To post an open Indian law or leadership job to Turtle Talk, send all of the following information to indigenous@law.msu.edu
In the email body:
A typed brief description of the position which includes
- Position title
- Location (city, state)
- Main duties
- Closing date
- Any other pertinent details, such as a link to the application
- An attached PDF job announcement or link to the position description
American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho
Legal Director. Boise, ID. The Legal Director is a thought leader who will work collaboratively to develop and manage impact litigation challenging laws and policies that impact vulnerable Idahoans. The Legal Director works with our policy, organizing, and communications staff in addition to our Executive Director and many other partners to develop a strategic, smart, and innovative docket and advance advocacy efforts. The Legal Director will work with the ACLU of Idaho Legal Panel and assist with recruiting and working successfully with cooperating attorneys. Review of applications will begin January 31, 2023 but the position is open until filled.
Rothstein Donatelli LLP
Summer Associate. Tempe, AZ. This is a 40 hour/week in-office position with remote work flexibility, as needed and approved upon hire. Applicants must have completed 1L or 2L year by Summer 2023. Excellent research abilities. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Indian law coursework and work experience is preferred but not required. Closing Date: February 10, 2023.
Quinault Tribal Court
RFQ – Evaluation Services. Taholah, WA. Evaluator will work with Wellness Court staff to identify and review program progress. Evaluator will lead the organization in information gathering, assessment, review, and reporting. The end product will be a complete data driven report. Performance metrics must be included within agency reports. Closing Date: 2/15/23.
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
RFB – CTUIR Legal Aid Program. Northeast OR. Attorneys bids should identify any or all of matters in which they are interested, indicate availability for in person or remote advising, and availability for court representation. The practice areas include benefits (social security, veterans, Medicare/Medicaid, assistance for food, general needs and tribal assistance), tribal child dependency, DV protection orders, unemployment compensation, housing, employment disputes, child custody and visitation, consumer rights, probate, civil rights, family law, personal injury, community education and torts. The attorney should be admitted to the jurisdiction applicable to the matter at hand. Eligible clients for these services reside in NE Oregon in one of the following counties: Umatilla, Gilliam, Morrow, Wallowa or Union.
Maricopa County Superior Court
Judicial Vacancies. Maricopa County, AZ. The Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants, and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will appoint the new judges. Closing date: 02/03/2023.
Pinal County Superior Court
Judicial Vacancies. Pinal County, AZ. Main duties: The Pinal County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants, and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Governor Katie Hobbs, who will appoint the new judges. Closing date: 02/09/2023.
American Civil Liberties Union of Montana
Executive Director. Missoula, MT. The ACLU of MT seeks an Executive Director (ED) to be the next leader of the ACLU of MT with responsibility for managing the day-to-day activities and operations of the organization, leading fundraising efforts, motivating and coordinating the work of a professional staff in an open and collaborative workplace, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the organization. The ED will ensure that the organization is fiscally sound and that its litigation, advocacy, fundraising, and communications programs are meeting the current and emergent needs and interests of its constituents. Closing date: May 10, 2023.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan
Attorney – Affirmative Civil Enforcement. Grand Rapids, MI. This attorney will be responsible for the investigation and prosecution of a variety of civil cases. These may include actions in which there have been false or fraudulent claims or false statements made to the United States, violations of the Controlled Substances Act, violations of federal civil rights or environmental laws, and other types of cases. The application deadline is January 20, 2023.
Attorney – Civil Defensive. Grand Rapids, MI. This attorney will join eight other civil AUSAs who handle a wide variety of defensive and affirmative litigation. Responsibilities may include any of the following types of cases: tort, employment, Administrative Procedure Act, Bivens, immigration, fraud, Controlled Substances Act, environmental, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and others. The application deadline is January 20, 2023.
Department of the Attorney General of Michigan
Word Processing Assistant – Corporate Oversight Division. Lansing, MI. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply in NeoGov to job number 1101-23-004. Closing date: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Staff Attorney – Revenue and Tax Division. Lansing, MI. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply in NeoGov to job number 1101-22-018. Closing date: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Staff Attorney – Licensing and Regulation Division. Lansing, MI. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply in NeoGov to job number 1101-22-050. Closing date: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Info Tech Programmer/Analyst – Criminal Investigations Division. Detroit, MI. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply in NeoGov to job number 1101-23-006. Closing date: 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023.
Nevada Legal Services
Legal Secretary. Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City, Elko and Yerington, NV. Perform outreach and communicate with community partners as needed. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with Native American community, tradition, and culture. Applicants must have an interest and passion for helping low-income Nevadans, tribal members, seniors and veterans. Capability to work with low-income clients from diverse backgrounds, including clients with physical and mental disabilities and clients with limited English proficiency. Closing date: Open until filled.
