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.

Association of Village Council Presidents

Associate General Counsel, A.K. The Association of Village Council Presidents is searching for an Associate General Counsel to conduct typical in-house counsel duties, provide legal advice to a wide range of social services departments, help ensure federal grant compliance, and research issues pertaining to tribal law. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Alaska or be able to become admitted to practice law in Alaska within one year of hire. Three years of experience in corporate, non-profit, or Native law preferred. Please see the announcement for more information.

Colorado River Indian Tribes

Associate Judge, Parker, A.Z. The Colorado River Indian Tribes is seeking an Associate Judge. The Associate Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial cases and matters within the jurisdiction of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Court pursuant to the CRIT Tribal Laws, Codes, Rules and regulations as assigned by Chief Judge. Applications close on November 30, 2018. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Swinomish Indian Tribe

Staff Attorney, Swinomish Village, W.A. The Office of Tribal Attorney advises and represents the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in Federal, Swinomish and State courts. The Office of Tribal Attorney has seven attorneys and four legal assistants, and provides legal services covering a broad range of Tribal government, economic development, natural resource and Federal Indian law issues.  The Office’s practice includes legal advice, document drafting and collaboration with a wide range of Swinomish policy committees, departments and entities.  The Office’s work includes contract preparation and review; drafting ordinances; economic development activities; intergovernmental issues; treaty hunting and fishing rights and management; reservation lands governance and management; water rights; environmental protection; and Indian gaming, housing and utilities, among other areas.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school; preferably be currently licensed to practice in Washington, but consideration will be given to applicants able to become licensed to practice in Washington within six months of employment through reciprocity or passing the Washington Bar Exam; have or promptly obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license; have excellent written, oral, research and analytical skills; have strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills and an ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural work environment; work well and bring flexibility to a fast-paced and dynamic work setting; enjoy and excel at creative problem-solving; have a demonstrated commitment to working with Native or other minority communities and/or restorative justice; and a commitment to reside on or near the Reservation. Qualified applicants must have experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject-matter areas, with at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney: drafting and negotiating contracts; drafting statutes, policies and procedures; litigation, preferably in Federal Court; representing public or private entities; legal support of incubation or operation of Tribal or commercial enterprises, including gaming, hospitality or health services;; taxation; or Indian law; and ability to use a personal computer with Office and timekeeping software and document database. Salary negotiable depending upon experience. Compensation includes a medical, dental & vision health plan, 401(k) plan, generous leave and other fringe benefits.

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. To apply, submit the following: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Employment Application (you may request this application via email); Office of Tribal Attorney Application Addendum; cover letter including an explanation of the applicant’s interest in the position, along with a current resume, the names and contact information for at least 3 professional references, and two samples of the applicant’s own independent writing to: Wendy A. Otto, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, 11404 Moorage Way, La Conner, Washington 98257, (360) 466-1134, wotto@swinomish.nsn.us.

Last week’s postings: November 16, 2018.