Announcements

Native American Udall Congressional Internship

gabrielagendreau

Even as Native nations achieve greater levels of self-determination, Indian Country continues to be influenced by U.S. federal law and policy. The Udall Internship places students in Senate, House, and federal agency offices to learn firsthand how the U.S. government works with Native nations. Interns will gain a better understanding of the government to government relationship and how they can use this knowledge on behalf of their tribes.

Program Dates: May 25th – July 30th

What It Is

  • A community of 12 American Indian and Alaska Native college, graduate, and law students who live and work in Washington, D.C., during the summer;
  • Access to a network of American Indian professionals and alumni who work on behalf of tribal nations; and
  • Housing, a living allowance, transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and an educational stipend of $1,200.

The Udall Foundation arranges placements for law students, graduate students, and undergraduates.

Federal agencies, Senate and House offices that would like to host a Udall Intern should contact Jason Curley, (520) 901-8564.

Application deadline:  January 31th, 2022

Your complete Udall Internship application includes

  • A typed application form with your signature;
  • An 800-word essay on a legislative act or public policy statement by either Morris K. Udall or Stewart L. Udall and its impact on your interests and goals;
  • A one-page professional resume;
  • Transcripts for all university coursework, including undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate and law;
  • Three letters of recommendation; and
  • Documentation of your citizenship in a federally recognized tribe, state-recognized tribe, or First Nations of Canada (citizens of First Nations must also include proof of U.S. permanent residency).

Contact Jason Curley if you have questions about the Internship Program requirements and application process.

2022 Internship Application

More information about the program is available here: https://www.udall.gov/OurPrograms/Internship/Internship.aspx

Friday Job Announcements

gabrielagendreau

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

In the email body: 

  • A typed brief description of the position which includes: 
    1. Position title 
    2. Location (city, state) 
    3. Main duties 
    4. Closing date 
    5. Any other pertinent details such as links to the application 
  • An attached PDF job announcement. 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Staff Attorney. Siletz, OR. Duties include: (1) Advising Tribal administration/departments on legal issues; (2) Representing Tribal administration in Tribal court, state and federal courts, arbitration, and other judicial and administrative forums; (3) Maintaining current knowledge of statutes and new legislation affecting Tribal activities; (4) Interpreting Federal, State, and Tribal Law as it applies to Tribal program development and application; (5) Developing or revising ordinances and policies; (6) Supervising and directing department personnel; (7) Assisting Tribal Attorney on issues of Tribal significance, and in other Tribal issues, at the Tribal Attorney’s discretion; and (8) Coordinating department activities to the Tribal Attorney’s overall legal strategy for the Tribe. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a Tribal Application for Employment Form; see the position description for specifics. This position is open until filled.

Peebles Kidder Bergin & Robinson LLP

2022 Summer Law Clerks. Sacramento, CA; Kansas City, MO; Rapid City, SD; and Washington D.C. Whether clerks will work from a firm office or remotely will be determined closer to the start date. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school. 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. Applicants should e-mail a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and law school transcript to Robert Frazer at rfrazer@ndnlaw.com by December 3rd, 2021. Please find more information here.

American Civil Liberties Union

Legal Director. Lincoln, NE. Duties include: (1) Maintaining and developing impact litigation and advocacy docket; (2) Managing all aspects of the ACLU’s litigation program; (3) Overseeing the investigation and development of cases prior to filing litigation; (4) Building litigation teams with in-house lawyers, cooperating counsel, and other partners; (5) Overseeing litigation in federal and state court and ensuring effective client counseling; (6) Supervising a team of five staff attorneys, contract paralegal, and multiple law clerks; (7) Serving as a spokesperson for the ACLU, working closely with communications team to engage in strategic public forums, advocacy discussions, and media opportunities; and (8) Assisting with administrative matters. Please see the position description for more details. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@aclunebraska.org with the subject “Legal Director” and state how you learned of the position in the cover letter. Position is open until filled.

Legal & Policy Counsel. Lincoln, NE. Duties include: (1) Conducting legal and policy research and analysis; (2) Drafting legal memoranda, pleadings, affidavits, motions, and briefs; (3) Conducting legislative and administrative advocacy before government bodies; (4) Assisting with intake, correspondence, and administrative matters; (5) Interviewing witnesses and potential clients; (6) Providing support and assistance to ACLU clients, legal staff, and cooperating attorneys; (7) Supervising student interns/law clerks; and (8) Occasionally serving as a spokesperson for ACLU of Nebraska. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send an email and cover letter to jobs@aclunebraska.org with the subject line. The position is open until filled.

Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP Native Law Group

Summer 2022 Law Clerk Position. Native Law Group is currently seeking candidates for its Summer 2022 Clerkships in both of our office locations: Louisville, Colorado and Washington, D.C. Please indicate your office preference in your cover letter. Qualifications include: (1) Must have completed 2L year by Summer 2022; (2) Native American Law coursework completed by clerkship start date; (3) Excellent research abilities; and (4) Excellent written and oral communication skills. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, law school transcript, letter of recommendation, and references to Firm Administrator Erin Obray at eobray@nativelawgroup.com by the deadline of January 21st, 2022.

Echo Hawk & Olsen

Associate Attorney – interested in Business Law, Business Litigation, Employment Law and who is enthusiastic about Indian law. Pocatello, ID. Duties include: (1) Drafting tribal codes, business contracts, policy & procedures, regulations & other critical documents; (2) Communicating legal developments clearly and effectively verbally as well as in writing; and (3) Attention to detail, ability to effectively manage time, work in an organized and detailed manner to meet tight deadlines, keep accurate records, and produce desired results. Please see the position description for more information. Please submit cover letter, resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to reception@echohawk.com.

The Catawba Nation

3L Spring 2022 Legal Internship. Applicants will assist the Nation’s Legal Department by researching pertinent issues, attending meetings, and drafting ordinances, memoranda, and policies. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, applicants will be asked to work remotely. Please see the position description for more information and for a list of requirements. Interested candidates must be a 3L and should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and law school transcript to Deputy Tribal Attorney Lydia Locklear (Lydia.locklear@catawba.com) by November 30th, 2021.

Deputy Tribal Administrator. Duties include: (1) Coordinating the workforce to meet and support the needs of Tribal members and the general public; (2) Managing on-site training needs for staff and leadership; (3) Overseeing implementation of Tribal Ordinances in government operations and throughout all tribal entities; (4) Writing RFPs to engage consultants needed for government projects; (5) Reviewing policies and procedures of departments and recommending changes as needed; (6) Managing special projects as delegated by the Executive Committee and Tribal Administrator; (7) Attending meetings and compiling reports for the Executive Committee and General Council. Please see the position description for more information.

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Port Angeles, WA. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe seeks a full-time Associate Tribal Attorney for its on-reservation Office of Tribal Attorney (“OTA”).  Duties include: (1) Handling most of the Tribe’s legal workload; and (2) Supervising outside counsel. This is a new position and will be the third Attorney in OTA.  Associate will have a significant caseload spanning the full spectrum of tribal legal work. Please see the position description for more information. Open until filled. Please apply by November 15th, 2021, to ensure priority consideration. Applications submitted after that date may also be considered. 