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
Mining and Minerals Division Director. Santa Fe, NM. The Mining and Minerals Division Director directs and oversees the Division’s statewide statutory and regulatory responsibilities with respect to mining and mineral extraction including assuring the responsible utilization, reclamation and safeguarding of New Mexico’s lands affected by mining and is a leader in responsible mine operation and reclamation, as well as supervising 33 current staff, both technical and administrative, within the Division’s programs. Additionally, the Director serves as New Mexico’s representative to the Interstate Mining Compact Commission and is the designee for the Cabinet Secretary on the Mine Safety Board. The position reports to the Cabinet Secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources and is appointed by the Governor. This position is open until filled
Oil Conservation Division Director. Santa Fe, NM. The Oil Conservation Division Director directs and oversees the Division’s statewide statutory and regulatory responsibilities with respect to oil and gas production. The Division gathers oil and gas well production data, permits new oil, gas, and injection wells, enforces the Division’s rules, develops administrative orders to which operators are subject, enforces the State’s oil and gas statutes, ensures abandoned wells are properly plugged and that the land is responsibly restored once production activities are completed. The OCD’s goals are to promote balanced, consistent, fair, and transparent regulation of the oil and gas industry, to prevent the waste of oil and gas resources within the state, to protect the correlative rights of resource owners, to foster efficient development, and to protect human health and the environment. The Division Director supervises 87 full time equivalent employees, both technical and administrative, within the Division’s programs. Additionally, the Director serves as the Chair of the Oil Conservation Commission. The position reports to the Cabinet Secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources and is appointed by the Governor. This position is open until filled.
Tribal Nations Service Group
1L Summer Associate Program. Portland, ME. Over the course of 10 weeks, summer associates gain experience with the practice of law at Drummond Woodsum and with our group of lawyers and staff by working on substantive client matters. Summer associates do not work in isolation- receiving assignments from and sending completed work back to a Summer Associate Coordinator. Summer associates get a true sense for associate life at Drummond Woodsum. Summer associates meet with the assigning attorney at the beginning of each project to discuss what is expected and again at the completion of the assignment to receive feedback on their work. Summer associates are also invited to attend our monthly Firm Lunch meetings where various groups highlight what they’re working on, as well as smaller practice group meetings to get a better understanding of the type of work Drummond Woodsum takes on and how we approach such work. Application Closes: January 27, 2023.
1L Summer Associate Program. Flagstaff, AZ. Over the course of 10 weeks, summer associates gain experience with the practice of law at Drummond Woodsum and with our group of lawyers and staff by working on substantive client matters. Summer associates do not work in isolation- receiving assignments from and sending completed work back to a Summer Associate Coordinator. Summer associates get a true sense for associate life at Drummond Woodsum. Summer associates meet with the assigning attorney at the beginning of each project to discuss what is expected and again at the completion of the assignment to receive feedback on their work. Summer associates are also invited to attend our monthly Firm Lunch meetings where various groups highlight what they’re working on, as well as smaller practice group meetings to get a better understanding of the type of work Drummond Woodsum takes on and how we approach such work. Application Closes: January 27, 2023.
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
Senior Associate General Counsel. Mount Pleasant, MI. Under the supervision of General Counsel, represent the tribe in all judicial and administrative forums and in the tribe’s governmental and business relations with all persons, organizations and entities, public and private, excluding representation performed by the General Counsel. This position is open until filled.
Indigenous Justice Circle
Communications, Marketing, Design Intern. Remote work and/or Greater New York City Metro Area. The intern will work with a Native-female-non-profit leadership team in our New York City office on Communications, Marketing, and Design projects for the Indigenous Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment Network (IMAGEN) (www.imagen-network.org) project. IMAGEN combats MMIWG and strengthens the protection, safety, and resilience of girls in Native American communities by reclaiming neighborhood spaces in which to rekindle sacred matrilineal traditions through Girl Societies (group-based mentoring and leadership development). Renewable based on performance and project funding. Open until filled.
The Environmental Law Institute
Education Intern. Washington D.C. This internship is in environmental event planning and professional education. The Educational Programming Intern will conduct research, assist with planning and facilitating professional programming (conferences (including Western Boot Camp), seminars, webinars), write blog articles, assist with the preparation and day-of coordination of programs, perform some administrative tasks, among other responsibilities. ELI integrates interns into the day-to-day operations of the Institute, and while the main intern for this department, he or she will be part of a larger intern cohort. Lastly, the intern will conduct research on a topic of the intern’s choice and present research towards the end of the internship. Closing date: 1/23/2023.
Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas
Protective Services Attorney. Remote. Provide support in Child Welfare, Juvenile and Adult in Need of Care litigation on behalf of and representing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and the Kickapoo Indian Child Welfare Services Department (ICWS). Open until filled.
