Turtle Talk

Position Title

Assistant General Counsel

Employer Name

Gila River Indian Community – Office of General Counsel

Location (City, State or Remote)

Sacaton, Az

Job Description/Main Duties

The Assistant General Counsel assists the General Counsel in providing legal advice and legal representation of the Gila River Indian Community.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired or Preferred Qualifications

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and member in good standing of the State Bar of Arizona; or must be able to obtain admission to the State Bar of Arizona through reciprocity within a timeframe acceptable to the General Counsel.

• Submission of an acceptable legal writing sample (10-20 pages).

Salary Range

$117,627 to $152,627

Closing Date

02/19/2025

Link to job announcement with instructions for applicants.

Position Title

Associate Attorney, Northern Rockies Regional Office

Employer Name

Earthjustice

Location (City, State or Remote)

HYBRID: Bozeman, MT

Job Description/Main Duties

Earthjustice seeks an Associate Attorney to join our Bozeman office. In the Northern Rockies, we are engaged in litigation focused on protecting and preserving the iconic wildlife species and wild lands of this incomparable region. The Northern Rockies office has played a leading and long-standing role as the last line of defense for the ecosystems encompassing Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, as well as the grizzly bears, wolves, bison and other species that depend upon the integrity of these spectacular areas.

We are equally engaged in the battle to combat global warming by challenging coal mining and coal-fired power plants, ensuring fair opportunities for development of renewable energy sources, and responding to a rapid natural gas development boom that is spreading and raising new environmental protection and human health issues across the Northern Rockies region.

In recent years, the work of the Northern Rockies office has increasingly touched on Native American interests and issues of Indian law, including work to restore wild bison to tribal lands; to oppose oil and gas exploration on public national forest lands of extreme cultural and spiritual importance to the Blackfeet people; and to defend the integrity of culturally and spiritually lands and waters against threats posed by hardrock mining.

We regularly litigate federal and state court cases and administrative proceedings in an effort to defeat the major threats to the region’s ecological integrity. For more information about our office’s work, visit http://earthjustice.org/about/offices/northern-rockies.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups to engage on the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. 

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. 

The Associate Attorney position is a three-year position with the opportunity for extension. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations. The Associate Attorney program is designed to help attorneys who are in the early stages of their careers to develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation. As Associate Attorneys gain experience, they gradually take on more independent responsibility for their cases, but Associates work throughout their tenure under the supervision of a Senior Attorney or the Managing Attorney. Many Associates have gone on to other positions within Earthjustice and with other public interest organizations.

This hybrid position is based in our Bozeman, Montana office. This is not a remote position. The successful candidate will be required to come into the office as-needed, though that is typically 1 day a week.

Responsibilities:
Associate attorneys perform a range of work, in partnership with senior attorneys and professional staff, to investigate, develop, and prosecute administrative appeals and litigation including: factual investigation, legal research, case development, record review, client engagement and development, expert evidence and witness development, motions practice and brief writing, oral advocacy, and appellate advocacy.

Specific responsibilities include:
Participate in the full range of tasks involved in complex litigation, including factual investigation, legal research and analysis, discovery, briefing, and oral advocacy.
Conducting legal research and preparing memoranda on issues relating to ongoing or potential litigation projects.
Drafting motions, briefs, and other legal and factual documents in support of litigation.
Reviewing and analyzing administrative records and technical documents.
Preparing comments on proposed agency actions and environmental impact statements.
Participating in proceedings before federal and state courts and agencies.
Presenting oral argument and examining witnesses before state or federal courts and administrative bodies and making advocacy presentations to agency officials.
Participate in cultivating new clients, allies, and coalition partners.
Integrate communications and legislative advocacy into litigation and other legal strategies.
Work effectively with other departments within Earthjustice, including our communications, development, and policy and legislation departments.
Hiring and supervising law students who work at Earthjustice as interns or clerks.
Interacting with clients and working with experts to develop a clear understanding of the facts involved in each case and to ultimately support our litigation goals.
Engaging with a variety of news and social media regarding our work, including press.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired or Preferred Qualifications