Tanana Chiefs Conference

General Counsel. Fairbanks, AK. Under general supervision of the President. Duties include: (1) Performing fiduciary duties exclusive to TCC; (2) Representing Legal Department at meetings and maintaining clear lines of communication; (3) Providing and overseeing legal representation to all levels of TCC Staff, Member Tribes and issues surrounding Member Tribes on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)and tribal court proceedings and related matters; (4) Overseeing, developing, or reviewing required legal instruments; (5) Acting as expert consultant and legal advisor; (6) Preparing annual departmental budget and otherwise managing Legal Department; (7) Overseeing the coordination and technical guidance of TCC’s overall advocacy efforts on behalf of TCC and or member tribes; (8) Being responsible for the TCC elections and updates to the TCC governing documents; and (9) Serving as TCC’s point of contact for all communication between TCC and HHS’ Office of the General Counsel. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.

Associate Counsel. Fairbanks, AK. Under the general supervision of the General Counsel. Duties include: (1) Assisting the General Counsel in all matters assigned to the legal division; (2) Handling general legal matters; (3) Participating in the development of TCC policies, procedures and programs and providing
continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters and on legal implications of all matters; (4) Representing the company in legal proceedings and assisting with the coordination and management of outside counsel and litigation; (5) Interacting with members of TCC, the legal profession, officials of state and federal government; (6) Assisting programs in negotiation and drafting commercial, construction, contractual and other agreements; (7) Keeping informed of industry-specific regulations and ensuring that appropriate risk management strategies are in place; and (8) Providing legal advice and services on issues concerning the rights, obligations, and privileges of the organization and member tribes. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.

Forest County Potawatomi Community

Corporate Attorney. Milwaukee, WI. Duties include: (1) Providing legal counsel and services to Forest County Potawatomi Community to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law; (2) Contracting management and administration; (3) Reviewing, researching, interpreting, and preparing both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues with respect to federal, tribal and state laws; and (4) Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. Applicants can apply to fcp.jobs or email a CV to terrance.brown@fcpotawatomi-nsn.gov.

Attorney – Health Insurance. Milwaukee, WI or Crandon, WI. Duties include: (1) Providing legal counsel to the Health & Wellness Center and the tribe’s insurance department and general insurance coverage to ensure maximum protection of its legal rights and to maintain its operations within the limits prescribed by law; (2) Provides legal guidance and advice involving various areas of law involving health care providers, pharmacy, vision, dental and other clinic needs and overall insurance needs of the tribe; (3) Reviewing, researching, interpreting, and preparing both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues; (4) Drafting, reviewing, and approving policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws, contracts, leases, and other legal documents; (5) Researching legal issues and recommending revisions as necessary; and (6) Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences. Please see the position description for more information. The position is open until filled. Applicants can apply to fcp.jobs or email a CV to terrance.brown@fcpotawatomi-nsn.gov.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Associate Tribal Attorney III. Cass Lake, MN. Duties include: (1) Assisting the Legal Department Director with analysis for ongoing legal cases and issues in a broad spectrum of practice areas central to the needs of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; (2) Preparing and analyzing contracts, legal documents, Tribal Codes, Ordinances, and Resolutions; (3) Representing the Band in Tribal Court and State Court; (4) Providing analysis for ongoing legal cases and issues including Business Transactions, Finance, Gaming, Government Affairs, Litigation, Environmental Law and Policy, Energy, Natural Resources, Taxation, Tribally controlled schools and colleges, and Tribal Housing; (5) Researching and drafting complex legal opinions, preparing drafts of contracts, notices, ordinances, codes, resolutions and other legal documents; and (6) Defending and prosecuting on behalf of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in all actions arising under the jurisdiction of the Leech Lake Tribal Court, other state and federal district courts and forums as needed. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants can apply here and email documents to david.paquette@llojibwe.net.

Puyallup Tribe of Indians

Court Clerk Level II. Duties include: (1) Providing clerical support and records management for operation of the Tribal Court, and support services for the Chief Court Clerk, Court Administrator, Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Pro Tempore Judges; (2) Overseeing issuance of summons, subpoenas, orders; and (3) Assisting as necessary with the legal and administrative needs of a jury trial. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here. The position is open until filled.

Court Clerk Level III. Duties include: (1) Providing clerical support and records management for operation of the Tribal Court, and support services for the Chief Court Clerk, Court Administrator, Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Pro Tempore Judges; (2) Assisting the public, attorneys, law enforcement, social services, and other agencies in submitting filings; and (3) Explaining without providing legal advice how to amend filings so that it may be accepted by the Court. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates can apply here.

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Natural Resources Attorney. La Conner, WA. Qualified applicants must have experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: protection of treaty rights, Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Magnuson Act, or the Clean Water Act implementation or compliance, FERC (re)licensing, shoreline regulations, or regulation of extractive industries, including coal or oil, or vessel or rail traffic. The position is open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and two samples of independent writing to Wendy Otto, wotto@swinomish.nsn.us.

The Nez Perce Tribe

Prosecutor. Lapwai, ID. Duties include: (1) Representing the Tribe in all criminal and juvenile cases before Nez Perce Tribal Court; (2) Reviewing reports and charging cases, drafting written complaints, motions, proposed orders, legal briefs, jury instructions, sentencing recommendations, and other legal documents; (3) Representing the Tribe in civil prosecutions and Minor-In-Need-of-Care proceedings that come before the Tribal Court; and (4) Supervising an Administrative Legal Assistant, Deputy Prosecutor, and Child
Support Enforcement Attorney. Please see the position description for more details. Interested candidates should submit a resume, legal writing sample, and three professional references by applying here.

American Civil Liberties Union

Staff Attorney – Racial Justice Program. New York, NY or Remote. Duties include: (1) Litigation in federal and state courts, including writing pleadings and briefs, conducting discovery and motion practice, handling hearings and trials, and arguing appeals; (2) Working with ACLU political advocacy and affiliate staff on bills in state legislatures and in Congress; (3) Advocating to affect policy change in state and federal administrative agencies; (4) Engaging in community outreach and public speaking; and (5) Supervising legal fellows and support staff. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.

Indigenous Justice Program Coordinator. Albuquerque, NM. Duties include: (1) Building capacity and knowledge within the nationwide ACLU to effectively and respectfully engage in Indigenous Justice work; (2) Facilitating internal and external education to build awareness and increase visibility across affiliates and within the ACLU organization; (3) Building long-term partnerships forged on respect and mutuality between the ACLU and Indigenous Communities, Movements, and Tribes to serve as a national and regional resource for and to advance Indigenous Justice. In addition to nationwide responsibilities, the IJ Program Coordinator will work with staff in the ACLU of New Mexico to advance local Indigenous Justice priorities. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here.

Legal Director – ACLU of Washington. Seattle, WA. Duties include: (1) Providing vision, direction and support for the ACLU-WA’s legal program; (2) Coordination and management of the legal department and its docket, staff, and network of cooperating attorneys; and (3) Developing and pursuing litigation as part of an integrated advocacy strategy and a demonstrated ability to work with, support and inspire others in innovative advocacy. Please view the full job description, including how to apply, by visiting our website at https://aclu-wa.org/pages/legal-director. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@aclu-wa.org and include in the subject line your name and “Legal Director” by January 15th, 2022.

