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

Friday Job Announcements

Job vacancies are posted on Friday. Additional announcements may appear throughout the week. If you would like your Indian law or leadership job posted on Turtle Talk, please email indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Department of Interior

Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Solicitor, Phoenix. A.Z. The Office of the Solicitor is seeking an Attorney-Adviser to provide legal counsel and representation for the Western Region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, analyze complex legal issues and provide advice on a broad range of legal issues affecting bureaus within the department, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, handle all phases of administrative litigation, draft litigation reports and provide other legal support, and handle general law matters. This position pays $74,872 to $136,771 per year, and applications close on May 4, 2018.

Sonosky, Chambers

Summer Associate, Washington D.C. Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson, & Perry LLP is a national law firm dedicated to representing Native American interests in a wide range of endeavors including trial and appellate litigation, federal Indian law, tribal law, Indian self-determination and self-governance matters, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and economic development, among others. The firm’s practice includes representation of tribal interests in federal, tribal and state courts, and before Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state agencies. Sonosky, Chambers is recruiting 2L students for 2019 summer associate positions. Interested applicants should see the job announcement linked above for more information. Applications close on August 31, 2018.

Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians

Associate General Counsel, Temecula, C.A. The Associate General Counsel will work in the Office of the General Counsel under the direct supervision of the General Counsel for the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.  The Associate General Counsel will work with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel to provide legal services, representation and advice on legal issues confronting the Tribal Government, its entities and enterprises; provide guidance and assistance to Tribal Government departments; and provide limited service to tribal members in matters relating to tribal status. Please see the job announcement for more information and how to apply.

Water Protector Legal Collective

Strategic Planning, Mandan, N.D. The Water Protector Legal Collective (WPLC) is seeking proposals from professional qualified consultants to provide services to WPLC for the development of a three to five year strategic plan. All proposals should clearly define how they will work with WPLC to assist in a comprehensive, participatory planning process. Applications close on May 4, 2018. Please see the job announcement for more information and how to apply.

National Congress of American Indians

Project Attorney, Washington, D.C. The National Congress of American Indians has an opening for a Project Attorney in the Washington, DC office. The Project Attorney will have responsibility for day to day management of NCAI’s VAWA implementation technical assistance project. This project is focused on supporting tribes as they implement Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act of 2013. The Project Attorney will work closely with senior NCAI staff assigned to the project, with an inter-tribal working group of tribal stakeholders, and with other project partners. Applications close on May 31, 2018. Please see the website for more information and how to apply.

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Staff Attorney, Swinomish Village, W.A. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide legal advice and representation, document drafting and collaboration with a wide range of Swinomish Indian Tribal Community policy committees, departments and entities. Work may include contract preparation, drafting ordinances and policies, treaty hunting/fishing rights and management, environmental protection and habitat restoration, land management, Indian gaming and gaming regulation, housing and utilities, health care and/or social welfare programs, employment or taxation. Qualified applicants must be licensed, or have the ability to become licensed within six months, to practice in Washington. We are seeking an energetic attorney, preferably with at least three years of experience, with excellent written, oral, research and analytical skills, strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills, and an ability to work hard and thrive in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural environment; bring flexibility to a fast-paced and dynamic work setting; enjoy and excel at creative problem solving; have demonstrated a commitment to working with Native or other minority communities and/or restorative justice; and a commitment to reside on or near the Swinomish Reservation.

Qualified applicants must have experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: drafting and negotiating contracts; drafting statutes, policies and procedures; litigation, preferably in Federal Court; representing public or private entities; gaming regulation or operations; and Indian law, including protection of treaty rights, as well as expertise in several of the substantive fields of law listed above. Compensation DOE. For application and complete job description please provide your contact information to Wendy Otto, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA 98257; (fax) 360-466-5309; email wotto@swinomish.nsn.us. Applications will be accepted until suitable candidate is found. Native American hiring preferences under Swinomish Tribal Code 14-01.120 will be in effect during the selection of candidates. Applicants must pass a background check and a drug test.

Department of Justice

Assistant United States Attorney, Anchorage, A.K. The Anchorage Office is seeking two (2) AUSAs to work in its Criminal Division. The successful candidate primarily will be responsible for handling the investigation and prosecution of federal crimes. This will include prosecuting a wide range of cases such as firearms offenses, drug crimes, child exploitation and other violent crimes, fraud, embezzlement and other white collar crimes. In addition, the candidate may also be called upon to assist in the prosecution of a wide variety of other criminal cases as needed to address the districts priorities. Assistant United States Attorneys work their cases from inception through appeal, and thus, in addition to district court work, the successful candidate will be responsible for drafting appellate briefs and presenting oral arguments. This position pays $72,987 to $164,100 per year, and applications close on May 9, 2018. Please see the website for more information.

Last Week’s Post: April 20, 2018.