Cert stage briefs here.
Research
Muscogee (Creek) Nation SCT Strikes Down Special Justice Statute
Here are the materials in In re the Constitutionality of NSA-24-007:
Respondent’s Brief (National Council), 10072024
Respondent’s Brief (Executive Branch), 10072024
Petitioners’ Reply Brief, 10172024
Order Setting Oral Argument, 11082024
Amended Order Resetting Oral Argument, 01172025
Oklahoma Federal Court Denies TRO in Creek Nation Suit against Tulsa re: Law Enforcement Jurisdiction
Here are the new materials in Muscogee (Creek) Nation v. Tulsa County (N.D. Okla.):
Eighth Circuit Affirms Theft Conviction of Former Oglala Sioux Tribe President
Here is the opinion in United States v. Bear Runner.
Job Postings 4.24.25
If you have a new announcement, please share it with us by uploading the information requested on this Google Form. If you have any questions, please email the MSU College of Law Indigenous Law & Policy Center at indigenous@law.msu.edu.
Fall 2025 Legal Externships at Earthjustice
Earthjustice , Hybrid
Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the legal externs will be assisting Clean Energy case teams with legal research, drafting pleadings, preparing for hearings, and other assistance with tasks needed to bring cases before state public utility commissions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and state and federal courts.
Must be enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during fall 2025.
Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
Commitment of at least 15 hours per week. Full-time hours are 37.5 hours/week.
Excellent writing, research, analytical and organizational skills.
Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to think creatively.
Ability to work collegially with others and independently.
Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.
Legal externs are unpaid and must receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement for their work with Earthjustice.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 5:00pm PT on Friday, May 9, 2025 via Jobvite https://earthjustice.org/about/student-opportunities
Reservation Attorney
Tulalip Tribes, Tulalip, WA
The Reservation Attorney shall provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities. This position will focus on the area of child welfare, and will appear in Tulalip and State Courts on behalf of the Tulalip Tribes in child welfare proceedings.
Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
One (1) year of experience practicing law or equivalent experience advocating for or providing counsel to Indian tribes or tribal communities.
Three (3) years of experience representing or working with Indian tribes.
Salary: $150,000-$185,000 DOE Open until filled. https://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/Base/File/Attorney-Job-Description-20250416
NHBP Supreme Court Associate Justice
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Fulton, MI
TRIBAL COUNCIL SEEKS LETTERS OF INTEREST FROM PERSONS TO SERVE AS ASSOCIATE JUSTICE ON THE NHBP TRIBAL SUPREME COURT. The Tribal Council is soliciting letters of interest from qualified individuals interested in being appointed to serve as Associate Justice on the NHBP Supreme Court. The individual appointed to this position would be appointed to a six-year term of office expiring on April 31, 2031. Letters of interest must be submitted no later than May 12, 2025 to be considered.
NHBP Judicial Branch: The NHBP Judiciary is a Constitutional Branch of Government established under Article XI of the Band’s Constitution. The NHBP Court is a court of general jurisdiction and the Supreme Court hears appeals from the Judiciary’s Trial Court. In addition to hearing appeals, members of the Supreme Court also work with the Trial Court’s Chief Judge and other court staff in the development of Court Rules and Administrative Orders.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND A LETTER OF INTEREST AND STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (OR RESUME) TO:
Amy Wesaw, Sr. Staff Attorney
1485 Mno-Bmadzewen Way
Fulton, MI 49052
Amy.Wesaw@nhbp-nsn.gov
LETTERS OF INTEREST MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN May 12, 2025
Qualifications for Appointment: In accordance with the NHBP Constitution, persons interested in being appointed to the Tribal Judiciary must agree to undergo an extensive background investigation and may be asked to appear before the Tribal Council to answer questions about his/her qualifications for the position. The qualifications of prospective appointees are determined by the Tribal Council in accordance with the qualifications for office contained in Article XI of the NHBP Constitution which include the following:
• Has attained the age of thirty (30) years;
• Is a licensed attorney in good standing;
• Not be an employee of NHBP or presently serving, or a candidate for, a seat on the elected Tribal Council; and
• Has never been convicted of a violent crime, felony or a crime of fraud.
Members of the bench are compensated for services at a competitive hourly rate. In accordance with the NHBP Constitution, “the amount of [compensation] shall not be reduced during such person’s term of office”. Justices are also reimbursed for reasonable expenses including travel to and from Michigan. 05/12/2025 https://nhbp-nsn.gov/careers-at-nhbp/
Associate Judge
Yavapai-Apache Nation, Camp Verde, Arizona
GENERAL PURPOSE
The Associate Judge presides over cases before the Tribal Court and helps ensure the proper operation of Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court under the supervision of the Chief Judge
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but no limited to)”
• Issue warrants of arrest, bench warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, temporary restraining orders, Orders of Protection, commitments and other legal documents.