Principal Tribal Court Advocate – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing legal work related to representation of the Navajo Nation government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General, including legal research, negotiations, legal writing, drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, resolutions and other documents for the divisions, departments, or programs assigned; (2) Child Support Enforcement: Presenting child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) Participating in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; and (4) Providing legal advice and case strategy.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit) – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally representing the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, in state administrative water rights matters and in any settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights; (2) Working closely with technical staff within the Water Rights Unit Staff, Department of Water Resources and other programs within the Navajo Nation, and with consultants retained to provide technical support to the Nation or to serve as expert witnesses; and (3) Providing legal advice on all water rights matters to the Office of the President and Vice President, the Office of the Speaker, the Navajo Nation council, and its committees and subcommittees and the Navajo Nation Water Rights commission (NNWRC) to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are effectively pursued and protected.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Programmer Analyst – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Under general direction of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, performing a variety of complex duties such as installing, programming, maintaining, and saving of organization’s digital information within the Office of the Attorney General; (2) Serving as a resource person with regard to matters relating to information systems, development and implementation of security controls, efficient use and maintenance of system and equipment; (3) Facilitating implementation management information systems; (4) Installing and maintaining servers on local area networks; (5) Performing network device configurations, workstation set ups, and assigning nodes or network address definitions; installs and monitors performance of servers on local area networks; and (6) Maintaining knowledge of current trends in hardware and software technology relating to the practice of law, selecting the most feasible and economic methods to operate existing system. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Chief Prosecutor – Office of the Chief Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing administrative, managerial, and prosecution work in directing the Office of the Chief Prosecutor and component districts including the Juvenile Justice and White Collar Crime programs; (2) Planning, organizing, directing, strategic planning for annual, external, and supplemental budgets, and related activities of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor; (3) Coordinating and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the assigned program offices and districts; and (4) Adhering to the Plan of Operation and establishing annual goals and objectives, and making necessary amendments. This position serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; (5) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; and (7) Making decisions in sensitive case and seeking assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Shiprock, NM. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; (2) Reviewing citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; (3) Interviewing witnesses, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (5) Preparing a legal strategy; (6) Preparing and presenting criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; (7) Preparing legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other required documents for court presentation; (8) Providing training to Prosecutors and Juvenile Presenting Officers and on request to law enforcement personnel; (9) Collaborating with law enforcement agencies; (10) Presenting major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts; This position is sedentary with a potential for high levels of stress. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary – Office of the Prosecutor. Dilkon, Arizona. Duties include: (1) Finalizing prosecutor’s draft legal correspondence, forms, documents, and/or reports, reviewing for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with applicable rules and regulations; (2) With prosecutor oversight, finalizing draft notices, petitions, pleadings, complaints, briefs, summons, orders, affidavits and other legal forms; (3) Transcribing hearings, depositions, and meetings for use by the prosecutors/attorneys or as court exhibits; (4) Opening new cases in Justware using established procedures, completing case management, and closing of completed case files; and (5) Inputting reports, preparing and generating reports/statistical information, meeting regularly with team as required for renewals of program, and maintaining daily operations of district office. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary – Office of the Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ – White Collar Crime Unit. Duties include: (1) Under general supervision of Senior Investigator, maintaining office files; (2) Greeting the public, answering telephone calls, routing calls and taking messages; (3) Making travel and lodging arrangements; (4) Processing and distributing incoming and outgoing mail; (5) Taking and transcribing minutes of meetings; (6) Preparing work orders, supply requisitions, travel documents and related financial documents within established limits and procedures; (7) Maintaining court hearing dockets and court schedule tracks and maintaining records and status of processes used in department; and (8) Attending meetings, trainings and conferences as it relates to work, assisting in preparing, storing, and securing evidence, preparing legal documents, assisting with special projects and assignments. This position is open until December 9th, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary – Office of the Prosecutor. Chinle, AZ. Under general supervision of Senior Investigator. Duties include: (1) Maintaining office files; (2) Greeting the public, answering telephone calls, routing calls and taking messages; (3) Making travel and lodging arrangements; (4) Receiving, processing, logging, and distributing incoming and outgoing mail; (5) Taking and transcribing minutes of meetings; (6) Monitors, orders and maintains office supplies and inventory; prepares work orders, supply requisitions, travel documents and related financial documents within established limits and procedures; maintains court hearing dockets and court schedule tracks and maintains records and status of processes used in department; attend meetings, trainings and conferences as it relates to work, assist in preparing, storing, and securing evidence, prepare legal documents as required by staff, assist with special projects and assignments.  This position is open until December 6, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Legal Secretary – Office of the Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM.  Duties include: (1) Providing legal office administrative support to prosecutorial office; (2) Drafting legal correspondence and reports, developing and maintaining legal case files; (3) Proofreading all legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformance; (4) Maintaining and preparing for destruction legal documents with applicable policy and regulations; (5) Receiving criminal complaints/police reports and juvenile referrals and processes them (via Justware) for prosecutor review and filing. Receives incoming motions and pleadings, generates subpoenas, affidavits, and notice for submission to the courts. Meets with prosecutors on case management support and assist in communicating with witness, defense council and victims for upcoming court hearing, Collects and compiles statistical information from Justware and related sources for special and quarterly reports and projects. Maintains court hearing dockets and court schedule for calendaring.  This position is open until December 6, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Judicial Hearing Officer, Chinle, Judicial District, Chinle, Ariz. Under supervision of the Chief Justice, exercises authority to preside over hearings and dispositions involving the Domestic Abuse Protection Act and Álchíní Bi Beehaz’áannii Act occurring within the respective jurisdiction of the District Courts of the Navajo Nation; performs related work as assigned. The JHO will engage in legal research and writing in child welfare, domestic abuse, temporary minor or adult guardianship, child custoy and other family matters. One Year Grant Funded with Benefits. For more information, please visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

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.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. 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.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. 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.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. 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.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.  

The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP)

Government Relations Manager. Alaska. Duties include: (1) Advancing AVCP’s advocacy priorities primarily by preparing white papers and advocacy documents; (2) Tracking legislation and regulations of interest to AVCP and member tribes; (3) Preparing testimony and talking points for listening sessions and consultations; and (4) Keeping our member tribes informed and engaged in region-wide advocacy initiatives. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to janderson@avcp.org and complete the online application for employment. Applications will be viewed on a rolling basis.

Call for Submissions by the Indigenous People’s Journal of Law, Culture & Resistance

gabrielagendreau

Call for Submissions for Volume VIII

Deadline: January 15th, 2022

The Indigenous People’s Journal of Law, Culture & Resistance is soliciting scholarly articles and student comments written about legal issues important to Indigenous communities in the United States and throughout the world, as well as works by artists that relate to or comment on legal issues. We also seek works on issues or aspects of life in Native communities that are impacted by law, whether tribal law or the laws of nation-states.

If you would like to submit a full-length submission for consideration, please email it to ipjlcr@lawnet.ucla.edu with the subject line “Volume VIII Submission” before January 15th, 2022. If you wish to submit an abstract first, please do so before December 15th, 2021.

Find out more at https://law.ucla.edu/academics/journals/indigenous-peoples-journal-law-culture-and-resistance

Please follow all of these guidelines as applicable to your submission (e.g. a poem will not likely need Bluebook citations).  Each submission should be sent as one Microsoft Word file with Bluebook formatted citations (21st ed. 2020). Brief bios are required, as well as 12 pt. Times New Roman typed font, paginated, and should include: your name, address, phone number, and email address in the header of the first page.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at <ipjlcr@lawnet.ucla.edu>.

