Turtle Talk

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.

Navajo Nation

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.