Federal Court Rejects Second Cow Creek Effort to Enjoin Coquille Gaming Project

Here are updated materials in Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians v. Dept. of the Interior (D.D.C.):

Prior post here.

Nonmember Business Sues to Avoid Tribal Court Jurisdiction

Here are the pleadings so far in Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial Inc. v. Montileaux (D.S.D.):

South Dakota Federal Court Suppresses Non-Mirandized Answer to Tribal Membership Question

Here are the materials in United States v. Whipple-Wright (D.S.D.):

Job Postings Roundup

My apologies to all for inundating your inboxes last week! As a new editor of Turtle Talk, I was unaware that each post prompted an email to you. Going forward, there will be one post per week with all the job postings sent the week prior.

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.

Miigwech ~ Angie, ILPC Grad Asst

1 Law & Order Executive Officer

Nez Perce Tribe, Lapwai, Idaho

To provide executive level management for all Law and Order operations of the Nez Perce Tribe, including, the court, prosecutor’s office, tribal police, child support enforcement.

Juris Doctorate degree, 5 years executive level management experience, 3 years of supervisor experience required.  Related legal experience preferred. Extensive background investigation, valid driver’s license required.

Hourly rate of $50.71-66.73 (DOQ), plus benefits, including family health insurance, personal/sick leave, 401(k) match Open until filled.  Application instructions here.

2 Domestic Violence Staff Attorney

California Indian Legal Services; Remote in the Riverside and San Bernardino counties, CA

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Special Projects Domestic Violence (DV) Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with the DV Advocate to provide exceptional legal services in domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking cases. This position includes general office and case management work and travel to meet in person with clients. The Special Projects DV Staff Attorney is a full-time exempt position and serves clients in the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties of California. This position is fully remote for candidates residing in Southern California with a preference for candidates who are based near the Riverside and San Bernardino metro areas.

SALARY:

Competitive salary: $73,489 – $83,000. CILS creates job position wage and salary ranges using data from California non-profit legal services annual data sources; employees are placed within a range depending on degrees, certifications, experience, qualifications, and other factors.

Open Until Filled  Apply here.

Continue reading

Not One More: The Not Invisible Act Commission Final Report Removed from DOJ Wesbite

But we have it here.

And for good measure, we have to DOJ/DOI joint response (which is still available on the DOJ website):

Oklahoma SCT Affirms ICWA Transfer to Cherokee Court . . . But Has Notes

Here is the opinion in In the Matter of the Guardianship of K.D.B.

Kansas Federal Court Dismisses (mostly) Prairie Band Suit against Jackson County Sheriff over Jurisdiction

Here are the materials in Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation v. Morse (D. Kan.):

1 Complaint

10 Motion to Dismiss

16 Opposition

19 Reply

25 DCT Order

Virtual Law Clerk Externship

Location: REMOTE (Virtual) Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians Civil Tribal Court

Job Description/Main Duties

The Rincon Virtual Law Clerk will be working in the leading tribal courts in the country
under the direct supervision of Rincon’s tribal judges. The law clerk will work on projects
related to tribal court development and perform designated duties involving legal
research and writing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This legal externship offers assistance with legal matters involving court development
under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney. Essential duties and
responsibilities include:

  • Work on creating Rincon’s common law
  • Assist with developing court rules
  • Drafting memo’s, orders, and internal communications
  • Be on call to assist judge with research questions

Qualifications, Education and Experience

  • Must be currently enrolled as a 2L or 3L at an ABA accredited law school.
  • Must have an interest in learning about Tribal Justice Systems.
  • Preferred candidate has completed coursework in American Indian Law or
    Federal Indian Law.
  • Must be able to conduct legal and general research that is accurate and
    thorough.
  • Must have knowledge of the Tribe’s customs, traditions, and decision-making
    processes or be willing to learn.
  • Must have excellent capacity to organize, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Prior experience working with confidentiality is preferred.
  • Must have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must comply with the Rincon’s Tribal Government Drug-Free Workplace,
    including pre-employment, post-accident and injury, and random drug testing.
  • Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
  • Must have access to a strong and reliable internet connection.

Salary: Rate of Pay: $25/hr (Max. 20 hrs/wk)($2,000/mo. Stipend) combined with Academic
Credit, if law school allows. Open until filled.

Link to job announcement with instructions for applicants.

The Jim Rubin International Fellowship (2025)

Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC

Job Description/Main Duties

The Fellowship Program empowers rising environmental lawyers from developing countries to tackle complex environmental problems. It reduces financial barriers, provides mentorship, and fosters leadership and creativity so fellows can conduct research that engages and informs the public and policymakers. The Fellowship is based in
Washington, D.C.

Fellows will have the opportunity to conduct legal research, analysis, writing, and editing on a focused project and explore a wide variety of ongoing and short-term research projects at ELI. Fellows will be fully integrated into ELI’s research and policy team, and as such will be expected to work on-site in ELI’s office.

Two fellowships will be available for 2025 for a duration of up to three months. Fellowships will consist of:

  • Mentorship from ELI’s senior staff;
  • Opportunities to participate in educational workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by ELI;
  • High-level networking opportunities; and
  • A desk at ELI’s office in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility and Selection

  • Completion of a legal degree (LLB, JD, SJD, or LLM equivalent) prior to start of fellowship.
  • Preference will be given to candidates from developing countries.
  • Ability to communicate in English in a professional environment.

Legally authorized to travel to and volunteer in the United States for the entire duration of the fellowship. For information on authorization requirements, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website (https://www.uscis.gov/). Please note that ELI is unable to sponsor visas for fellowship applicants.

Successful applicants will be environmental lawyers in the early stages of their career who show promise as leaders. They embody Jim Rubin’s dedication to environmental protection law and policy, community engagement, and access to justice. They will be committed to research excellence and possess the ability to bring clarity to complex issues.

Candidates should be:

  • Early in their career, preferably within five years of graduating with their legal degree.
  • Interested in building thought- and practical management skills.
  • Show promise and a commitment to excellence.
  • Possess exceptional research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Have a strong desire to gain knowledge of the environmental field.
  • Focused, independent, reliable, and meticulous

Salary: Each Fellow is eligible for a one-time travel and accommodation stipend (up to $7,500).

Closing date: February 28, 2025

Instructions for applicants.

Webinar on ReIndigenizing the Law: Indigenous Legal Perspectives in the Pacific Northwest

Save the date! The American Indian Law Journal and the Center for Indian Law & Policy at Seattle University School of Law will host a day-long webinar on “ReIndigenizing the Law: Indigenous Legal Perspectives in the Pacific Northwest” on March 1, 2025 at Seattle University School of Law. The flyer is below, and you can register here.