American Indian Law Review 2021-2022 Writing Competition

gabrielagendreau

Writing Competition Rules

TOPICS: Papers will be accepted on any legal issue specifically concerning American Indians or other Indigenous peoples.

ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to students enrolled in J.D. or graduate law programs at accredited law schools in the United States and Canada as of the competition deadline of Monday, February 28th, 2022. Editors of the American Indian Law Review are not eligible to compete.

AWARDS: The first place winner receives $1,500 and publication by the American Indian Law Review, an official periodical of the University of Oklahoma College of Law with international readership. The second place winner receives $750, and third place receives $400. Each of the three winning authors will also be awarded an eBook copy of Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law, provided by LexisNexis.

DEADLINE: All emailed entries must be received no later than 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, February 28th, 2022 (5 p.m. Central Standard Time). Entries will be acknowledged upon receipt. Submissions may be emailed to the American Indian Law Review at mwaters@ou.edu

JUDGES: Papers will be judged by members of the legal profession with an interest in American Indian law and by the editors of the American Indian Law Review.

STANDARDS: Papers will be judged on the basis of originality and timeliness of topic, knowledge and use of applicable legal principles, proper and articulate analysis of the issues, use of authorities and extent of research, logic and reasoning in analysis, ingenuity and ability to argue by analogy, clarity and organization, correctness of format and citations, grammar and writing style, and strength and logic of conclusions. All entries will be checked for plagiarism via an online service.

FORM: Entries must be a minimum of 20 double-spaced pages in length and a maximum of 50 double-spaced pages in length excluding footnotes or endnotes. All citations should conform to The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (21st ed.). The body of the email must contain the author’s name, school, expected year of graduation, current address, permanent address, and email address. No identifying marks (name, school, etc.) should appear on the paper itself. All entries must have only one author. Entries must be unpublished, not currently submitted for publication elsewhere, and not currently entered in other writing competitions. Papers entered in the American Indian Law Review writing competition may not be submitted for consideration to any other publication until such time as winning entrants are announced, unless the entrant has withdrawn the entry or received a notification of release prior to that time. Any entries not fully in accord with required form will be ineligible for consideration.

SUBMISSION: Submissions may be emailed to the American Indian Law Review at mwaters@ou.edu by the competition deadline. Entries may be sent as Microsoft Word, PDF, or WordPerfect documents.

CONTACT: E-mail — Michael Waters, mwaters@ou.edu
Phone Numbers — (405) 325-2840 and (405) 325-5191
This rules sheet is also available on the AILR website, at http://www.ailr.net/writecomp.

Friday Job Announcements

gabrielagendreau

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

In the email body: 

  • A typed brief description of the position which includes: 
    1. Position title 
    2. Location (city, state) 
    3. Main duties 
    4. Closing date 
    5. Any other pertinent details such as links to the application 
  • An attached PDF job announcement. 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

Arizona State University

Tenure Track Position – Open Rank – American Indian Studies. Tempe, AZ. The American Indian Studies Program (AIS) in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on the Tempe Campus of Arizona State University invites applications for a full-time faculty position (open rank – Assistant, Associate or Full Professor). The anticipated start date is August 2022. This is an academic year, benefits-eligible, tenure eligible position. For more information or to apply, visit: http://apply.interfolio.com/95790.

Qualifications for the position include: Assistant, associate, or full professor level with a specialization or focus on Indigenous geographies. Areas of Specialty may be in any one or a combination of the following: Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous methodologies, community and regional planning, design, architecture, environmental studies, sustainability, geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies, cartography; placemaking, placekeeping, data sovereignty (GIS and mapping), TEK; Planning on Indigenous Lands, Contemporary Indigenous Architecture, Indigenous Design and Planning, Indigenized Mapping, Reclaiming Geospatial Data; Demography.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a rigorous research program; teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in American Indian Studies; contribute to curriculum development and graduate advising; serve on school, college and university committees; and provide service to the school, professional associations and the community. The College values our cultural and intellectual diversity, and continually strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially interested in applicants who can strengthen the diversity of the academic community.

Questions concerning American Indian Studies and the position should be addressed to David Martínez at David.Martinez.3@asu.edu or (480) 727-9818.

Harvard University Native American Program

Executive Director Position. Cambridge, MA. Duties include: (1) Providing leadership in strategic planning, operational goal-setting, and program evaluation; (2) Managing annual budgeting process, proposal writing, grants management, and external relations; (3) Supervising and mentoring program staff; (4) Developing new initiatives, cultivating collaborative partnerships, and overseeing related activities; (5) Facilitating vibrant networking, collaboration, and consultation between and among students, faculty, and staff across campus; (6) Supporting innovative interfaculty and interdisciplinary research and teaching projects concerning NAI issues; (7) Initiating formal relationships between the program and Harvard schools and other administrative offices; (8) Serving as a campus resource for consultation on NAI issues and concerns; (9) Representing the program within the university and throughout the nation in visible consultations and meetings; (10) Liaising with NAI leaders throughout higher education and Indian Country to develop opportunities consistent with HUNAP’s mission. Please visit here to apply and view the position description for more information.

University of California, Los Angeles

2L & 3L Summer 2022 Law Clerk – Tribal Legal Development Clinic. Los Angeles, CA. Candidates are rising 2Ls or 3Ls. We seek to have the clerkship result in an excellent writing sample. Native law students are strongly encouraged to apply. The UCLA School of Law’s Tribal Legal Development Clinic connects law students directly with tribal leaders, officers, and attorneys, to provide legal development services to Indian tribes. The Clinic hosts non-litigation, tribally-driven projects that cover a wide cross-section of subjects. Students work in teams, consult regularly with a tribal liaison, and produce a work product under the supervision of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Legal Development Clinic Director. Summer Clinic law clerks are a paid, full-time position, either at the UCLA School of Law campus or remotely. The Clinic is designed to foster the next generation of tribal lawyers. Students are exposed to the complexities, historical contexts, and professional and ethical responsibilities of tribal lawyering. Whenever possible, Clinic law clerks travel to Indian country to meet with tribal clients to collaborate, deliver work products to governing bodies, and participate in relevant meetings and hearings. Clinic projects have included drafting statutes and other governing documents, researching and drafting appellate bench memorandums, building court infrastructure, and developing training materials. Prior projects have spanned the subject-matter spectrum and have included repatriation and cultural resource protection, family law, restorative justice, civil procedure, criminal procedure, non-profit development and more. The Clinic is a part of UCLA Law’s Native Nations Law & Policy Center, a national resource for the support of Native Nations. The Center successfully works to enhance Indian nations’ laws and governmental institutions while advancing cultural resource protection. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample to Heather Morphew at morphew@law.ucla.edu by December 15th, 2021.

Tanana Chiefs Conference

Associate Counsel. Fairbanks, AK. Duties include: (1) Participating in the development of TCC policies, procedures and programs and providing continuing counsel and guidance on legal matters; (2) Representing the company in legal proceedings and assisting with the coordination and management of outside counsel and litigation; (3) Interacting with members of TCC, the legal profession, officials of state and federal government; (4) Assisting programs in negotiation and drafting agreements; and (5) Providing legal advice and services on issues concerning the rights, obligations, and privileges of the organization and member tribes. Please see the position description for more information. Apply here.

