Job opportunity: Attorney

JOB SUMMARY
The Reservation Attorney shall work with other Attorneys in the Office of Reservation Attorney to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities. They should have experience with the legal functioning of a tribal government and be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of governmental action.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  1. Providing legal services to the Tribal government, Executive Directors, CEOs, Board of Directors, and various other departments, enterprises, commissions and committees.
  2. Must be able to practice in the area of child welfare and have familiarity with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
  3. Appear in Tribal and State Courts on behalf of the Tulalip Tribes in child welfare proceedings.
  4. Maintain the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
  5. To respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or issues in a confidential manner.
  6. Write memos, correspondence and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
  7. Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Tribal Leadership, management, public groups, and/or other governmental agencies.
  8. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
  9. Other related job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
    MINIMUM RELATED EXPERIENCE
  • One (1) year of experience practicing law or equivalent experience advocating for or providing counsel to Indian tribes or tribal communities.
  • Three (3) years of experience representing or working with Indian tribes.

See job posting for full details: Attorney-Job-Description-20250416

Job opportunity: Defense Attorney II

JOB TITLE:              Defense Attorney II
DEPARTMENT:        Defense Services Office
STATUS:                  Full-Time
CLOSING:                Open Until Filled
DESCRIPTION:       Defense Attorney II– GRIC

Job Number: 25-033
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Defense Services Office
City: Sacaton, AZ Location: 151 S. Bluebird Rd.
Area of Interest: Defense Services/ Legal Salary/
Hourly Rate: $97,305 – $167,305 Salary

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Defense Attorney II performs professional legal work involved in representing defendants in the courts of the Gila River Indian Community (“Community”) and conducting all phases of litigation from preparation through trial and appeal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Defend persons charged with offenses in the Community’s court system. 
  • Practice extensively in the courtroom arguing motions, trying cases to judges and juries, as well as occasionally arguing special actions and appeals. 
  • Perform job related legal research in areas of criminal law, including pre-trial motion practice through appellate argument. 
  • Draft legal documents for all stages of the practice of criminal law. 
  • Consult with clients and interview witnesses and potential witnesses. 
  • Participate in plea negotiations and pre-trial discovery with prosecutors. 
  • Review and analyze statutes and case law pertaining to criminal law and procedure and keep attorneys informed as to changes in the law, precedents and case applicability. 
  • Train and supervise others as assigned. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. 


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: 

  • Knowledge of Community codes and state statutes with emphasis on criminal law and procedures; 
  • Knowledge of Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. 
  • Knowledge of principles of criminal law. 
  • Knowledge of appeal procedures of the Community and other jurisdictions. 
  • Ability to analyze, appraise, research and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and present them in oral and written reports. 
  • Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material. 
  • Ability to produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling and legal citations. 
  • Ability to communicate orally in the English language with judges, attorney and the public using a telephone, in group, face-to-face, or one-to-one settings. 
  • Ability to enter and retrieve data or information from a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public. 
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.


REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing, and three (3) years’ experience as a licensed attorney (experience in defense representation preferred).

(Internal GRIC Employees) Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing, and two (2) years’ experience as a Defense Attorney I with the GRIC Defense Services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Tribal Driving Permit can be required. 
  • Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. 
  • Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Section 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly. Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position Reports to Director or designee


BENEFITS:
The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

Visit our GRIC website and apply online: www.gilariver.org

How to apply:  CLICK HERE

Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence: Call for nominations

Rod Lewis was a distinguished lawyer, family man and friend who devoted himself to the practice of law and to the service of communities across the State of Arizona and Indian Country. 

The Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence (“Rod Lewis Award”) is awarded at the discretion of the Council to a past or present member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Indian Law Section (“ILS”) who approaches personal and professional demands with honesty, integrity, courage, grace, dignity, and respect.  The Rod Lewis Award was created to recognize a lawyer who has distinguished himself or herself by making significant contributions to the field of Indian law (in any of the various areas that Indian law encompasses).  The nominee should demonstrate innovation, leadership, mentorship, and service.