Qualifications:
Law school graduates who are admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the state bar where they are located.
1-5 years of litigation or judicial clerkship experience. Litigation experience on issues of concern to tribes and Indigenous communities is a plus.
Excellent research, writing, analytic, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and to prioritize tasks and deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well collegially both inside and outside the organization.
Strong and demonstrated initiative, good judgment, creativity, and work ethic.
Ability and willingness to travel as needed, including for case work, court appearances, and meetings with clients and partners.
Commitment to serving the public interest and a passion for the role of Earthjustice and its mission.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Salary Range

95,200 – 112,100

Closing Date

Preference will be given to candidates who apply by February 23, 2025.

Link to job announcement with instructions for applicants.

Position Title

Chief Judge

Employer Name

Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

Location (City, State or Remote)

Oakhurst, CA

Job Description/Main Duties

Prepares Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances.

• Protects and promotes the integrity of the Tribal Court System.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards and Chukchansi Code of Conduct.
• Conduct hearings for fair presentation of evidence, develop and maintain records, and issure decisions based on Tribal law.
• Works with the Tribal Court Administrator and Legal Department to manage Tribal Court calendar and caseload.
• Maintain a working relationship with the Social Services Department as well as State, Federal, and other Tribal Courts.
• Work collaboratively with the Legal Department to identify and pursue funding for expansion of services.
• Willingness to participate in legal training to gain knowledge necessary to do the job.
• Familiarity with Native American cultures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to respect the rule of law over emotion, provide sound judgement, and make impartial decisions.
• Develops, or assists in developing, and implements court policy and procedures, forms, and tribal codes.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. Degree from an ABA accredited or State-Bar registered law school.
• Must be a member in good standing of the bar of any state.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in practicing law, including service on a tribal, federal, or state court bench.
• Knowledge of Federal Indian Law with emphasis on issues of tribal sovereignty and government, including the Indian Civil Rights Act and PL 638 contracts and grants.
• Knowledge of the Chukchansi customs, traditions, and history of the Chukchansi Tribe.
• Must have experience in management and an understanding of basic office skills.
• Must have good interpersonal skills.
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in Indian affairs or Tribal Government.
• Must have a clean criminal record.
• Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Must have and retain a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

Salary Range

DOE

Closing Date

March 5, 2025

Link to job announcement with instructions for applicants.

Position Title

Legal Administrative Assistant

Employer Name

Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

Location (City, State or Remote)

Oakhurst, CA

Job Description/Main Duties

Prepares Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances.

• Perform support to the Attorney General and the legal department in a legal setting.
• Prepare and format correspondence, legal documentation, and legal papers.
• Manage legal documentation and correspondence in strict confidence.
• Ensure compliance with legal regulations.
• Respond to inquiries and redirect when necessary.
• Conduct legal research and/or analysis when needed.
• Schedule meetings and arrange conference or meeting rooms.
• Prioritize and determine matters of top priority and handle accordingly.
• Exercise discretion and professionalism when relating sensitive internal and external matters and willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Must have knowledge of legal documents including pleadings, contracts, and associated ancillary documents.
• Assist in communication directives, instructions, and assignments to attorneys and department staff.
• Maintain and update electronic and hard copy databases and tracking systems.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in legal studies or related field OR equivalent work experience.
• Candidate must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a legal administrative assistant.
• Knowledge of constitution, legal terminology, regulations and court system.
• Knowledge of MS Office and ability to work with legal technology (court-filing computer systems, transcription software, etc.).
• Requires excellent organizational, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Must have valid driver’s license with no restrictions.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and extensive background check.
• Preferred Experience:
• Candidate must have completed or currently be enrolled in an ABA approved Paralegal Certificate Program.
• Experience in Cultural matters, ICWA matters, Guardianships, Garnishments, Torts, and knowledge of all aspects of Indian law preferred.
• Legal files and software suites preferred.

Salary Range

$45,000 – $50,000

Closing Date

March 5, 2025

Link to job announcement with instructions for applicants.

Position Title

Deputy Attorney General

Employer Name

Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

Location (City, State or Remote)

Oakhurst, CA

Job Description/Main Duties

Prepares Motions, Resolutions, and Ordinances.

