Michigan Indian Legal Services’ Volunteer Pro Bono Attorneys

from MILS:

Michigan Indian Legal Service’s commitment to serving those in need dates back to our founding, and we are constantly seeking new ways to position our pro bono lawyers’ talents to their highest and best use: Serving others.

We allow our volunteer attorneys to do pro bono work for a simple but compelling reason: To make the legal system accessible and fair, especially to the poor and disadvantaged. 

Please enjoy the following commercial we recently produced and see if it stirs up desire and a willingness to engage in pro bono work with MILS. Please forward and share the link below with other attorneys and take a chance to make a difference in somebody’s life today. Michigan Indian Legal Service’s commitment to serving those in need dates back to our founding, and we are constantly seeking new ways to position our pro bono lawyers’ talents to their highest and best use: Serving others.

We allow our volunteer attorneys to do pro bono work for a simple but compelling reason: To make the legal system accessible and fair, especially to the poor and disadvantaged. 

Please enjoy the following commercial we recently produced and see if it stirs up desire and a willingness to engage in pro bono work with MILS. Please forward and share the link below with other attorneys and take a chance to make a difference in somebody’s life today.

MILS Survey for Michigan Tribal Members

The letter:

Dear Tribal Community Member,

Michigan Indian Services (MILS) is asking for your feedback on an important survey. 

MILS provides legal services statewide to income-eligible individuals and tribes, advocates for the rights of individuals that advance systems of justice, and works to preserve Indian families through state and tribal courts.

The purpose of this survey is to identify the highest priorities related to legal services for low-income Native Americans. 

MILS will use the results to prioritize services for the next seven years, so your participation is extremely important to us.

MILS is offering an incentive drawing for a total of seven $100 gift cards for those who complete the survey over the next several months. Drawing dates are August 1, October 1, December 1, February 1, April 1, June 1, and September 30. 

You can access the survey link here. It takes about 15 minutes to complete: 

Michigan Bar Journal Article on the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act

Norika L. Kida Betti and Cameron Ann Fraser have published “Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act at Seven Years” in the November 2019 issue of the Michigan Bar Journal.

Friday Job Announcements

Job vacancies are posted on Fridays. Any posts received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that Friday’s announcements. If you would like to submit a post for an open Indian law or leadership job, please send a brief description of the position and a PDF job announcement to indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Interior Board of Indian Appeals

Attorney-Adviser, Arlington, VA.  The Interior Board of Indian Appeals (IBIA), Office of Hearings and Appeals, U.S. Department of the Interior, is currently soliciting applications from highly qualified individuals to serve as IBIA’s staff attorney.  For more information please see the attached job description or visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/517311600.  Application closes December 19, 2018.

Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians

Tribal Prosecutor, Shelbyville, MI. This position will prosecute violations of Tribal law, consistent with principles of Tribal Sovereignty. The Prosecutor will represent the Tribe in all hearings related to his/her specific job duties before the Gun Lake Tribal Court, will present information in a manner consistent with ethical standards of justice and will perform his/her job duties in accordance with the laws of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians. Application closes December 13, 2018.

Alaska Legal Services Corp.

Native Law Staff Attorney, Fairbanks, Alaska. This position provides direct representation to Tanana Chiefs Conference member Tribes and tribal members. The attorney will primarily represent tribal clients in proceedings related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”), but will litigate other Native law and civil matters on behalf of TCC Tribes and tribal members in state court, and may provide advice to Tribal clients on issues under tribal law. Position to start in January 2019, and is open until filled. See attached job description, or visit https://www.alsc-law.org/job-opportunities/ for more information. Resume, writing sample, and references should be sent to ppickett@alsc-law.org.

Nevada Legal Services

Indian Law Program Staff Attorney, Elko, NV.  Nevada Legal Services is a statewide non-profit that provides free legal assistance to low income Nevadans. The Indian Law Program is based out of our Reno office and serves the 27 Native American tribes and colonies within the State of Nevada. The Program provides a wide range of services to both tribal members and tribal governments based upon the needs expressed by each community. In that capacity, the Program acts as public defender in a number of tribal jurisdictions and also serves as counsel to the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada. Frequent travel throughout Nevada, including overnight stays, is required.

This is a full-time position. Benefits include paid sick and vacation time; paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

Requirements:Applicants should be licensed to practice in Nevada or in another state and eligible for admission pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 72.1.  Experience with criminal defense highly preferred as well as knowledge of federal Indian law or tribal law.

If interested in the position, please send a resume and letter of interest to our HR administrator, Roberta O’Hara, rohara@nlslaw.net.