General Counsel. Fairbanks, AK. Duties include: (1) Representing the Legal Department and maintaining clear lines of communication to TCC President and Executive Board on a recurring basis; (2) Providing and overseeing legal representation to all levels of TCC Staff, Member Tribes and issues surrounding Member Tribes on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and tribal court proceedings; (3) Overseeing, developing, or reviewing required legal instruments, rendering legal opinions, providing management with legal guidance; (4) Serving as an expert consultant and legal advisor; (5) Preparing annual departmental budget and managing Legal Department; (5) Overseeing the coordination and technical guidance of TCC’s overall advocacy efforts including but not limited to reviewing advocacy documents, testimony, preparing for meetings and attending meetings on behalf of TCC and or member tribes; and (6) Serving as TCC’s point of contact for all communication between TCC and HHS’ Office of the General Counsel and is responsible for the management and processing of all FTCA / tort claims related activities. Please see the position description for more information. Apply here.

The Yakama Nation

Assistant Tribal Prosecutor. Toppenish, WA. Duties include: (1) Ensuring confidentiality of records used by Yakama Nation; (2) Prosecuting criminal and civil matters before the Yakama Nation Tribal Courts; (3) Developing and improving the Yakama Tribal Criminal Justice System, including Tribal Code development and amendments; (4) Providing service regarding Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) matters; (5) Developing and maintaining cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff from other tribal and state agencies and with other tribal departmental program staff; and (6) Representing the Yakama Nation. Please see the position description for details. Interested applicants should apply here by December 1st, 2021.

Chief Prosecutor. Toppenish, WA. Duties include: (1) Supervising the Prosecuting Attorney office responsible for prosecuting both civil and criminal matters in the Yakama Nation Tribal Court; (2) Representing the Yakama Nation in civil actions involving child abuse/neglect in civil ICWA proceedings; (3) Drafting notices of intervention and/or petitions to transfer which represents the best interests of the child(ren) and the tribe as provided under tribal and federal law; (4) Advising the Tribal Police, NNWS and CPS in investigation, evaluating evidence, case preparation and preparation of legal pleadings; (5) Working with and referring cases as appropriate to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution or the County Prosecutor for state prosecution of non-Indian offenders; and (6) Presenting and explaining key policy issues regarding tribal justice and victimization through written and/or oral reports to key stakeholders that include the JSA, Tribal Administration, and/or Tribal Council/General Council. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should contact Tamara Saluskin, Deputy Director of the Yakama Nation Justice Services Department at: tamara_saluskin@yakama.com. Apply here.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Special Advisor on Tribal Engagement and Consultation Strategy. Washington, DC, temporarily remote. Duties include: (1) Critically reviewing the agency’s Tribal consultation practices; (2) Working collaboratively to develop recommendations aimed at improving the processes; (3) Executing implementation of recommendations across multiple agency offices; (4) Engaging with internal and external stakeholders on the Commission’s consultation practices; (5) Developing written communications and providing verbal briefings to senior agency officials summarizing efforts and next steps; and (6) Expanding the Commission’s outreach capabilities to Tribal Nations, including developing outreach materials. Please see the position description for more information. Applications are viewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit their resume to Robert.Thormeyer@ferc.gov or Sarah.Venuto@ferc.gov.

Judicial Hearing Officer. Chinle, Judicial District, Chinle, AZ. Under supervision of the Chief Justice. Duties include: (1) Presiding over hearings and dispositions involving the Domestic Abuse Protection Act and Álchíní Bi Beehaz’áannii Act occurring within the respective jurisdiction of the District Courts of the Navajo Nation; (2) Performing related work as assigned; and (3) Engaging in legal research and writing in child welfare, domestic abuse, temporary minor or adult guardianship, child custody and other family matters. Please see the position description for more details. For more information, please visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

Staff Attorney, Chinle Judicial District, Chinle AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing complex legal advice and guidance; (2) Conducting legal research; and (3) Drafting legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

Staff Attorney, Kayenta Judicial District, Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Providing complex legal advice and guidance; (2) Conducting legal research; and (3) Drafting legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.

District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. Duties include: (1) 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.courts.navajo-nsn.gov/vacancies.htm. This position is open until filled.  

Principal Tribal Court Advocate – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing legal work related to representation of the Navajo Nation government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General, including legal research, negotiations, legal writing, drafting pleadings, briefs, memoranda, resolutions and other documents for the divisions, departments, or programs assigned; (2) Child Support Enforcement: Presenting child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals; (3) Participating in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; and (4) Providing legal advice and case strategy.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit) – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally representing the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, in state administrative water rights matters and in any settlement negotiations concerning the Nation’s water rights; (2) Working closely with technical staff within the Water Rights Unit Staff, Department of Water Resources and other programs within the Navajo Nation, and with consultants retained to provide technical support to the Nation or to serve as expert witnesses; and (3) Providing legal advice on all water rights matters to the Office of the President and Vice President, the Office of the Speaker, the Navajo Nation council, and its committees and subcommittees and the Navajo Nation Water Rights commission (NNWRC) to ensure that the water rights of the Navajo Nation are effectively pursued and protected.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Programmer Analyst – Office of the Attorney General. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Under general direction of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, performing a variety of complex duties such as installing, programming, maintaining, and saving of organization’s digital information within the Office of the Attorney General; (2) Serving as a resource person with regard to matters relating to information systems, development and implementation of security controls, efficient use and maintenance of system and equipment; (3) Facilitating implementation management information systems; (4) Installing and maintaining servers on local area networks; (5) Performing network device configurations, workstation set ups, and assigning nodes or network address definitions; installs and monitors performance of servers on local area networks; and (6) Maintaining knowledge of current trends in hardware and software technology relating to the practice of law, selecting the most feasible and economic methods to operate existing system. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Chief Prosecutor – Office of the Chief Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ. Duties include: (1) Performing administrative, managerial, and prosecution work in directing the Office of the Chief Prosecutor and component districts including the Juvenile Justice and White Collar Crime programs; (2) Planning, organizing, directing, strategic planning for annual, external, and supplemental budgets, and related activities of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor; (3) Coordinating and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the assigned program offices and districts; and (4) Adhering to the Plan of Operation and establishing annual goals and objectives, and making necessary amendments. This position serves at the pleasure of the Attorney General. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); (2) Researching and studying litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases; (3) Preparing oral arguments, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Attending juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; (5) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (6) Preparing a legal strategy; and (7) Making decisions in sensitive case and seeking assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Senior Prosecutor – Office of the Prosecutor. Shiprock, NM. Duties include: (1) Representing the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; (2) Reviewing citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; (3) Interviewing witnesses, gathering facts and data, determining if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; (4) Conducting legal research, drafting complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; (5) Preparing a legal strategy; (6) Preparing and presenting criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; (7) Preparing legal memoranda, briefs, motions, and other required documents for court presentation; (8) Providing training to Prosecutors and Juvenile Presenting Officers and on request to law enforcement personnel; (9) Collaborating with law enforcement agencies; (10) Presenting major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts; This position is sedentary with a potential for high levels of stress. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.  This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary – Office of the Prosecutor. Dilkon, Arizona. Duties include: (1) Finalizing prosecutor’s draft legal correspondence, forms, documents, and/or reports, reviewing for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with applicable rules and regulations; (2) With prosecutor oversight, finalizing draft notices, petitions, pleadings, complaints, briefs, summons, orders, affidavits and other legal forms; (3) Transcribing hearings, depositions, and meetings for use by the prosecutors/attorneys or as court exhibits; (4) Opening new cases in Justware using established procedures, completing case management, and closing of completed case files; and (5) Inputting reports, preparing and generating reports/statistical information, meeting regularly with team as required for renewals of program, and maintaining daily operations of district office. This position is open until filled, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Legal Secretary – Office of the Prosecutor. Window Rock, AZ – White Collar Crime Unit. Duties include: (1) Under general supervision of Senior Investigator, maintaining office files; (2) Greeting the public, answering telephone calls, routing calls and taking messages; (3) Making travel and lodging arrangements; (4) Processing and distributing incoming and outgoing mail; (5) Taking and transcribing minutes of meetings; (6) Preparing work orders, supply requisitions, travel documents and related financial documents within established limits and procedures; (7) Maintaining court hearing dockets and court schedule tracks and maintaining records and status of processes used in department; and (8) Attending meetings, trainings and conferences as it relates to work, assisting in preparing, storing, and securing evidence, preparing legal documents, assisting with special projects and assignments. This position is open until December 9th, 2021 by 5:00 p.m., please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Hoopa, CA. Duties include: (1) Reviewing and negotiating contracts and government grants; (2) Researching and drafting tribal ordinances; (3) Advising the Tribal Council and Chairman; (4) Coordinating litigations and investigations; and (5) Handling employment matters.  We are open to applicants with a broad range of professional backgrounds. Please see the position description for more details. Please see the detailed minimum qualifications here. Interested applicants should submit an application, resume, and writing sample to Leah Offins, HR Coordinator at l.offins@hoopainsurance.com. The application form can be accessed here and the Hoopa Valley employment site here. The position is open until filled.  

