staff attorney

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer

If you sent in a job announcement but do not see it here, then please read our recent post about the requirements for Turtle Talk Friday Job Announcements. Thank you for your understanding!

Any posts for an open Indian law or leadership job received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that week’s announcement, when the following information is sent to indigenous@law.msu.edu:

  1. In the email body, a typed brief description of the position which includes position title, location (city, state), main duties, and closing date;
  2. An attached PDF job announcement.

Please send all job announcements in this requested format.

Homer Law Chartered

Entry Level Attorney, Washington D.C. Homer Law Chartered is a Washington, D.C.-based law firm with an immediate opening for a full-time, entry-level attorney. Our firm’s client base is comprised primarily of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments, enterprises, and organizations with a focus on gaming, economic development, Indian lands, governance, and administrative law. The ideal candidate will have experience working in Indian Country and an understanding of issues that affect the tribal governments and/or a strong financial or accounting background. The successful candidate will be a member of the DC Bar or will be awaiting results from the July 2019 sitting of the DC Bar.

To apply, please provide the following materials via email at aedwards@homerlaw.com: A one-page resume, a one-page letter of interest, and a recent unedited writing sample. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Salary to be determined upon offer of position based on experience.

Tohono O’Odham Nation

Assistant Attorney General, Sells, A.Z. The Office of Attorney General represents the Tohono O’odham Nation in litigation and other legal matters. The Office is still accepting applications for Attorneys with at least 6 years of experience to fill an Assistant Attorney General position. Specific areas of need for the Office of Attorney General are healthcare law and contracts but we are open to those with other experience. Please see the announcement for more information.

Pueblo of Laguna

Associate Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Court / Prosecutor’s Office. Application open until filled.

Court Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Court / Prosecutor’s Office. Application open until filled.

Associate Judge, Dept: Pueblo Court. Closing date for application is August 1, 2019.

Public Defender , Dept: Pueblo Court. Closing date for application is August 23, 2019.

For more information and application instructions at visit the Pueblo of Laguna website or you can contact the Human Resources office at (505) 552-6654.

Navajo Nation Office of Legislative Counsel

Attorney, Window Rock, A.Z. The Navajo Nation Office of Legislative Counsel seeks an Attorney under the direction of the Chief Legislative Counsel. Duties include providing legal advice and legal representation to entities of the Legislative Branch, the Navajo Nation Council, its standing committees, boards and commissions involving various areas of law.  Work with other attorneys of the Office under supervision of a Principal Attorney and the general direction of the Chief Legislative Counsel.  Knowledge of legal principles as well as Indian law, Navajo Nation laws, Navajo Nation Government and legislative processes in general required.   Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school possess a Juris Doctorate, and be willing to be State Bar licensed in either AZ, NM, or UT as well as the Navajo Nation Bar within one year of employment. Please see the announcement for more information.

St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

Guardian ad Litem, Hertel, W.I. Main duties for this position include representing the best interest of the child in St. Croix Tribal Court, investigating and determining the needs of children and youth petitioned into the court system, monitoring and reporting on the welfare of the child and communicate the child’s wishes to the court. Applications are open until filled. Please see the announcement for more information.

Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians

Tribal In-House Attorney, Oakhurst, C.A. The tribal attorney serves as an in-house legal advisor, representative, and counselor. Ensures the adherence to applicable laws to protect and enhance tribal sovereignty, to avoid or prevent expensive legal disputes and litigation, and to protect the legal interests of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians (PRCI) tribal government. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Applications are open until filled. Please see the announcement for more information.

Brooklyn Legal Services

Brooklyn Legal Services, in Brooklyn, N.Y. is hiring for the following positions:

Staff Attorney for Tenant Rights Coalition

Staff Attorney Foreclosure Unit

Director of Family/ Domestic Violence Unit

Paralegal Advocate

Please see the announcements for more information.

