Raid

Links: Tulsa World coverage

Download(PDF) complaint in the matter of Kialegee Tribal Town v. Zinke et al, 17-cv-01670 (D.C. Circuit August 17, 2017): Doc. 1 – Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Kialegee Tribal Town is arguing the precedence of last week’s Murphy v. Royal like Cherokee Nation is in McKesson v. Hembree.

Cherokee Nation Says Recent 10th Cir. Decision Supports Tribal Court Jurisdiction Over Drugmakers

Download(PDF) brief in the matter of McKesson Corp. et al. v. Hembree et al., 17-cv-00323 (D. Okla.):

Links: Previous posts, Murphy v. Royal (10th Cir. Aug. 8, 2017)