Civil Liberties Defense Center

Line 3 Defense Legal Fellow. Minnesota. Two positions. Duties include: (1) Providing movement aligned, defendant-centered legal representation for the duration of a criminal case – from arraignment to trial, dismissal, and/or sentencing – for
up to 100 Water Protectors each; (2) Coordinating with our groups, the Pipeline Legal Action Network (PLAN), Line 3 spokes council, and Indigenous leadership; (3) Ensuring legal representation for defendants; (4) Ensuring all high-risk defendants (Indigenous people, LGTBQIA+, those facing felony charges) receive direct representation from a highly-skilled defense attorney; (5) Incorporating movement-aligned legal arguments (necessity defense, treaty law, cultural genocide) are incorporated into defense whenever feasible; and (6) Organizing and participating in defendant-led legal support structures and working groups to the extent feasible (PLAN and Line 3 Legal Spokes Council. The fellows will work together but one will directly report to the Executive Direct of CLDC and the other will report to the Legal Director of WPLC. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, legal sample, and three references to office@cldc.org by November 15th, 2021. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Environmental Law Institute

Research Associate. Washington, D.C.. Each year, ELI hires college graduates to serve as Research Associates. These staff members work directly with the 15–20 lawyers and scientists in the Research and Policy Division on projects addressing environmental and natural resource protection, climate, public health, environmental justice, and pollution prevention. A typical workload combines research and administration. Please see the position description for more information, and apply here by January 21st, 2022.

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Chief Prosecutor. Mescalero, NM. Duties include: (1) Upholding the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s Constitution and Tribal Code; (2) Representing the Tribe in criminal proceedings filed to protect the safety and wellbeing of the tribal community and the personal property and natural resources of the Mescalero Apache Tribe; and (3) Overseeing two Assistant Prosecutors and administrative staff. The position is open until filled. Please see the position description for more information. Please submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to Myra Lapaz, Human Resources at mlapaz@mescaleroapachetribe.com. Inquiries regarding the position may be made to Ms. Lapaz or Nelva Cervantes, General Counsel to the Mescalero Apache Tribe at ncervantes@mescaleroapachetribe.com. 

Chief Public Defender. Mescalero, NM. Duties include: (1) Upholding the Mescalero Apache Tribe’s Constitution and Tribal Code; (2) Representing defendants in criminal proceedings before the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court; and (3) Overseeing an Assistant Public Defender and administrative staff. Please see the position description for more details. The position is open until filled. Please submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to Myra Lapaz, Human Resources at mlapaz@mescaleroapachetribe.com. Inquiries regarding the position may be made to Ms. Lapaz or Nelva Cervantes, General Counsel to the Mescalero Apache Tribe at ncervantes@mescaleroapachetribe.com.   

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Port Angeles, WA. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe seeks a full-time Associate Tribal Attorney for its on-reservation Office of Tribal Attorney (“OTA”).  Duties include: (1) Handling most of the Tribe’s legal workload; and (2) Supervising outside counsel. This is a new position and will be the third Attorney in OTA.  Associate will have a significant caseload spanning the full spectrum of tribal legal work. Please see the position description for more information. Open until filled. Please apply by November 15th, 2021, to ensure priority consideration. Applications submitted after that date may also be considered. 

Patterson Earnhart Real Bird & Wilson LLP Native Law Group

Summer 2022 Law Clerk Position. Native Law Group is currently seeking candidates for its Summer 2022 Clerkships in both of our office locations: Louisville, Colorado and Washington, D.C. Please indicate your office preference in your cover letter. Qualifications include: (1) Must have completed 2L year by Summer 2022; (2) Native American Law coursework completed by clerkship start date; (3) Excellent research abilities; and (4) Excellent written and oral communication skills. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, law school transcript, letter of recommendation, and references to Firm Administrator Erin Obray at eobray@nativelawgroup.com by the deadline of January 21st, 2022.

Pechanga Indian Reservation

Chief Judge. Temecula, CA. Duties include: (1) Supporting and defending the sovereignty and Constitution and Bylaws of the Pechanga Band, its traditions, customs, and Tribal laws. (2) Exercising considerable independent judgement in managing the docket of the Tribal court, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conducting hearings, and deciding cases in a fair and impartial manner. (3) Providing a tribal forum to resolve legal issues involving child welfare matters; child custody and child support; guardianship and adoption of minors; child welfare issues involving domestic violence, facts of birth and emancipation matters; business leases; employment matters; eminent domain; appeals from the Trust Review Board; cases arising from the Tribal Tax Code; disputes arising from the Pechanga Band Member Health Program; and any other subject matter as directed by the General Membership. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of intent to HR@pechanga-nsn.gov. The position is open until filled.

Echo Hawk & Olsen

Associate Attorney – interested in Business Law, Business Litigation, Employment Law and who is enthusiastic about Indian law. Pocatello, ID. Duties include: (1) Drafting tribal codes, business contracts, policy & procedures, regulations & other critical documents; (2) Communicating legal developments clearly and effectively verbally as well as in writing; and (3) Attention to detail, ability to effectively manage time, work in an organized and detailed manner to meet tight deadlines, keep accurate records, and produce desired results. Please see the position description for more information. Please submit cover letter, resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to reception@echohawk.com.

The Catawba Nation

3L Spring 2022 Legal Internship. Applicants will assist the Nation’s Legal Department by researching pertinent issues, attending meetings, and drafting ordinances, memoranda, and policies. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, applicants will be asked to work remotely. Please see the position description for more information and for a list of requirements. Interested candidates must be a 3L and should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and law school transcript to Deputy Tribal Attorney Lydia Locklear (Lydia.locklear@catawba.com) by November 30th, 2021.