• Preside over proceedings in all cases as assigned by the Chief Judge, including: civil, criminal, domestic relations, adoption, ICWA, landlord tenant, real estate, probate and specialty court and other matters arising under the Yavapai-Apache Law & Order Code and the jurisdiction of the Court.
• Conduct court business and facilitate the development and use of alternative and informal processes in the resolution of disputes.
• Conducts, attends, and interacts in meetings with the Yavapai-Apache Nation personnel, other public agencies and the public.
• Represents the Nation in a variety of local, state, county, and other meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Judge.
The Minimum Qualifications for Judges of the Tribal Court are established by Ordinance adopted by the Tribal Council as authorized under the Constitution of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Title 3 of the Nation’s Judicial Code, Section 111, sets out the “Minimum Qualifications and Limitations of Judges of Tribal Courts.” A copy of Section 111 is attached to this Job Description and incorporated herein.
• In addition to the Minimum Qualifications set out in Title 3, the following qualifications also apply to this Position:
o In the case of applicants who are attorneys, a Law Degree and State Bar license plus two (2) years experience as a Judicial Officer, Attorney, or Tribal Advocate (Law School Degree highly preferred for this position).
o In the case of Non-Attorney Applicants, a High School Diploma or GED plus six (6) years experience as Judicial Officer, or Tribal Advocate; or a Paralegal or Tribal Trial Advocacy Certificate plus five (5) years experience as a Judicial Officer, Lawyer or Tribal Advocate.
• Minimum of one (1) year of practice before courts of limited jurisdiction.(Tribal Court preferred).
• Respect their peers and their constituencies.
• Knowledge of Tribal, Federal and State Law; regarding Tribes and familiarity with Tribal communities.
Salary DOE Open Until Filled https://yavapai-apache.org/employment/
Program Attorney
National American Indian Court Judges Association, Boulder, CO
NAICJA seeks an experienced Program Attorney responsible for researching, designing
and implementing continuing judicial education programs. Under direction of the Executive Director the Program Attorney will:
Manage and oversee federal grants, including supervision of Program Coordinator.
Oversee the coordination of grant and project deliverables.
Monitor and ensure grant reporting deadlines are met and grant deliverables are completed. Research, design and implement curricula for in-person and web-based trainings.
Lead manager/administrator team during all stages of course facilitation.
Handle all logistics for on-site trainings including direct contact with host site staff.
Facilitating the convening of the Annual National Tribal Judicial and Court Clerks
Conference.
Requirements
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.)
• Substantial previous experience with American Indian and Alaska Native persons,
communities and/or tribal justice systems
• Background in training and technical assistance for tribal audiences
• Experience in administering federal grants
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and producing financial reports
• Advanced understanding of federal Indian law and tribal legal systems
• Understanding of holistic defense and traditional dispute resolution models
Salary Starting 80,000 Open until May 16, 2025 https://www.linkedin.com/hiring/jobs/4212853058/detail/
Fall 2025 Biodiversity Externship
Earthjustice, Hybrid
Under the supervision of an attorney, the legal extern will contribute legal research and writing related to new and ongoing cases for the Biodiversity Defense Program.
Requirements:
Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during fall 2025.
Must be eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill a graduation requirement through this externship.
Interest in public interest law and social justice.
If full-time, must commit to 37.5 hours per week.
If part-time, must commit to at least 12 hours per week.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 5:00pm PT on Friday, May 9, 2025 via Jobvite. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed beginning May 12 with offers extended no later than June 27. https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=oEcTvfwY&s=Turtle_Talk
Reservation Attorney
Tulalip Tribes, Tulalip, WA
Provide legal services to the Tribal government, Executive Directors, CEOs, Board of Directors, various other departments, enterprises, commissions, and committees. Primary focus will be providing legal counsel to the tribal government in the areas of HR/Employment, Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), Housing, and Education.
Five (5) years practicing law; three (3) years representing or working with Indian tribes. $150,000-$225,000 DOE Open Until Filled https://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/Base/File/Attorney-Civil-Job-Description-20250422
Ninth Circuit Decides Fuson v. Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation
New Filings in Apache Stronghold Matter
Here:
Petition is here. Opposition briefs here.
No surprises here. This petition has been fully briefed since November 6, 2024, the day after Election Day, with at least 12 relistings. Plainly, the Court has chosen to wait for the Trump Administration to moot this case . . . and now it has (more or less) . . . or at least render this case a bad vehicle for review. This allows the Court to avoid a wedge issue for conservatives — religious freedom uber alles (except Indians) but not in the face of natural resources extraction operations. The rank hypocrisy and cynicism on display here is really quite remarkable, but then again, this is Indian affairs.