Muckleshoot Tribal Court
Chief Judge. Auburn, WA. The Chief Judge will supervise, assign court calendars or cases, and evaluate Associate Judges, hear court cases at the Muckleshoot Tribal Court, using the Tribe’s applicable Codes and Ordinances, adjudicating matters and entering decisions on the record and/or in writing. Assist the Tribal Court staff with suggestions on how to improve the functions of the Tribal Court. Engage in tribal or community events on behalf of the Tribal Court with the goal of building relationships. Abide by all applicable Tribal codes in addition to WA State Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs). Closing date: Ongoing/when filled.
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Native Law Staff Attorney. Fairbanks, AK. This position primarily involves representing tribal clients in proceedings related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), as well as litigating other Native law and civil matters on behalf of TCC Tribes and tribal members. The attorney will be expected to manage a caseload of state court child in need of aid cases, in addition to other civil and Native law matters. The attorney will also have the opportunity to participate in strategic coordination with statewide teams, and participate in appellate and impact litigation. This position will remain open until filled.
Native Law Staff Attorney. Anchorage, AK (negotiable within state). This position primarily involves representation of tribal clients in state child welfare proceedings and enforcing the Indian Child Welfare Act, and may also involve litigating other matters on behalf of AVCP Tribes and tribal members. The AVCP ICWA attorney will serve clients in cases primarily heard in Anchorage, Alaska courts, serving clients in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, but will also be expected to manage cases arising elsewhere in the state as needed. The AVCP ICWA attorney will be required to manage a caseload limited to 50 families’ state court child in need of aid cases. In addition, the AVCP ICWA attorney will also have the opportunity to participate in appellate and impact litigation. For this position, the attorney will be based in Anchorage, Alaska, though other locations in Alaska may be negotiable. This position will remain open until filled.
The Native American Heritage Commission
Chief Counsel, CEA Level B. Sacramento, CA. The Chief Counsel serves as the principal legal adviser to the Executive Secretary and the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) providing advice and counsel to ensure internal compliance with control agency laws, regulations, and policies. The Chief Counsel plans, directs, organizes, and manages NAHC’s Legal Department staff in enforcing state laws that protect Native American cultural resources on public and private lands; approves high-level policy decisions for the rule making process; responsible for overseeing administrative hearings required under CalNAGPRA and enacting policy and regulations implementing those administrative hearings; and oversees outside litigation counsel regarding any NAHC litigation matters. Closing Date: 1/27/2023.
Department of Agriculture, Office of the General Counsel
Assistant General Counsel. Washington D.C. Provides legal advice and overall legal support to the Under Secretaries, agency administrators, and other senior officials who are responsible for the programs and activities of the Department. Manages the development and application of legal policies, and supervises a staff of attorneys who draft, review, and approve, for legal sufficiency regulations, legislation, cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other agreements. Prepares legal memoranda and opinions on questions of law; prepares litigation reports, pleadings, statements of fact, declarations, briefs, and other documents in connection with lawsuits filed by or against the United States. Works with the Department of Justice in the trial of cases in the Federal courts; and prepare and present cases before Administrative Law Judges, the Judicial Officer, and other hearing officers appointed for particular proceedings. Participates, as counsel for the Department, in conferences and meetings with leading representatives of industry, business, and agriculture, and interested and affected members of the public. Responsible for developing and recommending procedures for handling the work of the division; overseeing the training and development of the legal and support staff; assigning work and evaluating the performance of the legal and support staff. Closing date: 2/3/2023.
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
Legislative Services Attorney. Harbor Springs, MI. The primary function of the Legislative Services Attorney is to serve the Tribal Council and provide legal advice in order to promote and protect Tribal Sovereignty, Tribal Self-sufficiency, and Tribal Self-determination. The Legislative Services Attorney shall interact and communicate with Tribal Council and Tribal Council committees, representatives from other tribes, local, state, and federal units of government when necessary; and in some cases, the Tribal citizens, while maintaining effective cooperative relationships. The Legislative Services Attorney will provide representation of Tribal Council; provide advice and analysis of the Tribal Constitution, Tribal Codes, state and federal laws and regulations; negotiate and draft legal, business and State/Tribal documents; and draft Resolutions, Statutes, Certified Motions, policies, procedures, Legislative Directives, Declarations, Special Tributes, agreements, proposals, legal memorandums, Memorandums of Understandings (MOU), Leases and contracts for the Tribe and Tribal Council. Open until filled.
Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General
Principal Tribal Court Advocate. Window Rock, AZ. Performs 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. Child Support Enforcement: Present child support enforcement cases before the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Participate in case staffing with Child Support Enforcement officers; provide legal advice and case strategy. This position is open until filled.
Principal Attorney (Water Right Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, professionally represents 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. The Principal Attorney works 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. The Principal Attorney provides 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.
