Pics from LLSA/NALSA Talk with Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez
Job Postings 4.17.25
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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.):
Michigan NALSA Panel on MMIR, April 22, 2025
Boston U. Law Review Symposium on Carla Pratt’s “Indianness as Property”
Carla D. Pratt has published “Indianness as Property” in the B.U. Law Review.
Abstract:
This Article expands upon the seminal work by Cheryl Harris entitled Whiteness as Property by exploring the intersection of race and property through Indianness. Indianness has been constructed as a form of property
conferring rights and privileges to its holders which this Article examines through the inertial relationship between race and legal status. Tracing the historical evolution of Indianness from the slavery era to the modern era demonstrates the complex relationship between tribal sovereignty, citizenship and Indian identity. This legal history contextualizes contemporary disputes over who can enjoy tribal citizenship and be Indian. This Article advocates for a reevaluation of Indianness that it is not grounded in notions of race and property, but rather sovereignty, history and culture, asserting that broadening the conception of Indianness will strengthen tribal sovereignty.
There are three responses (one forthcoming) to this paper:
Rejecting the Racialization of Indianness
Andrea J. Martin
Nanaboozhoo and Derrick Bell Go for a Walk
Matthew L.M. Fletcher
Matthew Villaneuve on Habeas Petitions to Free Indian Children from Boarding Schools
Matthew Villaneuve has published “Habeas Corpus and American Indian Boarding Schools: Indigenous Self-Determination in Body and Mind, 1880–1900” in the Western Historical Quarterly.
Abstract:
This article examines the history of Native people’s use of habeas corpus to resist family separation employed in the United States’ system of Indian boarding schools. It highlights three cases brought by Native petitioners from Alaska, New Mexico, and Iowa between 1885 and 1900. These cases show how Native parents, husbands, and cousins challenged the federal agents responsible for boarding schools by appealing to federal courts for intervention on behalf of their kin confined in such schools. Moving beyond legal interpretations, however, this article further argues that Native people used these petitions to assert their capacity to make their own decisions about the proper education of their young people and to convey Indigenous values of teaching and learning. Consequently, these cases illustrate an important but understudied means by which Native people used the legal tools available to them to assert self-determination in education. These habeas corpus cases are therefore a crucial part of boarding school history, American Indian and Indigenous history, and the history of U.S. education.
Native Bound Unbound Project Talk
Wind River Water Forum, April 26, 2025
LLSA/NALSA Talk Thursday
Turtle Talk 
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