tribal law

Christiana Ochoa on the Rights of Nature

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Christiana Ochoa has posted “Nature’s Rights,” forthcoming in the Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law, on SSRN.

The abstract:

Do forests and rivers possess standing to sue? Do mountain ranges have substantive rights? A recent issue of The Judges’ Journal, a preeminent publication for American judges, alerts the bench, bar, and policymakers to the rapidly emerging “rights of nature,” predicting that state and federal courts will increasingly see claims asserting such rights. Within the United States, Tribal law has begun to legally recognize the rights of rivers, mountains, and other natural features. Several municipalities across the United States have also acted to recognize the rights of nature. United States courts have not yet addressed the issue, though in 2017, a Colorado District Court dismissed a suit claiming rights for the Colorado River ecosystem. Meanwhile, fourteen foreign countries have extended standing and substantive rights to nature, and that number is growing quickly. This international trend matters because U.S. Supreme Court Justices, including Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer, have argued that American courts should note and address cutting-edge legal developments in foreign jurisdictions.

This Article provides the key foundational and theoretical basis for recognizing the rights of nature. It explores the intellectual and precedential basis for accepting nature’s rights, surveying developments in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and providing the only comprehensive survey of all legal systems that currently recognize such rights. It traces the geographic, theoretical, and practical development of the idea of nature’s rights, illustrating that human thought regarding the intrinsic value and rights of nature has evolved significantly since our common law on the issue was established. This Article thus provides the intellectual, moral, and philosophical grounding for students, clerks, judges, and lawmakers facing questions about extending rights to nature.

Elizabeth Reese on the Exclusion of Tribal Law from “American Law”

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Elizabeth Reese has posted “The Other American Law,” forthcoming from the Stanford Law Review, on SSRN.

Here is the abstract:

American legal scholarship focuses, almost exclusively, on state and federal law. However, there are an additional 574 federally recognized tribal governments within the United States whose laws are largely ignored. This article brings to the fore the exclusion of tribal governments and their laws from our mainstream conception of “American law” and identifies this exclusion as both an inconsistent omission and a missed opportunity. Tribal law should be no less “American law” than federal and state law. Tribal law is also made, enforced, and followed by American citizens, and tribal governments have a distinct place as a sub-sovereign within the American system of overlapping sovereigns. Nor is it clearly less important, as tribes govern millions of Americans and as much land as California. And yet, tribal law is excluded from our shared conception of “American law”—and thereby our research projects, classrooms, and even conversations. This exclusion perpetuates the “othering” of tribal law and governments and harmful present day misunderstandings or invisibilities for both Indian people and their governments. Tribal governments were previously delegitimized and described as “lawless” in order to legitimize legal theories of conquest. But tribal law is real, and it is time to end its marginalization. Moreover, tribal law is vast, varied, and can be innovative. As demonstrated by the three examples in this piece, tribal governments struggle with the same kinds of problems that the other American sovereigns face, and their similarities, differences, successes, failures, innovations, etc. can inform other American sovereign’s work or public law questions more broadly. Omitting tribal law from American legal scholarship is not only a troubling inconsistency, it is a missed opportunity to tap a potentially valuable resource—a disservice to the search for good government ideas. Tribal law belongs in the mainstream study of American law and legal systems. This article places it there.

Highly recommended!

Friday Job Announcements

Monica Williamson

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,
    • closing date,
    • and any other pertinent details such as links to application;
  2. An attached PDF job announcement.

Please send all job announcements in this requested format.

Legal Opportunities

Pueblo of Laguna

Associate Judge, Dept: Pueblo Court; Application is open until filled.

Public Defender, Dept: Pueblo Court; Application is open until filled.

Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions at www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov or you can contact the Human Resources office at (505) 552-6654.

The Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court

Presenting Officer, Pueblo of Isleta, Albuquerque, NM. This individual will be responsible to act as the legal representation for the Pueblo of Isleta Social Services Department, Truancy Department, and Children’s Intervention Officer in matters where court and/or legal interventions are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the Pueblo of Isleta community members. All interested individuals can request a copy of the “Request for Letter of Interest” instructions.  Details are in the attached advertisement. The Letter of Interest package must reach the Pueblo of Isleta Procurement Office no later than 3:00 pm MST, Thursday, November 14, 2019.