Department of Interior, Office of the Solicitor

Attorney-Adviser, Sacramento, C.A. The incumbent will support for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pacific Region, which includes a Regional Office and four Agencies that serve 105 federally recognized Indian Tribes throughout California, or nearly one-fifth of 573 federally recognized tribes in the United States. The incumbent will handle a complex and heavy volume of work involving the entire range of Indian law matters. Areas of practice include, but are not limited to Indian law, administrative law, natural resources and public land law, environmental law, energy and mining law, water law, and contracts. Statutes that the incumbent must be familiar with include, but are not limited to, laws concerning Indians and Tribes, Administrative Procedure Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Freedom of Information Act, and Privacy Act. The incumbent must also be able to interpret and provide advice related to the various regulations implementing the above statutes. Applications close on September 12, 2019. Please see the website for more information.

Hoopa Valley Tribe

Senior Tribal Attorney, Hoopa, C.A. A federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Hoopa, California, seeks an Attorney to fill the position of Senior Tribal Attorney. The successful candidate will serve in the Office of Tribal Attorney under the supervision of the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council and Tribal Chairman. Provides a wide range of legal services to the Hoopa Valley Tribe, including without limitation advice, negotiation, drafting, research,
lobbying, representation in litigation and administrative proceedings and
other duties as assigned by the Council.  CONTRACTUAL, SALARY: DOE.
POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

Submit application, cover letter, resume and writing sample to:

Human Resources Department
Hoopa Valley Tribe
P.O. Box 218
Hoopa, CA 95546

Or call 530-625-9200 Ext. 11 or 20

Email submission: liz@hoopainsurance.com.

Prairie Island Indian Community

RFP for Economic Development, Welch, M.N. The Prairie Island Indian Community is a federally-recognized Indian tribe (the “Tribe”), located in southeastern Minnesota along the banks of the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Tribe is seeking proposals from qualified professionals to provide consultation related to economic development and diversification.  Applications close on September 14, 2019. Please see the announcement for more information.

Morongo Band of Mission Indians

2019-2020 Academic Extern, Banning, CA. Seeking 1-2 legal externs per semester to work with the Morongo Legal Department. Externs will have the opportunity to work on a diverse set of legal issues, including employment, taxation, ICWA, ordinance development, energy development, education, tribal court work, and more. Must be a current 2L-4L and be able to commit to 20-40 hours per week on-site. Position is unpaid and requires the extern to receive school credit. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for both fall and spring semesters.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Nespelem, W.A. are hiring for the following positions:

Deputy Prosecutor; Colville Tribal Court representing Criminal, MINOC, Range Impoundment, Natural Resources Enforcement and civil infraction hearings, Wellness court, and appellate cases before the Colville Tribal Court of Appeals. Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package.  This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.

Managing Atty Public Defender; Colville Tribal Court and Court of Appeals, representing Tribal Members in criminal matters.  Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package.  This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.

Staff Attorney; CCT Legal Office providing legal services to Tribal Members.  Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package.  This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.

Please visit and apply at colvilletribes.com.

See posts from Friday, August 23, 2019.

California Indian Legal Services Now Hiring a Staff Attorney!

Neoshia Roemer

Staff Attorney, Escondido, C.A. Supervised by the Directing Attorney, the Staff Attorney will work collaboratively with other staff to provide exceptional legal services in all areas of Federal Indian law. Our fast-paced office provides legal services on issues of jurisdiction, tax, estate planning, trust assets, environmental law, natural resource development, tribal governance, employment and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).  Please visit California Indian Legal Services’ website here.

Please check back tomorrow for our Special (Thursday) Edition of Friday Job Announcements!

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer1 Comment

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.

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer1 Comment

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 Justice

Assistant United States Attorney, Phoenix, A.Z. AUSAs have the opportunity to represent the interests of the United States of America in the United States District Court of Arizona and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in performing this important public service, to exercise responsibility that is unparalleled in any other job that a litigator might undertake. AUSAs immediately undertake cases, many high profile, in any of several units within each division. Applications close on April 25, 2018.