Job Postings 4.17.25
If you have a new announcement, please share it with us by uploading the information requested on this Google Form. If you have any questions, please email the MSU College of Law Indigenous Law & Policy Center at indigenous@law.msu.edu.
LCO Public Defender
Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Administration Office, Hayward, WI
Juris Doctorate from accredited Law School, Salary Negotiable, Open Until Filled https://lco-nsn.gov/employment/
Associate General Counsel
Ute Mountain Ute, Towaoc, Colorado
Associate General Counsel provides legal services to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Council and the Tribe’s Departments in all relevant matters as directed by the Ute Tribe’s General Counsel or the Tribal Council members.
A Juris Degree from an accredited law school and at least two (2) years full time experience in the legal field, an emphasis on Indian Law preferred.
Salary: $43.27 Open until 04/25/2025
Apply at Utemountainutetribe.com; click human resources and you can fill at application and return back to Mjannot@utemountain or fax back to 970-564-5528. Any other questions you can contact Nikii Green @ 970-238-0613 .
General Counsel
Yurok Tribe, Klamath, CA
Under the general supervision of the Yurok Tribal Council, the General Counsel will assist the Yurok Tribal Council and Tribal Departments in the legal matters related to the business of the Yurok Tribe. Incumbent will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all activities of the Office of the Tribal Attorney. The General Counsel will ensure the efficient and economical use of the resources of the department, including budgeted funds, grant monies, personnel, facilities, and time, to accomplish short-term and long-range objectives.
Juris Doctor degree required.
Law School graduate licensed to practice law in the State of California and 10 years practicing law as a licensed attorney.
Salary Negotiable, Closes 7/15/25 https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/yuroktribe
Tribal Prosecutor
Pueblo of Zuni Zuni, New Mexico
The primary responsibility of this position will be to provide prosecutor service to the Zuni Tribe in all classes of criminal offenses. Investigate and prosecute criminal matters and related legal issues of crimes that occurred within the exterior boundary of the Zuni Reservation.
Juris Doctorate from an American Bar Association Accredited Law School with Three (3) years of experience handling criminal cases OR Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related major with Five (5) years of experience in victim assistance, law enforcement, and or court processes preferred.
Salary $39.19 hourly rate, Open Until Filled
Pueblo of Zuni – www.ashiwi.org, Tribal Prosecutor job link
Oglala Sioux Tribe Criminal Prosecutor
Oglala Sioux Tribe, Pine Ridge/Kyle, SD
Duties include but not limited to: Shall maintain public confidence and integrity with the Attorney General Office. Shall review all criminal complaints to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed against each alleged offender, may file criminal cases only when probable cause exists to believe that an offense has been committed; and shall use sound discretion in filing and prosecuting cases before the Tribal Court. Shall take charge of the case and shall perform the functions of a trial lawyer on behalf of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Shall have the discretion to decline prosecution and to enter into plea agreements in the interest of serving the public good of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
Qualifications:
1. Is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe
2. Is Twenty-five (25) years of age or older
3. Has made a home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for at least five (5) years immediately prior to their appointment.
4. Has never been convicted of a felony or within one (1) year past, a misdemeanor
5. Must not have been convicted a misdemeanor type of offense within the past year
6. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or other relevant field. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Public Safety Patrol or Investigations may be substituted for a degree.
Salaray $58,240 per annum, open Until Filled
SUBMIT DOCUMENTS TO:
Stacy Two Lance, Secretary, Oglala Sioux Tribe,
P.O. Box 2070, Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770
or email: Stacytl@oglala.org
Associate General Counsel
Tlingit & Haida , Remote
Provide legal counsel and representation to the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska in the areas of tribal government, federal-tribal relations, federal-state relations, tribal jurisdiction, environmental and natural resources law and policy, economic development, employment, contracts, code drafting and compliance.
Juris doctorate from an American Bar Association accredited law school. Member in good standing of, or ability to become a member of, the Alaska Bar Association.
Salary: $104,540 – 165,067 Closes 4/28/2025 https://ccthita.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=3379480&req_loc=729697&&#job
Staff Attorney – Gaming
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, San Bernardino, CA or Washington, DC
Under the direction of the Vice-President, Associate General Counsel – Gaming, the Staff Attorney – Gaming provides legal advice and support to the enterprise and its instrumentalities and enterprises on emerging issues related to the Tribe’s gaming-related legal and legislative positions. Provides recommendations for and assists with a broad array of gaming-related matters under supervision from the Vice President Associate General Counsel – Gaming and implements best practices to address emerging legal and business issues related to gaming generally and the Tribe’s gaming enterprises and gaming related projects.
Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association accredited law school required. Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a licensed attorney required. Experience in the areas of Federal Indian law, tribal gaming, and/or commercial gaming, preferred. Must be a member of a State Bar in good standing.
Open until filled. https://sanmanuel.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/San_Manuel/details/Staff-Attorney—Gaming_R0014832?q=attorney
Fall 2025 Legal Internship – Tribal Partnerships Program
Earthjustice, Remote
Earthjustice’s Tribal Partnerships Program is accepting applications for one full- or part-time legal intern for fall 2025. We are seeking law students who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. This is a paid position, and the successful candidate may work remotely or on a hybrid schedule from one of Earthjustice’s offices.
Enrolled in law school as a 2L or 3L during fall 2025.
Excellent writing, research, analytical and organizational skills.
Familiarity with legal research tools, including Westlaw.
Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to think creatively.
Ability to work collegially with others and independently.
Knowledge of environmental and administrative law is a plus.
Interest in public interest law and social justice.
If full-time, must commit to 37.5 hours per week.
If part-time, must commit to at least 12 hours per week.
Salary $35.16 Interested candidates should submit the following materials by 5:00pm PT on Friday, May 9, 2025 via Jobvite. https://app.jobvite.com/j?cj=oXIRvfwL&s=Turtle_Talk
Senior Attorney, Clean Energy
Earthjustice , Hybrid
Lead complex climate and energy cases before state public utility commissions, state air agencies, federal agencies, and state and federal courts. Lead litigation and advocacy efforts, and perform the full range of litigation tasks, including conducting factual investigations, developing legal theories, securing expert testimony, submitting comments, petitions, briefs, and oral arguments.
Law school graduate admitted, or eligible for admission to the applicable bar within 14 months of employment. Licensed to practice law in the US jurisdiction in which the attorney will be located, or a willingness and qualifications to apply for membership within fourteen months of employment. Ability to develop cases, manage a litigation docket effectively, lead a litigation team, and work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organizations. Commitment to public interest work and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission, including a desire to fight for the right of all to a healthy environment.
Salary in New York, NY & San Francisco, CA: $169,900+
Salary in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA & Chicago IL: $161,400+
Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $152,900+
Open until 5/4/25 https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=oCKCvfwd&s=Turtle_Talk
Senior Attorney, National Climate
Earthjustice , Remote
Develop, lead, and conduct complex litigation, primarily in federal courts. Conduct and supervise advocacy before agencies, state and local governments, and courts as warranted. Manage new and existing litigation matters from start to finish, including working with technical experts as appropriate.
Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an ABA accredited law school. A minimum of eight years of relevant litigation and advocacy experience, including significant lead counsel experience.
Admitted to the bar of the state in which they reside.
Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $179,000 – $207,100
Salary range in Sacramento, CA; Massachusetts; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; and Honolulu, HI: $170,100 – $196,700
Salary range in Juneau, AK; Anchorage, AK; Denver, CO; and Philadelphia, PA: $161,100 – $186,400
Salary range in Miami, FL; Austin, TX; Tallahassee, FL; Maine; Albany, NY; Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $152,200 – $176,000
Open until 5/30/25 https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=o0yBvfwo&s=Turtle_Talk
Defense Attorney II
Gila River Indian Community, Sacaton, AZ
Holistic public defender’s office seeks zealous advocates to practice as trial attorneys. Advanced training opportunities and competitive pay and benefits available. Ideal candidates have strong commitment to client-centered service and willingness to defend complex felony and misdemeanor cases, in trial and appellate courts. Must be able to read, write, and care for justice. Required: license to practice law in good standing (in Arizona or able to qualify), 3 or more years of experience, defense work preferred.
Salary $97,305 – $167,305 Open Until Filled https://selfservice.gric.nsn.us/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=25033&sreq=1&form=STD3&desc=DEFENSE%20ATTORNEY%20II
Litigation Managing Attorney, Native American Program
New Mexico Legal Aid, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
Provides supervision of Native American Program (NAP) Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, and Secretary in case handling matters; carries caseload as sole or co-counsel for low-income Native Americans; ensures case handling compliance with Legal Services Corporation requirements and rules of professional conduct; proposes systemic impact strategies for NAP’s work. Understanding of tribal law and federal and state Indian law; experience in low-income tribal communities; experience as an attorney on matters concerning the unique status of Native persons; admission to practice in NM or ability to become licensed to practice in NM. Salary: $69,376 – $104,547 Open until April 30, 2025, or until filled https://newmexicolegalaid.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1248729
Connecticut Federal Court Stays Fee to Trust Acquisition for Mashantucket Pequot
Here are the materials so far in State of Connecticut v. Dept. of the Interior (D. Conn.):
Turtle Talk 
You must be logged in to post a comment.