U.S. Department of the Interior

Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Solicitor, Washington, D.C. The attorney provides legal advice to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Duties include advising the Bureau on matters related to the law enforcement program, litigation, preparing transactional agreements, FOIA review, and drafting legal memoranda and opinions. Please see the link below for a full description of duties and requirements on usajobs.gov. The announcement number is SOL-2020-0002. The solicitation closes on October 30, 2019.

Earthjustice

Research and Policy Analyst, Los Angeles, CA. Supports the CA Regional Office’s programmatic focus on air pollution and clean energy issues in California by: developing the factual basis for lawsuits, writing and editing comment letters and other advocacy documents, representing Earthjustice in advocacy work with government decision makers, and developing and maintaining relationships with clients and other partners.  Please see the job description for more information.

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Legal Aid Attorney, Intimate Partner Violence Survivors (IPVS), Pendleton, OR. Serve women suffering from or at risk for any of the following: domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking. The IPVS Attorney will advise and if necessary represent eligible clients as they exercise their legal rights to be free from and protected against perpetrators of Domestic Violence (DV). The IPVS Attorney will also develop programmatic materials as needed prioritizing legal materials and resources, and enhance existing legal services to eligible clients. Application closes October 30, 2019. See the position description or visit the website for more information and to apply.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Chief Judge, J-2147; Colville Tribal Court.  This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.

Senior Staff Attorney, 2 positions J-8937; Colville Confederated Tribes, Nespelem, WA.  Will provide complex legal services to handle significant legal matters for the Office of Reservation Attorneys. Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package, Salary will be negotiated. This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.

Deputy Prosecutor,  J-8821; Colville Tribal Court, Nespelem, WA. Represent 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 Public Defender, J-8791; Colville Tribal Court and Court of Appeals, Nespelem, WA. Represent 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, J-8668; Colville Confederated Tribes Legal Office, Nespelem, WA. 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 or you can contact judy.zunie@colvilletribes.com.

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Staff Attorney, Cloquet, MN. The Staff Attorney provides general legal services to the Band. The Staff Attorney’s responsibilities include contract drafting, litigation, working with administrative agencies, preparing tribal ordinances, and other duties assigned by the Tribal Attorney.  To apply, please submit a resume and any other supporting documentation to: Fond du Lac Human Resources, 1720 Big Lake Road, Cloquet, MN 55720.

WI Judicare

Legal Advocate, Wausau, WI (can work remotely). This position is part of the Violence Against Women Act Legal Assistance to Victims grant. The Legal Advocate will also directly assist the Lead VAWA Attorney in her representation of Native American survivors of violence. Please see the position description for more information.

DNA Legal Services

Multiple Positions, Farmington, N.M. DNA-People’s Legal Services (DNA) is a non-profit law office committed to providing high quality legal services to persons living in poverty on the Navajo, Hopi and Jicarilla Apache Reservations, and in parts of Northern Arizona, Northwest New Mexico, and Southern Utah. DNA is one of the largest Indian legal service organizations in the country. We currently have openings for attorneys in all of our offices. We also have summer law clerk positions – fellowship funded positions, volunteer positions, or Work-Study positions – in all of our offices. If you are interested in applying for a position please email your resume and cover letter to Rodolfo. D. Sanchez, DNA – People’s Legal Services Executive Director at rsanchez@dnalegalservices.org.

 

Leadership Opportunities

Center for Indian Country Development (CICD)

Assistant Vice President, Minneapolis, MN. The CICD at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis supports the economic strength of Native communities. This position is a senior member of the leadership team leading the development of the department’s portfolio of policy work and research agenda in Indian Country, and contributes to the overall strategic direction of the department, informing senior Bank leadership on economic and tribal development issues, and building external networks and partnerships, particularly with tribal community members and researchers. For more information, please see the position description or to apply. This position is open until filled.

The Suquamish Tribe

Forestry Program Manager, Dept. of Natural Resources, Suquamish, WA. The Forestry Program Manager is responsible for the management and oversight of the Forestry Program on the Port Madison Indian Reservation and works directly with the Natural Resources Director in setting priorities and implementing actions.  The incumbent manages and mentors program staff, updates and implements the Port Madison Indian Reservation Forest Management Plan, develops and manages program budgets and grants, evaluates program capacity and needs, and develops strategies to address priorities.

Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP)

Chief Administrative Officer, Bethel, AK. We are looking for that rare combination of hard and soft skills that will guide our administrative teams in this period of innovation, as we build systemic efficiency and provide more effective services to our tribal members. The CAO is responsible for directing and evaluating the ongoing administrative operations of the organization, including oversight and responsibility for the fiscal functions of AVCP. Direct experience in non-profit work with tribes or with predominantly government-grant-funded organizations preferred. For more information, please see the position description; to apply, click here. Position open until filled, with review of applicants every 2 weeks.

Student Opportunities

Michigan Indian Legal Services

(3) Summer Legal Interns/Externs, Traverse City and Southwest Michigan offices. MILS is willing to work with interns/externs who need to work remotely. MILS is also willing to work with law school to help law students complete externship credit hour requirements or funding, and will accept applications regardless of year. Open until filled. Please see the position description for more information.

Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians

Summer 2020 Law Intern, Valley Center, CA. The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians is seeking a law student (or two) who are interested in learning about practicing Native American law on a reservation. In your ten-weeks here, you will be exposed to a broad range of on-going issues, follow cases in litigation, research and write memos on issues, assist in writing and updating ordinances and policies for the Rincon Band, and other projects requested by the Attorney General. Qualified applicants should submit their resume, transcript, writing sample and cover letter to lmckee@rincon-nsn.gov.

National Indian Gaming Commission

Intern, Washington, D.C. Under the supervision of the Office of General Counsel attorneys, interns may assist with a variety of matters, including legal research and writing for legal advisory opinions and other memoranda; reviewing tribal gaming ordinances, proposed management contracts, and other tribal submissions; and providing legal support in enforcement actions and appeals. The intern will be assigned at least one major research and writing project. The intern is expected to work 40 hours per week and will be paid at a GS-7 step 1 equivalent rate. Optionally, at the selected applicant’s request, the internship can be converted to an unpaid externship for law school credit. The announcement closes on November 15, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP

Law Clerk, Oakland, CA. The position could either begin part time (exact hours negotiable) during Spring 2020 and convert to full time during Summer 2020, or solely be a full-time Summer 2020 position. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school and a second year law students. Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred. To apply: interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and unofficial law school transcript to Ms. Bethany Sullivan at bsullivan@jmandmplaw.com by November 22, 2019. See the job description for more information.

Requests

Bishop Tribal Council

RFP, Contract Chief Judge, Bishop, CA. The Tribe has received the Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court grant and the Judge will be responsible to lead development and implementation of this grant. Submission deadline is November 15, 2019. For more information please see the announcement.

Hoopa Valley Tribal Court

RFQ, contractual Domestic Violence Attorney, Northern California, 95546. Legal assistance services, notification of key proceeding dates, assistance with restitution advocacy, assistance with victim impact statements, emergency legal assistance for filing restraining or protective orders, and obtaining emergency custody order and visitation rights. Statements must be received by October 31, 2019.

The Shivwits Band of Paiutes’ Shivwits Band Corporation

RFP, Economic Development Coordinator, Ivins, UT. Oversee economic development for the Corporation. Main duties will include general oversight of the Shivwits Convenience Store, establishment of concessions and equipment rentals at Fire Lake Reservoir, and other economic development activities. Closing date is November 20, 2019.

The Yakama Nation Housing Authority

RFP, Wapato, WA. Requesting legal services pertaining to Indian housing issues in the following specialties: Real Estate, NAHASDA, Employment, Finance/Development and Legislative. Individuals or firms may send a proposal for one or as many specialties of their choosing. RFP package may be obtained electronically from: alfred@ynha.com. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 2:00 pm November 13, 2019. See the job announcement for more information.

 

See posts from October 11, 2019.

 

ILPC/TICA Panel – Tribal Employment and #MeToo

Monica Williamson

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Register and join us for the ILPC/TICA 16th Annual Indigenous Law Conference at the MSU College of Law

If you would like to sponsor this presentation or others, please contact Tribal In-House Counsel Association President Doreen McPaul at dmcpaul@nndoj.org.