Klamath Tribes Judiciary

Chief Judge, Chiloquin, O.R. The Klamath Tribes Judiciary has as part-time, contract Chief Judge position open. Please see the job announcement for more information, or contact Danita Herrera, Judicial Branch Director, at (541) 783-3020, ext. 105, or at danita.herrera@klamathtribalcourts.com.

Ho-Chunk Nation

Staff Attorney-Law Clerk, Black River Falls, W.I. The Ho-Chunk nation is looking for a Staff Attorney to assist Tribal Court Judges and Supreme Court Justices with legal research and the drafting of opinions in a timely manner while facilitating public access to the Court through the provision of procedural legal information. Reports to the Sr. Staff Attorney.

Duties and responsibilities:

  1. Legal research and the drafting of memos for Trial Court Judges and Supreme Court Justices on questions of law.
  2. Research legal issues identified by the Sr. Staff Attorney, Chief Judge, Associate Judges, and Supreme Court.
  3. Compile case law and make it available to users of the court system.
  4. Field questions from court users and design court forms as needed.
  5. Responsible for editing monthly court bulletins and maintaining opinion summaries in the law library.
  6. Coordinate Law Day and maintain records necessary for CLE accreditation with State Bar of Wisconsin.
  7. Coordinate HCN Bar Admission for the HCN Supreme Court and occasionally assist in drafting and issuing various Court Rules.
  8. Must assist with Lay Advocate and Guardian ad litem Training.
  9. Responsible to work with minimal supervision and exercise their independent legal evaluation throughout the workday.
  10. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

  1. Ability to work independently and exercise initiative.
  2. Familiarity with Ho-Chunk Nation laws, federal Indian Law, and tribal law.
  3. Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities as appropriate to the demands of the Court.
  4. Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, with a variety of persons such as tribal citizens, tribal officials, judicial officers, and attorneys.
  5. Must be professional, have outstanding telephone etiquette and a friendly, patient attitude when dealing with parties and the general public.
  6. Strong research and writing skills.
  7. Strong word processing and computer research skills.
  8. Fluency in Ho-Chunk desired but not required.
  9. Juris Doctorate degree.
  10. A member in good standing of a state bar.
  11. Preference given to members of the Ho-Chunk Nation, then to members of other federally recognized tribes.

To Apply: Send resume, a cover letter, writing sample, and school transcripts to Schuyler.tilson@ho-chunk.com. This is a full-time position, with a salary of $62,400/year.

 

 

DNA-People’s Legal Services (Job Announcement Linked Here)

Finance Director, Window Rock, A.Z. The Director of Finance is a full-time position that provides overall financial management and analysis for DNA. The position will oversee and review all financial transactions; perform complex budgeting and accounting functions, conduct financial, statistical and analytical studies and projections; prepare financial reports for management, the board and others; oversee all DNA law offices budgets in the preparation for and execution of the annual audit, tax and other regulatory filings; periodically consult with the program team on financial reports of grantees; and ensure that DNA adheres to the best, most reliable and most transparent financial policies and procedures. The Finance Director will be located at the DNA Office in Window Rock, AZ. See the job announcement linked above for more information and how to apply.

Managing Attorney, Flagstaff, A.Z. The Managing Attorney is responsible for the management and oversight of the office to which they are assigned, including ensuring that the office meets or exceeds operational goals and objectives, providing necessary legal services for assigned cases and liaising with the office staff to ensure effective client service business operations. To provide supervision and case management assistance to other case handlers within the office to ensure the office is providing uniform, high quality advocacy for low-income clients in all forums, including the courts, administrative agencies, and community outreach initiatives. See the job announcement linked above for more information and how to apply.

Staff Attorney, Flagstaff, A.Z. The Staff Attorney represents clients in court or before government agencies, prepares and drafts legal documents on behalf of clients, advises clients on business and legal transactions, negotiates settlements for legal disputes, complies with all legal standards and regulations, and performs administrative and management functions related to the practice of law. Additionally, DNA-People’s Legal Services is also hiring a Public Defender Attorney in the Hopi Public Defender’s Office. See the job announcement linked above for more information and how to apply.