• Prepares and reviews contracts, agreements, leases, rights of way and similar documents to promote legal interests of the Tribe.
• Provides legal advice on the rights, obligations, and privileges of the Tribe.
• Represents the Tribe in court hearings; represents departmental directors and supervisors in personnel grievance hearings.
• Negotiates contracts, purchases and other agreements promoting the best legal and financial interests of the Tribe.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; reviews case histories and rulings; attends workshops, conferences, and seminars; establishes networks; confers with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Maintains documentation and confidentiality of all Tribal information.
• Contributes to a team effort.
• Familiarity with the Tribe’s Constitution, laws, and culture is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to work in a high-performance, fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Adept at multi-tasking, have unquestionable integrity, with a commitment to accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Must have a valid license to practice law in the State of California and be a member in
  good standing of the State Bar of California.
• At least five (5) years of law practice experience with a law firm, legal department, non-
  profit, or legal services organization.
• At least three (3) years of experience in Indian law, which includes trial practice,
  government and municipal law, civil rights, land use, corporate and business law,
  gaming law, real estate law, tax law, and civil legal services is preferred.
• At least three (3) years of experience with Tribal business entity formation and
  regulation is preferred.
• Must be free of any conviction by any state or the United States for a crime punishable
  by imprisonment for a term of one (1) year, or more, or by any foreign government for a
  crime which would be punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year, or more, if
  committed in California, or must have been pardoned for such offense, or have had a
  conviction for offense overturned or reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Salary Range

$120,000 – $150,000

Closing Date

March 5, 2025

Link to job announcement with instructions for applicants.

Location: Mescalero Apache Tribe, Mescalero, NM

Job Description/Main Duties

Per Article XXVI – Part III the Judiciary shall consist of two associate judges to assist the Chief Judge in hearing all matters before the court. The Associate Judge must qualify per Section 4 of Article XXVI so that they can responsibly carry out all duties of an associate judge to fairly and impartially hear and decide all matters assigned by the chief judge. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Judge

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Hear and preside over all types of cases filed in the Tribal Court, including but not limited to: criminal, traffic, civil (i.e. domestic relations, probate, repossession, breach of contract, personal injury), juvenile and child welfare cases (i.e. neglect, dependency, delinquency, truancy).
2. Conduct legal research and issue orders in a timely manner.
3. Preside over bench and jury trials in both criminal and civil matters
4. Issue search and seizure warrants, arrest warrants and orders of protection where appropriate.
5. Assist the Chief Judge in the development of the court rules of procedure in all areas listed above.
6. Adhere to the Tribal Code and Tribal Court Judicial Code of Conduct and Judicial Ethics.

Minimum Qualifications and Desired or Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to perform legal research and possess analytical skills commensurate with the position of associate judge.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of general legal principles in all areas listed in “Duties and Responsibilities”.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of Mescalero Apache Law, Federal Indian Law and other relevant law.
4. Understand, appreciate and promote the ideas of tribal self-determination and tribal sovereignty.
5. Possess and demonstrate a judicial temperament.
6. Possess a working knowledge of computers and software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
A law degree from an ABA approved law school, or a Master’s level degree with court experience, or a Bachelor of Arts or Sciences with at least 2 years court experience, or an Associates of Arts degree with at least 4 years of court experience or High School diploma or equivalent with at least 5 years of court experience including 2 years serving as a judge.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:

1. A state or tribal bar license is preferred although not a pre-requisite to obtaining the appointment
2. Must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license and be insurable.
3. Must submit to a background check

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 2-1-4 of the Revised (September 9, 2016) Mescalero Apache Tribal Code, the successful candidate for the position of Associate or Alternate Judge must:

1. Possess at least one-quarter (1/4) Indian blood and is a member of a federally-recognized Tribe, nation or bank of Indians, or is an Eskimo, Aleut or other Alaskan native.
2. Be not less than 35 years nor more than 70 years of age; and
3. Has not been convicted of a felony, or, within one year of a misdemeanor previous to appointment.

Salary range: $58,152.00 to $87148.00

Open until filled. Link for applicants.