Deputy Tribal Administrator. Duties include: (1) Coordinating the workforce to meet and support the needs of Tribal members and the general public; (2) Managing on-site training needs for staff and leadership; (3) Overseeing implementation of Tribal Ordinances in government operations and throughout all tribal entities; (4) Writing RFPs to engage consultants needed for government projects; (5) Reviewing policies and procedures of departments and recommending changes as needed; (6) Managing special projects as delegated by the Executive Committee and Tribal Administrator; (7) Attending meetings and compiling reports for the Executive Committee and General Council. Please see the position description for more information.

End of the Semester Check-In and Lunch: Indigenous Law & Policy Center

gabrielagendreau

🍂 End of the Semester Check-In! 🍂

The Indigenous Law & Policy Center will be hosting an in-person End of the Semester Check-In on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 from 12:15-1:15pm in room 472

Students, faculty, staff, and allies will come together to celebrate the end of the semester over a provided lunch! **RSVP Required**

RSVP by Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021. Please direct all RSVPs and questions to indigenous@law.msu.edu

We look forward to seeing you there!

Indigenous Law Conference Materials Now Available for Attendees

gabrielagendreau

Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!

Artist: Shayleen (Shay) Finley, Arrow Lakes Band of the Colville Tribes

Registered attendees have received access to the conference materials, recordings, and CLE forms on the Participant Portal (www.indigenouslawconference.com). Check your email for more information. The conference was approved for 9.75 CLEs including 1.25 Ethics CLEs by the Minnesota State Board of Continuing Legal Education.

Friday Job Announcements

gabrielagendreau

____________________________________________________________________________ 

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

In the email body: 

  • A typed brief description of the position which includes: 
    1. Position title 
    2. Location (city, state) 
    3. Main duties 
    4. Closing date 
    5. Any other pertinent details such as links to the application 
  • An attached PDF job announcement. 

____________________________________________________________________________ 

The Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Ryerson University

Associate Professor. Six tenure-track positions. Toronto, ON, Canada. The successful candidate will engage in a combination of teaching, research and service duties, maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and collegial work environment across all activities. Responsibilities include: contributing to our Juris Doctor program through teaching, mentoring and supervision of students; participating in curriculum development/expansion as appropriate; establishing and maintaining a strong, community-engaged research agenda, including pursuing innovative, independent research that produces cutting-edge high quality results; and participating in the academic life of the Law School and the University. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, a teaching dossier and result of teaching evaluations, and three references by December 6th, 2021.

2022 CCL Summer/Fall Fellowship. Bishop, CA. Duties include: (1) Working on a specific Indian allotment trespass case in the Bishop area that is ongoing; and (2) Researching and preparing a self-help guide for allottee interest holders to organize themselves and develop the allotment pursuant to a little-known provision in the American Indian Probate Reform Act. More details in position description. The position is posted on the Employment section of CILS’ website and will remain open until filled. Instructions for applying available here.

Rosette LLP

Associate Attorney. Rosette, LLP is a leading majority-Indian owned national law firm who’s dynamic approach and practice area diversity is unparalleled for our size firm. We specialize in federal law and it’s application to tribes, tribal business, complex litigation, government negotiations, financial transitions, tribal housing, land use and planning, Human Resources management, tribal energy development, and representation related to internal tribal governance matters. We are currently seeking ambitious and motivated Associate Attorneys to handle legal matters for tribal governments and tribal businesses across the United States with offices in Arizona, California, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Washington D.C.  Applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience. Please send a Cover Letter, Resume, Official/Certified Law School Transcript, Certificate of Good Standing from State Bar, and a Writing Sample to nhendricks@rosettelaw.com by December 18th, 2021.

Earthjustice

Associate Attorney, Sustainable Food and Farming. New York, NY; Washington, DC. Duties include: (1) Working closely with Earthjustice attorneys, scientists, and professional staff to build cases and support policies that serve a diverse set of clients; (2) Participating in the full range of tasks involved in administrative advocacy and complex litigation; (3) Interacting with clients and working with experts to develop a clear understanding of the facts involved in each case and supporting litigation goals; (4) Representing Earthjustice at meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, and experts; (5) Developing skills required to serve as spokesperson with print and other media; and (6) Assisting with hiring and supervising student law clerks. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit via Jobvite a resume, one page cover letter (see position description for specifics), writing sample, unofficial law school transcript, and list of three references. Preference is given to candidates who apply by November 15th, 2021.

Associate Attorney, Toxic Exposure & Health Program. New York, NY. Duties include: 1) Building cases and
supporting policies that serve a diverse set of clients; (2) Participating in litigation, including factual investigation, legal research, memo writing, briefing, and oral advocacy; (3) Developing and engaging in legal advocacy, including draft and review legislation; (4) Participating in coalition meetings and events; (5) Representing Earthjustice on telephone calls and at meetings with clients, partners, co-counsel, and experts; and (6) Assisting with hiring and supervising student law clerks. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit via Jobvite a resume, cover letter (see position description for specifications), writing sample, unofficial law school transcript, and a list of professional or academic references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.

Various Associate Attorney Listings – January 2022

Associate Attorney – California Regional (San Francisco)

Associate Attorney – Fossil Fuels Program (Chicago | New Orleans}

Associate Attorney – Northeast Regional (New York)

Associate Attorney – Sustainable Food and Farming (New York | Washington DC ) *new 11/5

Associate Attorney – Toxic Exposure & Health (New York) *new 11/5

Litigation Management

Deputy Managing Attorney – Coal Program (Chicago | Philadelphia)

Managing Attorney – Gulf Regional Office (Houston)

Managing Attorney – Northern Rockies (Bozeman)

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Hoopa, CA. Duties include: (1) Reviewing and negotiating contracts and government grants; (2) Researching and drafting tribal ordinances; (3) Advising the Tribal Council and Chairman; (4) Coordinating litigations and investigations; and (5) Handling employment matters.  We are open to applicants with a broad range of professional backgrounds. Please see the position description for more details. Please see the detailed minimum qualifications here. Interested applicants should submit an application, resume, and writing sample to Leah Offins, HR Coordinator at l.offins@hoopainsurance.com. The application form can be accessed here and the Hoopa Valley employment site here. The position is open until filled.  

U.S. Office of the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW)

The Killian Doherty Environmental Justice Fellow. Remote or Eugene, OR. The U.S. office of the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) invites bilingual (English and Spanish or Portuguese) public interest lawyers defending indigenous peoples’ rights, human rights, or environmental rights to apply for the inaugural Killian Doherty Environmental Justice Fellowship. The Fellowship is open to applicants for the following purposes: (1) The Fellow may use the opportunity to advance his/her/their own work in an area of law related to defending environmental rights or land rights of indigenous peoples or traditional communities. ELAW staff will share resources we have gathered to support that work and meet regularly with the Fellow; (2) Building on work that Killian started, the Fellow may help ELAW gather and analyze legal precedents that support new efforts to defend rights of indigenous peoples to their land and to live in a healthy environment; and (3) Early career attorneys may apply for the Fellowship to gain experience by working with ELAW Staff Attorneys as we collaborate with environmental and human rights lawyers around the world. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here by December 3rd, 2021 and submit a resume and cover letter. See position description for specifics.