National Council on Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ)

Program Director, Tribal Justice Partnerships, Reno, N.V. The Tribal Justice Partnerships Program Director position requires a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and abilities. This position will work primarily with tribal courts, but can be tasked with other projects, as needed. The Program Director will be required to build a substantial knowledge base around private and public funded projects that focus on improving tribal court practices in family welfare and juvenile matters; implement the principles of collaboration among court, agencies, and community; develop content expertise on issues common across system-involved children and families (e.g., trauma, substance abuse, etc.); and have experience and knowledge in tribal court systems. This position will direct the tribal court team, as well as perform collaborative planning and decision-making with other projects across the organization. Please visit NCJFCJ’s website for more information and how to apply. Applications close on May 14, 2018.

Navajo Nation Washington Office

Government & Legislative Affairs Associate, Washington, D.C. The Navajo Nation is looking for a Government & Legislative Affairs Associate in its Washington Office. Minimum qualifications require a master’s degree in public policy, law, or a closely-related field and two (2) years of work experience in the legal or legislative field.  Some of the Associate’s duties include: conduct review, analysis and research on proposed and pending legislation and policy initiatives to ensure that legislation and initiatives do not adversely affect the Nation; draft budgetary and appropriations requests, legislative bills, policy proposals and position papers; prepares and provides detailed reports on activities of Congress to the Nation; advocate and communicates extensively with congressional representatives and federal agencies on the issues and positions of the Nation; analyze existing federal regulations to protect the interests of the Nation; analyze legislative, policy and budgetary initiatives developed by the federal government; provide reports to the Nation outlining the political and policy ramifications of these initiatives and provides strategic recommendation on how the Nation should address these initiatives. Please see the job announcement for more information. Applications close on May 2, 2018.

See also: ILPC Program Coordinator (posted April 16, 2018).

Last week’s post: April 13, 2018.

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer1 Comment

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.

Nevada Legal Services

Staff Attorney, Indian Law Program, Reno, N.V. The Indian Law Program is looking for an attorney to serve the 27 Native American tribes and colonies within the State of Nevada and provide a wide range of services to both tribal members and tribal governments. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Robert O’Hara, rohara@nlslaw.net.

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

Staff Attorney, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, N.Y. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing legal advice on a wide array of legal issues as assigned. The Staff Attorney shall report to the General Counsel. Application closes on Feb. 16, 2018.

Pechanga Tribal Government

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 Luiseno 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. Send resume and application to HR@PECHANGA-NSN.GOV.

Department of Justice

Assistant U.S. Attorney, Sioux Falls, S.D. United States Attorney Offices prosecute federal criminal offenses and represents the interests of the United States in civil and criminal cases. Our mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to administer and enforce the Nation’s laws to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. Closes on Feb. 22.

Northern California Intertribal Court System

Clerk of Court, Hopland, C.A. The Clerk of the Court is responsible for the administration and management of Northern California Intertribal Court System’s (NCICS) criminal and civil docket, including, but not limited to, matters referred to mediation or arbitration. The Court Clerk is also the initial point of contact for public inquiries regarding the Northern California Intertribal Court System, and is responsible for other duties assigned by the Court Operations Manager.

NCICS Court Operation Manager , Hopland, C.A. The Northern California Intertribal Court System (NCICS) Tribal Court Operations Manager is responsible for the administration of tribal court operations, programs, and services.  The Tribal Court Operations Manager works closely with tribal leaders of the NCICS Judicial Council, Judges, tribal attorneys, court clerks, probation officers, tribal advocates, and county Judges and court administrators.  The Tribal Court Operations Manager supervises and manages all daily operations of the NCICS including but not limited to, preparing the court budget, maintaining court security, overseeing court reports, managing public information, and maintaining records.  The Tribal Court Operations Manager is also responsible for the supervision and management of all court staff.  The Tribal Court Operations Manager reports to and is directed by the Chair of the Judicial Council and the NCICS’ governing body – a Judicial Council appointed by the governing bodies of the four consortium Tribes.