Michigan Indian Legal Services

Summer Legal Interns/Externs, Traverse City, MI and Southwest MI. Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS), a statewide provider of free legal services to low income Indians and Indian tribes, seeks three summer legal interns/externs. One position will be based out of tribal offices in Southwestern Michigan and assist an attorney providing on-site services to tribal members. One intern in the Traverse City office will focus on two tribal domestic violence/human trafficking projects. One intern in the Traverse City office will provide direct assistance to clients under the supervision of two attorneys. For more information please see the position description.

Staff Attorney, Traverse City, MI. This position will focus on tribal and state law legal issues; with an emphasis on tribal court child welfare and criminal defense matters. This position will require overnight travel in the Upper Peninsula. The ideal applicants will be licensed to practice law in Michigan or eligible to be admitted by waiver and have three plus years relevant litigation experience. Please see the description for more information.

Staff Attorney, Southwest MI. The ideal applicant will be licensed to practice law in Michigan or eligible to be admitted by waiver and have three to five years relevant experience. Applicants must possess both written and oral advocacy skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to protecting the rights of American Indians. MILS will accept applications from candidates with all levels of experience. Please see the job description for more information.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

(2) Assistant Attorney Generals, Atmore, AL. Responsible for assisting the Attorney General and Assistant Attorney Generals in providing legal services and representation to the Tribe, its Tribal Chair, its Tribal Council, Tribal Government, Tribal Authorities, all Tribal departments and entities, and all Tribal boards, commissions, and committees. For more information please see the jobs’ description. Application closes December 18, 2018 at 5pm.

AmeriCorps

Attorney Members, locations include: Alaska (5 positions in various locations throughout the state), Oklahoma (3 positions), Arizona (1 position in Phoenix) and Nebraska (1 position in Omaha). Work with local legal aid agency and partnering hospital or health clinic serving tribes to offer civil legal trainings to health providers, and provide comprehensive legal assistance for low-income patients. Areas of legal advocacy include public benefits, housing, special education, domestic violence, elder law, family law, and consumer law. For more information please see the position description.

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Chief Legal Officer, Fulton, MI. Works under the primary supervision and direction of the Tribal Council.  Provides legal services to the operational direction of the Tribal government’s Chief Executive Officer consistent with the laws, budgets and policy directives enacted by the Tribal Council.  The position entails performing a broad range of legal work for all departments and divisions of the Tribal government, as well as, appearing in Courts of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Michigan State Courts and federal courts on behalf of the Tribe as authorized and directed. Please visit the link for more information. Application closes January 2, 2019 at 5:00pm.

Tohono O’odham Nation

Attorney General, Sells, AZ. The attorney general provides legal advice and representation to all officials, agencies, departments, divisions and branches of the Tohono O’odham Nation, a federally recognized Indian tribe with 2.8 million acres of reservation land in Southern Arizona. The attorney general represents the Nation in all legal proceedings, and in other matters that affect the legal interests of the Nation; advises senior management and tribal officials; and supervises assistant attorneys general and contract attorneys. Application closes February 1, 2019.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Attorney, Clarksburg, WV. The FBI’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is looking for experienced and highly qualified attorneys to join its exciting and challenging legal practice.  OGC provides legal advice to the entire FBI, including the Director, FBI headquarters officials and agents in the 56 domestic field offices, on a wide range of substantive issues. For more information please visit the link.

Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation

Associate Attorney, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position provides a variety of legal advice, research and related legal services in support of the overall operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; assists with judicial administrative functions, such as researching and recommending policy changes and improvements for overall Judicial Branch. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

Court Solicitor, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ.  This position provides a variety of legal advice, counseling, research and related legal services in support of the overall operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; assists with judicial administrative functions, such as recommending policy changes and improvements for overall Judicial Branch; shall supervise and oversee all licensed attorneys, law clerk, hearing officers, supreme court clerk, and law clerk interns of the Judicial Branch.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. 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.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position shall perform work of unusual difficulty, hear arguments, read briefs and conduct research necessary to pass judgment and issue rulings on cases brought before the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

 

See posts from November 30, 2018.

Friday Job Announcements

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

Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe

General Counsel. Persons interested in applying should send a letter of interest, writing sample, and a resumé which includes references to:

Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe
Human Resources Department
5318 Chief Brown Lane
Darrington, WA 98241
rmorlock@sauk-suiattle.com

With a copy to mrsdlroberts@sauk-suiattle.com and to courtclerk@sauk-suiattle.com For additional information you may contact the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe Office of Legal Counsel at (360) 436-0139.

Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson, & Perry LLP

2018 Summer Associates. 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 – is currently recruiting incoming 2L students for 2018 summer associate positions. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample (a sample relevant to our practice area is preferred, but not necessary) to Will Stephens, Partner at wstephens@sonosky.com (please also copy kwray@sonosky.com). Interested applicants should send this information no later than Thursday, August 31, 2017.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Executive Director, Hoopa Valley Housing Authority, F/T, Regular, Salary: DOE. Performs general administrative work with supervisory and management responsibilities; has constant contact with the public, Tribal Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Tribal Council, departments and federal agencies; requires knowledge of project development, planning, accounting, financial management, budgeting, investments, and knowledge of sound business practices. The HVHA operates under tribal and federal laws and is funded primarily through the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). Directs operations to provide low-income housing, rentals, and related services to eligible recipients and manages existing Mutual Help housing units. Minimum Requirements: Master’s Degree (M.A.) or equivalent and two (2) years of related experience; or a Bachelor’s Degree with four (4) years of related experience including two (2) years of management or supervisory experience; or at least eight (8) years of experience working with HUD programs including management experience, and extensive knowledge of HUD and NAHASDA regulations. Must have a Valid CA Driver’s License and be insurable. Must successfully pass an employment background check in accordance with Title 30A; Employment Background Check Policy of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. DEADLINE: August 22, 2017.

These positions are classified safety-sensitive. For job descriptions and employment applications, contact the Human Resources/Insurance Department, Hoopa Valley Tribe, P.O. Box 218, Hoopa, CA 95546. Call (530) 625-9200 Ext. 13 or 17. Or email hr2@hoopainsurance.com. The Tribe’s Alcohol & Drug Policy and TERO Ordinance Apply.

Michigan Indian Legal Services

Staff Attorneys (2), Southwest Michigan, Upper Peninsula. Please send resume, cover letter and writing sample to:

James A. Keedy
Executive Director
Michigan Indian Legal Services
jkeedy@mils.org
814 S. Garfield Ave., Suite A
Traverse City, MI 49686

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

Staff Attorney. Submit resume, cover letter, and employment application to hr@millelacsband.com. Closes August 10, 2017.

Previous Friday Jobs Announcement: 7/21/17

Friday Job Announcements

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

Bora Lasking Faculty of Law at Lakehead University

(2) Limited Term Faculty, Ontario, CA. Term of 10 months to three years, dependent on qualifications and experience. The appointment(s) will commence August 1, 2017 at an academic rank commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate. Review of the applications will begin May 24, 2017 and will continue until the position(s) are filled.

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Alternate Judge (Pro Tem)/Appellate Court Judge, Mescalero, NM. Please submit an application, cover letter, resume and 3-5 page writing sample for employment to the Human Resources Department located at the Tribal Offices. Call 575-464-9273 for more information.

Public Defender. Shall work independently on all matters relating to the defense of any individual appearing before court.  The Public Defender shall be under the administrative supervision of the Chief Judge for budgetary and employee matters.

Frye Law Firm

Associate Attorney, Albuquerque, NM. The Frye Law Firm is seeking a seasoned associate attorney. We are a small firm in Albuquerque,New Mexico that focuses on Indian law. Three or more years’ experience in litigation, business development, and/or governmental law is preferred. The firm principally provides legal counsel and representation to Indian tribes, tribal business entities, and other tribal organizations, including schools and hospitals. The firm is an equal opportunity employer. A demonstrated history of providing high quality legal services and extraordinary accomplishments is required. To apply,please submit: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) a resumé, (3) three writing samples, (4) a list of three references, and (5) a law school transcript, to 10400 Academy Rd. NE, Suite 310, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87111. For additional information about the firm, please visit our website at http://www.fryelaw.us.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Assistant Prosecutor, Rosebud, S.D. Those interested must fill out an Employment Application, a background check form entitled “Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions,” and a form called “Applicant Screening Questionnaire Indian Child Protection requirements” found at https://www.rosebudsiouxtribe-nsn.gov/employment-listings.

Michigan Indian Legal Services

Staff Attorney, Tribal offices in southwest MI. The ideal applicant will be licensed to practice law in Michigan or eligible to be admitted by waiver and have three to five years relevant experience.

 

Friday Job Announcements

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

Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

RFP for tribal prosecutor, proposals will be accepted until January 31, 2017.

Department of the Interior

Senior Advisor (Tribal Relations), Office of the Secretary, Arlington, VA. Closes 1/4/2017.

Senior Advisor (Tribal Relations), Status Applicants. Closes 1/4/2017

Advisor for Tribal Relations, Office of the Secretary, Arlington, VA. Closes 1/5/2017.

Advisor for Tribal Relations, Status Applicants. Closes 1/5/2017.

Department of Justice

Grants Management Specialist (Senior Tribal Policy Advisor), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Washington D.C.

Michigan Indian Legal Services

Summer Legal Interns, Traverse City, Southwest Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie.

MILS Looking for Staff Attorney for Upper Peninsula

Download job announcement here.

Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) has an opening for a staff attorney to work out of tribal offices in the Upper Peninsula. The attorney will primarily be providing criminal defense and parent representation in child welfare matters in the Sault Ste. Marie, the Bay Mills Indian Community, and the Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Courts.