For information about the agenda, sponsorships, and registration visit the event page.

Friday Job Announcements

Monica Williamson

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.

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Counselor (Substance Abuse/Adult & Child), Four Directions Treatment & Recovery Center, Mescalero, NM. Provides counseling services to adults, children and families with mental health and/or substance abuse problems or domestic violence in individual, family, or group sessions. Please see the job description for more information, and a full job description is available upon request. This position is open until filled.

Treatment & Rehab Center Executive Director, Mescalero, NM. Oversee existing services provided and oversee Mescalero Systems of Care, the Violence Against Women Office, the Suicide Prevention Program, Foster Care Licensing Program, Indian Child Welfare Act Office, and Tribal Social Services. A complete position description will be provided upon request. This position is open until filled.

Rosette, LLP

Associate Attorney, Grand Rapids, MI.  This firm specializes in representing federally recognized Indian tribes, their governmental entities and agencies, and businesses. The ideal candidate must be willing to travel and work on client matters throughout the United States.  Application closes July 31, 2019. For more information please see the job description.

Pueblo of Laguna

Associate Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Courts / Prosecutor’s Office, Laguna, NM. Under general administrative direction of the Court Prosecutor, presents/files criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating criminal laws, including status offenses the Pueblo of Laguna laws, codes, and/or ordinances of the Pueblo. For more information please see the job description or click here. Application is open until filled.

Court Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Courts / Prosecutor’s Office, Laguna, NM. Under administrative supervision of the Governor, presents/files criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating ordinances of the Pueblo. Application is open until filled. For more information please see the job description or click here.

Mille Lacs Band

Law Clerk PT, Onamia, MN. The part-time position is responsible for assisting the Tribal Court judiciary with legal research, drafting of court decisions and special court development projects.  Work will be performed remotely from 16 to 20 hours a week with initial and periodic meetings at the work site (Tribal Court) with District Court Judge and/or Staff Attorney. This position is open until filled. Please see the description for more information.

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. For more information please see the job description.

Intertribal Court of Southern California

Court Services Administrative Assistant, Valley Center, CA. This position has secondary responsibility for all court clerical duties including greeting visitors upon arrival, answering, screening, and forwarding incoming phone calls, taking and relaying messages and more. For more information please see the job description.

Tribal Youth Court Coordinator, Valley Center, CA. Develop and implement programs tailored to meet the needs of youth offenders and manage their individual cases for compliance with case plans. This position also performs a variety of court-support tasks. For more information please see the job description.

Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians

Tribal Law Enforcement Director, Redwood Valley, CA. This position hires, trains, and supervises department employees, participates in grant management, is responsible for the supervision and scheduling of Tribal community building security patrols, and more. For more information please see the job description. Closing Date August 2nd 2019.

Port Madison Enterprises

Paralegal, Suquamish WA. Assist in the management and conduct of the analysis of policy issues, proposed tribal, state or federal legislation, or other items of special concern to the PME Legal Department, the Port Madison Enterprises Executives, or the Port Madison Enterprises Board of Directors. Please see the job description for more information or click here.

Sitka Tribe of Alaska

General Assistance Caseworker, Sitka, AK. Responsibility of day to day management of BIA financial assistance programs. Management of general assistance clients clients in assisting them with individualized case plans to work toward self sufficiency. For more information please see the job description.

The Navajo Nation Legislative Branch

RFP. Seeking a Consultant for Governmental Lobbying Services to the Navajo Nation Council in relation to the 2020 and 2021 New Mexico and Utah Legislative Sessions. (RFP-NM Lobbyist-7567) (RFP-UT Lobbyist-7568). The Office of the Navajo Nation Speaker (OOS) will be accepting all proposals from qualified consultants. Interested parties shall obtain more information from the Office of the Speaker. Due Date of RFP Proposals is Friday, July 26, 2019 at 5:00 PM. This procurement process is a combined technical qualifications and cost-based selection. Send inquiries and questions to Lashawna Tso, MPA, Chief of Staff lrtso@navajo-nsn.gov |  928.871.7160.

Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS)

Pro Bono Assistant, Traverse City, MI. This is a two-year, grant-funded position. The Pro Bono Assistant will support the implementation of MILS’s new pro bono program by working with the MILS staff to develop and implement a statewide pro bono program targeting late-career and retired attorneys to provide community legal education, mentor MILS staff attorneys, and provide direct client representation. For more information see the description.