Principal Attorney. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government; Review documents, such as service contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participate in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. This position is open until filled.
Attorney (Litigation Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Legal work related to federal, Navajo Nation, and state court and administrative tribunal representation of the Navajo Nation Government, as assigned by the Assistant Attorney General of the Litigation Unit or the Office of the Attorney General, and Deputy Attorney General, including legal research, pleading drafting, and settlement negotiation for Litigation Unit of the Department of Justice. Review of proposed disciplinary actions by Navajo Nation government programs for compliance with Navajo Nation Personnel Policies Manual and Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Drafting of proposed Navajo Nation legislation, regulations, and policies. Other duties as assigned. This position is open until filled.
Attorney (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General or the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, represents the Navajo Nation government in reviewing documents, such as services contracts, sub-recipient and grant agreements, legislation, proposed policies, etc., for legal sufficiency. Participates in negotiations regarding legal documents/agreements with parties outside of the Navajo Nation. Respond to Request for Services and other legal inquiries from clients. Perform legal research and provide legal advice verbally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulation, policies, and procedures; and advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. This position is open until filled.
Attorney Candidate. Window Rock, AZ. Under general direction of the Assistant Attorney General, the Attorney General, or the Deputy Attorney General, provides legal direction to Navajo Nation Divisions, Departments and offices, regarding a wide range of legal issues, including statutory and regulatory authority, contracts and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; Assists Attorneys; prepares and presents civil cases in tribal court and administrative bodies; confers and provides guidance, and prepares advisory opinions for assigned departments and branches of the government; prepares interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; reviews contracts, leases, permits and related documents; interviews witnesses, complainants, and others on a variety of legal matters; conducts legal research, prepares briefs, pleadings and other legal documents. This position is open until filled.
Senior Attorney (Tax and Finance Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Respond to Requests for Services and other legal inquiries from clients, particularly in the area of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and federal Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF). Perform legal research and provide legal advice orally and in writing. Legal advice and services will include: conducting initial eligibility determination reviews on proposed FRF expenditure plans; interpreting federal, state, and Navajo laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; as well as advising on legal compliance in the implementation of FRF programs and projects. Participate in Legislative Branch and Executive Branch meetings, including Standing Committee meetings and Council Sessions, regarding approval of FRF expenditure plans and the planning and implementation of FRF programs and projects, in order to respond to legal questions pertaining ARPA and the use of FRF. This position is open until filled.
Principal Attorney (Human Services and Government Unit). Window Rock, AZ. Provides legal direction to other attorneys and advocates in providing complex legal representation of Navajo Nation Divisions, Departments, and Programs regarding a wide range of legal issues. Some legal issues may include statutory and regulatory review, contract disputes and procurement issues, and intergovernmental relations; performs professional legal work, research; presents cases in court and performs related duties as required; confers with, gives advice to and prepares opinions for various departments and branches of the Navajo Nation; drafts legal and judicial processes; prepares interpretations of new legislation and judicial decisions; reviews contracts, mortgages, leases, permits and related documents; conducts interviews on a variety of legal matters; conducts legal research, prepares briefs, pleadings and other legal documents. Advises clients and members of the various oversight committees of the Navajo Nation Council, as is required, on legal questions. Provides opinions on Navajo Nation law and policies and/or legislations/resolutions that may impact the Navajo Nation. Assist in routine operation of the Department of Justice. This position is open until filled.
Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor
Prosecutor. Kayenta, AZ. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in juvenile adjudications, dependencies, Children in Need of Supervision (CHNS); research and study of litigation of juvenile proceedings and child neglect cases including appellate cases, reviews police, social service, and related reports/complaints, and other law enforcement documents and reports; prepares oral arguments, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; attends juvenile related hearings in Navajo Nation Courts; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case, prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. Makes decisions in sensitive case and seeks assistance as needed in the juvenile matter. This position is open until filled.
Senior Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code and present major and complex litigation in District and Family Courts. Reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; collaborates with law enforcement agencies; and negotiates settlement with opposing parties. This position is open until filled.
Prosecutor. Crownpoint, NM. Represents the interest of the Navajo Nation in prosecuting individuals alleged to have violated provisions of the Navajo Nation Code; reviews citations, arrest sheets and other law enforcement documents and reports; interviews witnesses, gathers facts and data; determines if sufficient evidence exists to support the charges; conducts legal research; drafts complaints, motions and/or other legal proceedings; prepares a legal strategy; gathers and compiles evidence; identifies and subpoenas witnesses, records and other information required to present the case. Prepares and presents criminal and civil cases in the Navajo Nation and appellate courts; prepares legal memoranda, briefs, motions and other required documents for court presentation; performs extensive legal research. This position is open until filled.
Click here for last week’s job announcements!
Turtle Talk 
You must be logged in to post a comment.