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Staff Attorney. Fulton, MI. Duties include: (1) Attending meetings of the Tribal Council, Committees, regulatory board/commissions and Membership meetings; (2) Researching and drafting resolutions, Tribal laws, regulations, and policies for Tribal Council approval; (3) Providing timely legal advice/counsel to, and drafting legal opinions for, the Tribal Council and other subdivisions and instrumentalities of the Tribal government; (4) Developing and implementing policies and procedures; (5) Representing NHBP in Tribal court, and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government; (6) Advising NHBP concerning transactions of business involving internal affairs, Tribal Council, officers of NHBP and Tribal relations with general public; and (7) Managing delivery of Legal Services as defined by General Counsel to ensure services are provided in a timely manner by appropriate personnel consistent with NHBP business needs. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should apply here by December 9th, 2021 9:30AM.

Native American Rights Fund

Staff Attorney. Boulder, CO, or Washington, DC. The Native American Rights Fund is a non-profit national Indian law firm representing Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals in Indian law matters of major significance. NARF’s main office is in Boulder, Colorado, with additional offices in Washington, D.C. and Anchorage, Alaska. NARF is looking for an attorney with excellent research and writing skills to assume an Indian boarding school initiative, Indian child welfare, and peacemaking docket. NARF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates can apply here. The position is open until filled, with interviews beginning late November.

Yale – Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

Environmental Law Fellow. New York, NY; Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; Santa Monica, CA; San Francisco, CA. Duties include: (1) Focusing on litigation or policy efforts to redress environmental and public health harms, such as air and water pollution, climate change, threats to endangered species, environmental injustice, and exposure to toxic chemicals; (2) Working in one of NRDC’s subject matter programs, based on their interests, and representing NRDC and its members in federal or state court litigation or pursue policy initiatives in one or more of those areas; (3) Collaborating with other environmental, labor, public health, and racial justice groups; (4) For the second year (August 2023 through August 2024), the Fellow will work at Yale in New Haven, Connecticut, providing support for environmental law clinics, dual degree students, and events and activities relating to environmental law and policy. The Fellow’s primary responsibility will be to coordinate and co-teach the Environmental Protection Clinic alongside NRDC experts and a Yale faculty member. Please see the position description for more information. Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, legal writing sample, transcript, and list of 3 references; submit here by December 1st, 2021.

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe

Associate Tribal Attorney. Port Angeles, WA. Duties include: (1) Advising and representing the Tribe, its officers, and entities including in tribal, federal, and state courts, administrative tribunals, and before federal and state legislative bodies and agencies; (2) Drafting ordinances, regulations, and policies; and (3) Negotiating and reviewing intergovernmental agreements, contracts,
and commercial transactions. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, current resume, at least three professional references, and a legal writing sample to OTA’s Paralegal at anne.ronan@elwha.org by November 15th, 2021 to ensure priority consideration. Applications submitted after that date may also be considered. Position open until filled. 

Echo Hawk & Olsen

Associate Attorney – interested in Business Law, Business Litigation, Employment Law and who is enthusiastic about Indian law. Pocatello, ID. Duties include: (1) Drafting tribal codes, business contracts, policy & procedures, regulations & other critical documents; (2) Communicating legal developments clearly and effectively verbally as well as in writing; and (3) Attention to detail, ability to effectively manage time, work in an organized and detailed manner to meet tight deadlines, keep accurate records, and produce desired results. Please see the position description for more information. Please submit cover letter, resume, references, writing sample and salary requirements to reception@echohawk.com.

Pechanga Indian Reservation

Chief Judge. Temecula, CA. Duties include: (1) Supporting and defending the sovereignty and Constitution and Bylaws of the Pechanga Band, its traditions, customs, and Tribal laws. (2) Exercising considerable independent judgement in managing the docket of the Tribal court, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conducting hearings, and deciding cases in a fair and impartial manner. (3) Providing a tribal forum to resolve legal issues involving child welfare matters; child custody and child support; guardianship and adoption of minors; child welfare issues involving domestic violence, facts of birth and emancipation matters; business leases; employment matters; eminent domain; appeals from the Trust Review Board; cases arising from the Tribal Tax Code; disputes arising from the Pechanga Band Member Health Program; and any other subject matter as directed by the General Membership. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of intent to HR@pechanga-nsn.gov. The position is open until filled.

The Catawba Nation

3L Spring 2022 Legal Internship. Applicants will assist the Nation’s Legal Department by researching pertinent issues, attending meetings, and drafting ordinances, memoranda, and policies. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, applicants will be asked to work remotely. Please see the position description for more information and for a list of requirements. Interested candidates must be a 3L and should submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and law school transcript to Deputy Tribal Attorney Lydia Locklear (Lydia.locklear@catawba.com) by November 30th, 2021.

Deputy Tribal Administrator. Duties include: (1) Coordinating the workforce to meet and support the needs of Tribal members and the general public; (2) Managing on-site training needs for staff and leadership; (3) Overseeing implementation of Tribal Ordinances in government operations and throughout all tribal entities; (4) Writing RFPs to engage consultants needed for government projects; (5) Reviewing policies and procedures of departments and recommending changes as needed; (6) Managing special projects as delegated by the Executive Committee and Tribal Administrator; (7) Attending meetings and compiling reports for the Executive Committee and General Council. Please see the position description for more information.

Request for Proposals – Tribal Court Consultant. The Catawba Nation is soliciting proposals from professional firms or qualified individuals to offer tribal court consulting services for the Catawba Indian Nation Department of Justice on a contractual basis. Duties include: (1) Engaging in successful implementation of the Tribe’s vision and mission for the development of tribal courts; (2) Reviewing the Catawba Justice System Strategic Plan, foundational governing documents of the Tribe, memos regarding the jurisdiction of Catawba tribal courts; (3) Development of Healing to Wellness Court – Reviewing Healing to Wellness Court policies, case management forms, and other documents, assisting in negotiating intergovernmental agreement with local justice system for case transfer; (4) Development of Tribal Governance Court – Creating policies and procedures for tribal
governance court, development of ordinances necessary for judicial branch; (5) Development of future tribal courts- help prioritize future tribal courts and identifying potential sources of funding; and (6) Development of Operational Plan for future tribal courts including record-keeping system, docketing and court scheduling, staffing, budget, job descriptions, courtroom set up and safety, etc. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should view the position description for submission requirements. Proposals are due by November 15th, 2021 at 5:00pm.

Cultural Heritage Partners

Professional Executive Assistant. Richmond, VA or Remote. Duties include: (1) Managing an extremely active calendar of appointments; (2) Participating in meetings with the executive, taking notes, and following up with all participants; (3) Working closely and effectively with the partner to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities; (4) Researching, prioritizing, and following up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the partner; (5) Arranging travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; and (6) Completing expense reports, file receipts, and liaising with CHP’s Operations Manager to ensure appropriate categorization and reporting of firm expenses. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@culturalheritagepartners.com. Please include the job title in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Fort Bidwell Indian Community Council

Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Tribal government experience preferred. Duties include: (1) Coordinating and managing the development and implementation of comprehensive annual operating budgets; (2) Assuring the accuracy, quality, security, protection and preservation of all financial records, data and tracking systems of the Tribe; (3) Preparing and submitting certified and accurate financial statements to the Administrative Director and the Tribal Council; (4) Coordinating and monitoring long-range planning, direction, and timely execution of the Tribe’s overall investment, treasury management and financial goals; and (5) Coordinating the negotiation and submittal of the Annual Funding and Single Line Agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Please see the position description for more information. Interested candidates should complete a job application and submit to Lynell Cochran at lcochran.fbicc@gmail.com.