Program Associate, Climate & Energy, Washington, DC. Support the Vice President of Litigation, Climate & Energy, in developing and monitoring projects underway as part of the Climate & Energy program; Convene and coordinate teams and workgroups from various programs; Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and debriefings; and more. The application has a rolling deadline. Please see the job description or click here for more information.

Tribal Court Public Defense Clinic, University of Washington School of Law

Staff Attorney, Tulalip/Seattle, WA. The purpose of the position of part-time Staff Attorney is to provide in-person support to the Tribal Court Public Defense Clinic (TCPDC) team by staffing the Tulalip Tribal Court office and appearing in court during court calendars where the full time public defenders are engaged in teaching related activities. The position is open until filled. Please see the job description and application on the UW Human Resources Website for more information.

Pueblo of Sandia

Assistant General Counsel – Water, Environment & Natural Resources, Albuquerque, NM. Serves as a key member of the Pueblo’s legal team. Responsibilities will cover a wide range of legal matters that would typically confront a tribal general counsel’s office, including: providing a diverse range of legal advice to the Pueblo; performing high level legal research and analysis in various areas of law and policy specifically in relation to water and environmental law and policies; and serving as the primary contact and expert for the Pueblo’s water and natural resource legal matters, subject to the direction and oversight of the General Counsel. For more information see the website.

See posts from June 28, 2019.

Friday Job Announcements

Monica Williamson

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.

Quinault Indian Nation

Senior Assistant Attorney General for Children and Elder Services, Taholah, WA (Quinault Indian Reservation). This in-house counsel position is responsible for providing the Quinault Nation’s children’s an elders’ program with an array of legal services. Work closely with the Quinault Family Services Department, the Quinault Child Support Services Program, the Quinault Tribal Police Department, and other tribal departments. This position is open until filled. For more information please see the job description.

Mescalero Apache Tribe

Economic Development (ED) Coordinator, Mescalero, NM. The ED Coordinator works primarily in capacity building of economic activity for the Tribe to implement economic development initiatives, including facilitating community and economic development in order to identify and establish economic development opportunities.  Please see the position description for more information. This position is open until filled.

Pueblo of Laguna

Associate Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Courts / Prosecutor’s Office, Laguna, NM. Presents/files criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating criminal laws, including status offenses the Pueblo of Laguna laws, codes, and/or ordinances of the Pueblo. The application is open until filled. Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions.

Court Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Courts / Prosecutor’s Office, Laguna, NM. Presents/files criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating ordinances of the Pueblo. The application is open until filled. Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan 

Criminal Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA), Grand Rapids, MI. Assignments in this district may cover the full range of federal offenses, including child exploitation, drug, firearm, immigration and white collar crimes, and will encompass responses to collateral attacks and appeals. Criminal Division AUSAs are responsible for substantial legal research and writing, both at the trial and appellate levels. Please see the job description or click here for more information. Application closes July 8, 2019.

Wind River Inter-Tribal Council

Chief Judge, Fort Washakie, WY.  A high degree of personal responsibility for sound, independent judgement and for decisions concerning the total scope of the Tribal Court Program. Serves as the Chief Judge for Court established and recognized by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes. Serves by appointment for a term not exceeding four (4) years. For more information please see the job description or contact the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council Human Resource Office, (307) 335-2070. This position is open until filled.

Chief Finance Officer, Fort Washakie, WY. Primary responsibility is the overall management of all federal, state and county contracts and grants including completion of all cost reporting requirements in accordance within each funding agency’s policy. Establish long range goals, strategies, and plans and policies. Formulate the internal budget and monitor the Inter-Tribal operations, payroll, budget endorsements and fiscal control. For more information please see the job description or contact the Wind River Inter-Tribal Council Human Resource Office, (307) 335-2070. This position is open until filled.

The Northwest Justice Project

Sponsored Fellowship. Third-year law students and recent law graduates can apply for a two-year public interest legal fellowship (such as Equal Justice Works or Skadden Fellowships) beginning in the fall of 2020. The fellow will work closely with NJP to develop a two-year project that will expand NJP’s capacity to confront poverty and meet the legal needs of Washington’s low income communities. The application deadline is July 20, 2019. For more information please see the position description.