Tohono O’odham Nation

Attorney Prosecutor, Sells, A.Z. The attorney presents criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating the laws or ordinances of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Entry-level attorneys are welcome.

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Student Law Intern, Petoskey, M.I. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) Prosecutor’s Office is seeking one unpaid summer law clerk funded through your school or other external sources.  The Prosecutor’s Office handles criminal, civil, child welfare and natural resource cases. The Tribal Prosecutor is looking for applications from students interested in working on a huge variety of legal issues. No prior Indian law classes are required, but a genuine interest in Indian law and strong legal research and writing skills are necessary. Please email cover letter and resume and writing sample to Human Resources at hr@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov and state your GPA in your cover letter.

Previous Friday Job Announcements: Feb. 9, 2018.

Child Welfare Staff Attorney Position at Nebraska Appleseed

Kate Fort

Job Announcement

Staff Attorney – Child Welfare Program

Organization Profile

Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all. Appleseed takes a systemic approach to complex issues – such as children’s welfare, immigration policy, affordable health care, and poverty – and takes its work wherever it can do the most good, whether that’s at the courthouse, at the statehouse, or in the community. For more information visit neappleseed.org.

Nebraska Appleseed is an equal opportunity employer; people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, individuals with personal experience in the child welfare system, and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Nebraska Appleseed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Position Summary

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for working with the Child Welfare Program Director to identify and develop legal and policy solutions to issues impacting Nebraska’s child welfare system. The focus of the work will be on reforming the state’s child welfare system to make sure it supports children and families who need its intervention, and that intervention does not contribute to problems. The Staff Attorney will engage in policy research and analysis, legal research and litigation, and resource development. This position will report to the Child Welfare Program Director, and will work closely with staff attorneys in other programs and the Child Welfare Program Associate. This is a full-time position based in our office in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Responsibilities:

The Staff Attorney will work with the Child Welfare Program Director to carry out the objectives of the program. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Identifying laws and policies that negatively affect the welfare of Nebraska children and working with Child Welfare Program Director, Legal Director, and other staff attorneys to develop and conduct impact or class action litigation to remedy problems.
  • Conducting policy research and analysis focused on the legal aspects of key issues affecting Nebraska’s child welfare system, as well as drafting and providing testimony to the Legislature and administrative agencies.
  • Developing legal resources and providing technical assistance, including amicus curiae briefs, for a network of “on the ground” juvenile court attorneys.
  • Developing educational materials (e.g., reports, fact sheets, presentations, policy briefs) for key stakeholders.
  • Learning from community members and community partners about issues and potential systemic solutions.
  • Supervising law clerks and interns, and advising intake coordinator on child welfare intakes.
  • Participating, as needed, in administrative tasks and program teams.

Qualifications:

  • Licensed to practice law in Nebraska or be willing to take necessary steps to be licensed.
  • Excellent legal research, analytic, and writing skills.
  • Creative thinking. The ability to develop novel legal theories and strategies to address complex problems.
  • Ability to work independently, be organized and detail oriented.
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively build and maintain community relationships.
  • Experience in or demonstrated commitment to public interest law and advocacy on behalf of children.
  • Knowledge and awareness of local, regional, and national issues facing child welfare.
  • Three years experience practicing law strongly preferred but exceptional recent graduates will be considered.
  • Legal experience in litigation and the areas of child welfare and juvenile law, administrative law, civil rights, and/or appellate practice preferred.
  • Experience with legislative and administrative advocacy preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive nonprofit salary based on experience and benefits including health, vision, dental, 401(k), and vacation.

To Apply

Position is open until filled. Target start date is March 2017. Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of three references to Elizabeth Hutchison at ehutchison@neappleseed.org or mail to: Nebraska Appleseed Child Welfare Staff Attorney search, Nebraska Appleseed, 941 “O” Street, Suite 920, Lincoln, NE 68508 by Friday, Jan. 20. If you have any questions or need additional time to submit materials, please contact Elizabeth Hutchison at 402-438-8853, ext. 122.