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

Kansas SCT Disciplines Kansas Kickapoo Tribe’s Public Defender

Here is the order:

opinion.pdf

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.

Comanche Nation Tribal Court

Indigent Defense Attorney, Lawton, O.K. The Comanche Nation is requesting proposals for an Indigent Defense Attorney of the Comanche Nation Tribal Court. Full copies of the Request for Proposal can be obtained through the Comanche Nation website: www.comanchenation.com. Deadline for submission is February 16, 2018 at 4:00pm CST. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format via email: shannonn@comanchenation.com. Sealed proposals will be received in person at Comanche Nation Administration Building, 584 NW Bingo Rd., Lawton, OK 73502 Attention: Grants Department.

Yakama Nation

Lead Attorney Position, Office of Legal Counsel, Toppenish, W.A. The Yakama Nation is looking for a Lead Attorney to serve as the administrative manager of director of the Yakama Nation Office of Legal Counsel, including coordinating and supervising all attorneys and other staff within the Office, and serving as the Yakama Nation’s lead legal counsel. The Lead Attorney shall provide high-quality,  culturally competent legal services to the Tribal Council and all programs and departments in a timely manner. Please see the Yakama Nation’s job announcement and application. Application closes on February 27, 2018.

Attorney II, Public Defender Office, Toppenish, W.A. The Yakama Nation Public Defender Office is looking for an attorney to provide professional legal representation and advice to Tribal member clients in Tribal, State, and Federal Court. The attorney is responsible for providing representation in a full range of legal services. The position pays $33.37/hr, and the position will remain open until filled. Please see the Yakama Nation’s application.

Sitka Tribe of Alaska

Family Law Attorney, Sitka, A.K.  The Sitka Tribe of Alaska is looking for a Family Law Attorney to provide holistic legal representation to Native American victims of domestic violence and sexual assault under the umbrella of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska Legal Department. The attorney will work collaboratively with other team members, especially project partner Sitkans Against Family Violence, to ensure holistic services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children and provide culturally sensitive and relevant services. To apply submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and STA job application to Anne Davis anne.davis@sitkatribe-nsn.gov or by mail to 456 Katlian St., Sitka, AK 99835. For a complete job description and application visit www.sitkatribe.org. Open until filled, first review is Feb. 26. Salary $60-85k DOE.  Full-time benefited.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Ethics Officer, Atmore, A.L. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is seeking proposals for an Ethics Officer to assist its legal counsel in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities under the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Ethics Code. Proposals are due no later than 5:00PM on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

U.S. Department of Justice

Assistant U.S. Attorney, Pierre, S.D. The U.S. Department of Justice is looking for an AUSA for the District of South Dakota to prosecute federal criminal offenses and represent the interests of the United States in civil and criminal cases. The position is full-time and pays $61,218 to $160,122 per year. Applications close on February 16, 2018.

U.S. Department of Interior

Associate Solicitor for Water Resources, Office of the Solicitor, Washington, D.C. The Associate Solicitor has primary responsibility for managing the Division of Water Resources, which includes the Branch of Water and Power and the Branch of Indian Water Rights. Management of the Division includes working with the Solicitor and the Deputy Solicitor in formulating policies of the Solicitor’s Office with respect to organization, budget, personnel, and legal activities. The position pays $164,200 to $189,600 per year. Applications close on March 2, 2018.

Indian Law Resource Center (Update)

Sidley Fellowship , Washington, D.C. The Terrance A. Sidley Fellowship is a competitive Fellowship awarded each year to a law student who shows particular promise for a career in federal Indian law and international indigenous human rights issues. The deadline for receipt of applications for summer 2018 is March 16, 2018.

Other Jobs Recently Posted:

Assistant Dean for Career Services, Michigan State University College of Law, East Lansing, Michigan (Feb. 7, 2018).

Previous Friday Job Announcements: Feb. 2, 2018.

 

Public Defender Job Position at Yakima Nation

Here.

Employee serves as attorney for the Yakama Nation Public Defenders office and is responsible for providing professional, legal assistance to Tribal member client in Tribal, State, and Federal Court systems or administrative agencies as assigned by the Lead Attorney-Program Manager, with an emphasis on civil matters. Employee is responsible for providing a full ranges of legal services to Tribal members in areas of civil, family and Federal Indian Law matters, and in criminal matters as assigned by the Lead Attorney-Program Manager. Services include legal research, evaluations of potential cases, analysis and preparation of accepted cases, motions, brief, hearings, trials and appeals. Representation will include all stages of civil proceedings through disposition and review hearings until the attorney withdraws. Representation in criminal matter will include all stages of criminal proceedings from arraignment through disposition. The attorney may be appointed by the court(s) as Guardian Ad Litem in matters involving Tribal members deemed incompetent or for those persons placed in protective custody.

Colorado River Indian Tribes Public Defender Job Postings

Here:

#34-15 Assistant Public Defender

#53-15 Public Defender

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Public Defender Job Posting

Here:

Sisseton PD Posting

Spokane Tribe Public Defender Job Posting

Here:

2014-07- Spokane Tribe of Indians- Public Defender Position

Job Posting: Standing Rock Asst. Public Defender

ASSISTANT TRIBAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court
Fort Yates, ND. 58538
OPEN: Until Filled       SALARY:  Negotiable   
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is soliciting applications for employment, as independent contract employees, to hire One (1)  Assistant Tribal Public Defender for the Standing Rock Tribal Court.
This position will be full time for a minimum of one (1) year. The number of hours, days of employment and compensation are all negotiable. The terms of employment will be determined by the agreement of the parties.  The contracts shall be compensated on an hourly basis. Employment beyond one year will be contingent upon funding.