National American Indian Court Judges Association

Program Attorney, Boulder, CO. NAICJA seeks an experienced Program Attorney responsible for researching, designing and implementing continuing judicial education programs. Manage and oversee federal grants, including supervision of program coordinator; Oversee the coordination of grant and project deliverables; and more. For more information please see the position description. Closing date is August 5, 2019.

The Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign

Coordinator, Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign, Washington, D.C. The ARDC is comprised of a coalition of non-profit organizations working to permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas development. The Coordinator will serve as a core member of the Campaign Team by assisting the Director and Deputy Director in the day to day operations of the campaign. For more information please see the job description. This application is open until filled.

The University of New Mexico School of Law

Visiting Professor, Albuquerque, NM. Teach Southwest Indian Law Clinic during the Fall 2019 semester. Applications close on July 12, 2019. Please see more details, including how to apply, here.

Tohono O’Odham Nation

(2) Assistant Attorney General, Sells, AZ. The Office of Attorney General represents the Tohono O’odham Nation in litigation and other legal matters. Specific areas of need for the Office of Attorney General are healthcare law and contracts. For more information please see the position description.

Karuk Tribe

General Counsel, Happy Camp/Yreka, CA. Provide legal and policy advice to the Tribal Council and Tribal Departments regarding advancement and defense of the Tribe’s sovereignty. Oversee the creation and development of the tribal legal department, supervise all staff within the department, and provide oversight for all legal partnerships with the Tribe. Please see job announcement for more information. The application is available at www.karuk.us. Applications close on July 10, 2019.

 

See posts from June 21, 2019.

American Indian Children and The Law

Monica Williamson

American Indian Children and the Law by Kathryn “Kate” E. Fort, Director of the Indian Law Clinic at Michigan State University College of Law, is now available. Click here to order.

book.jpeg

“Introduction: This casebook is the result of years of discussions with Native lawyers, law students, families, tribal leaders, and professors. Because Native children and families continue to be the subject of constant litigation and federal policy changes, this book changed dramatically in the years as it was being written. The actions of federal and state governments against Native children — removing them from their families, culture, language, and communities — has had far ranging implications for generations of families. This casebook discusses the consequences of those actions and the tribal responses to them.”

Monday Job Announcements

Monica Williamson

Sorry for the delay and any inconveniences it may have caused.

Any posts received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that week’s announcements. If you would like to submit a post for an open Indian law or leadership job, please send the following to indigenous@law.msu.edu:

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

 

Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

Tribal Child Support Attorney, Juneau, AK. Prepare legal documents; update policy and procedures; review cases; provide legal and technical assistance; and more. For more information please see the job description and click here to apply. Application closes May 31, 2019.

Child Welfare Attorney, Juneau, AK. Provide effective consultation and legal advice to the Tribe relating to the ICWA and child welfare matters. Responsible for preparation and filing of legal briefs, motions, petitions, orders, etc., as needed in child welfare hearings. For more information please see the job description and click here to apply. Application closes May 31, 2019.

The Shoshone Bannock Tribes

Assistant Tribal Prosecutor, Fort Hall, ID. The Assistant Prosecutor investigates, compiles, and presents cases in the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Court. The caseload is mainly focused on criminal matters, but will include juvenile, child support, child protection, and other cases as assigned. The Assistant Prosecutor completes work in compliance with the Shoshone-Bannock Law and Order Code; Ordinances; Resolutions; and internal protocols, policies, and procedures. For more information please see the job description. The application closes May 31, 2019.

Yakama Nation

Staff Attorney I, Office of Legal Counsel, Toppenish, WA. Assert and defend the Yakama Nation’s inherent sovereign and Treaty-reserved rights and interests related to fish and wildlife, natural resources, cultural resources, healthcare, employment, taxation, economic development, and land use planning, to name a few. All applications must be received by May 30, 2019. For more information please see the job description.

Attorney, Public Defender-Legal Aid Services Program, Toppenish, WA. Employee is responsible for providing a full range of legal services to tribal members in areas such as, criminal, dependency, children’s court, fish and game, civil, family and Federal Indian Law matters, as assigned by the Lead Attorney-Program Manager. Application closes May 31, 2019. Please see the job description or visit the website for more information. Find the application here.

Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker, LLP

Associate Attorney, Portland, OR. Hobbs Straus specializes in Federal Indian Law and has worked for over 35 years to realize positive change in Indian Country.  Our attorneys are dedicated to promoting and defending sovereign rights, expanding opportunities for tribes, and improving the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. For more information please see the job description.

Morongo Band of Mission Indians

Victims Crime Project Attorney, Banning, CA. Under the direction of the In-House Counsel, the Victims of Crime Project Attorney will provide holistic legal assistance to victims of nuisance, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. For more information, please see the job description.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Civil Attorney, Tribal Prosecutor’s Office, Pablo, MT.The Attorney shall prosecute child protection cases and in other civil cases such as guardianships, mental health commitments, and child support enforcement actions, as needed. Application closes June 13, 2019. Click here for more information or see the job description.

Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas

Tribal Court Receptionist, Eagle Pass, TX.  Operates a switchboard and relays incoming, outgoing and interoffice calls; greets and directs incoming visitors in a courteous manner and sorts and distributes mail. Ensures efficient and professional processing of all assigned responsibilities. For more information please see the job description.

Community Supervision Officer, Eagle Pass, TX. Under general supervision, performs professional correction work supervising adults and juveniles placed on probation or in detention by the courts. Work involves assessing probationers, meeting with probationers to ensure adherence to terms of probation, and maintaining records of probationers’ activities and status. For more information please see the job description.

Paralegal, Eagle Pass, TX. Temporary position. Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action. For more information please see the job description.

Domestic Violence Advocate I, Eagle Pass, TX. Responsible for assessing client needs, planning care, coordinating and facilitating the plan, evaluating and re-evaluating the actions required to meet the client’s health and human services’ needs. For more information please see the job description.

Domestic Violence Advocate II, Eagle Pass, TX. Acts as the liaison between victims of domestic violence, therapists, physicians, and other health care or social service agencies. For more information please see the job description.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Associate Judge, Tucson, AZ. Responsible for fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Constitution and on matters assigned by the Chief Judge. Application closes May 31, 2019. For more information see the job description or click here.

Pueblo of Laguna

Court Prosecutor, Laguna, NM. Under administrative supervision of the Governor, presents/files criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating ordinances of the Pueblo. Consistently applies the Pueblo’s Core Values in support of Workforce Excellence. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. Application closes May 24, 2019. For more information please see the job description.

Attorney, Laguna, NM. Under the direct administrative supervision of the Government Affairs Director, 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 Pueblo government. Application closes May 24, 2019. For more information please see the job description.

Associate Prosecutor, Dept: Pueblo Courts / Prosecutor’s Office, Laguna, NM. Under general administrative direction of the Court Prosecutor, presents/files criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating criminal laws, including status offenses the Pueblo of Laguna laws, codes, and/or ordinances of the Pueblo. Closing date for application submission May 28, 2019. For more information please see the job description.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Request for Legal Services Proposal (RFP), Office Of Public Gaming, Tulsa, OK.The contractor will provide counsel to the Commission on all matters relating to IGRA and its compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Closing date is August 1, 2019. Click here for more information.

Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise

Assistant General Counsel, Sahuarita, AZ.Provide legal counsel, advice, and prepresentation to the Gaming Enterise on a diverse range of issues. In addition, provide policy guidance to employees and assist in finding legal/business solutions. For more information, please see the job description.

Midwest Environmental Advocates

Executive Director, Madison, WI. Seeking a passionate and strategic leader committed to building upon our 20-year legacy of protecting public rights. A successful candidate will grow and strengthen the organization through advancement of the organizational vision, effective management, strong communication, and resource development. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please see the job description for more information.

Navajo Nation

Staff Attorney, Chinle Judicial District, Chinle AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.

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.

Ute Indian Tribe

Chief Judge, Fort Duchesne, UT. The Chief Judge oversees the administration of the Judicial Branch, which includes the management of all tribal court operations, budget planning and submittal, maintenance of records and case files. The application will remain open until the position is filled.  For more information please see the job description.

 

See posts from May 10, 2019.