Any active ILS member, including any ILS Executive Council Member, may nominate an individual for the Rod Lewis Award. To nominate an individual, please provide the following information by Friday, April 25, 2025:

  • Nomination Form
  • Curriculum vitae for the nominee, if available
  • (Optional) At least one letter of recommendation from another individual addressing why the nominee should receive the Rod Lewis Award (refer to the criteria provided above)

The list of nominees for the Rod Lewis Award will be provided to the ILS membership via a discussion posting to the State Bar of Arizona’s Online Community for the Indian Law Section. ILS members are encouraged to provide information to the ILS Executive Council regarding the nominees by contacting M. June Harris, the Rod Lewis Award Chair, at mj@mistrose.com.  

The ILS Executive Council will vote to select the Rod Lewis Award recipient at a regularly scheduled meeting of the ILS Executive Council. The Rod Lewis Award will be presented to the selected individual at the ILS Annual Meeting during the State Bar of Arizona’s Annual Convention.

Student-led analysis on key Tribal tax challenges

On April 4, ASU Law hosted a well-attended, student-led hybrid event titled “Sales Tax and Online Sales Tax Issues in Indian Country.” The program featured Derrick Beetso, Professor of Practice and Director of the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU Law, and Patrick Irvine, Adjunct Professor and attorney at Fennemore Craig, who collaborated with law students Mikaela Bledsoe Downes (2L), Imani Hicks (3L), Hunter Mallinger (2L), Morgan Oakes (3L) and Sam Phillips (2L). Together, they examined two critical tax issues affecting Indian Country and presented a white paper on: 1) dual taxation and its impact on Tribes and 2) online sales tax and its interplay with bedrock Indian law principles

These discussions underscored the far-reaching implications of these issues for tribal sovereignty, economic development and self-governance. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to critical conversations on tribal tax issues and sovereignty.

Missed the event? Review the recording and white paper.

Navigating Career Growth with Sarah Hipolito and MLS Career Services


MLS students come from a variety of professional backgrounds—some are seeking promotions, others are transitioning into new careers, and some are even launching their own businesses. No matter the path, Sarah Hipolito and the MLS Career Services team provide the guidance and support students need to turn their education into real-world opportunities.

With a passion for helping students shape their professional narratives, Sarah works closely with MLS students to refine résumés, craft compelling cover letters, and prepare for interviews. She also helps them identify strategies for career success—whether that means advancing in their current role or entering a new field.

As both a career services advisor and an academic advisor, Sarah assists students in choosing courses that align with their professional aspirations. This holistic approach ensures that students not only meet degree requirements but also gain the skills and knowledge that will support their long-term career goals.

Beyond career planning, Sarah helps MLS students confidently communicate the value of their degree to employers. She emphasizes: “It’s important that students don’t undersell themselves.”

By applying their career development skills, MLS graduates have advanced into leadership roles across diverse industries. Sarah and the MLS Career Services team are honored to have supported students along their journey, providing resources and guidance as they navigated their career paths.

Connect with Sarah and take the next step in promoting your excellence.

Interested students can contact Sarah at: Sarah.Hipolito@asu.edu

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Asunción Hampson-Medina

Asunción Hampson-Medina
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
UC Berkeley School of Law, JD ’23
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’20
Pathway to Law participant ’19

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
I really enjoyed the experience because I got to meet and speak with people in all facets of the law school experience. Professors, administrators, students, and even alumni. I think it gave me an inside look into what law school is like and the institutional support there is for Native students. It ultimately made me feel more comfortable in my decision to apply to law school.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc.) and why?
I think working with people in admissions on my personal statement was the most helpful. That in addition to the opportunities to speak with current students to learn  about their experiences and listen to their advice.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
I would highly recommend that anyone interested in law school attend the Workshop.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make sure you’ve spoken to someone who has attended law school before making your decision. Don’t be afraid to reach out to law students or current attorneys that you’ve never met before, people in the legal field love to talk! You can also feel free to reach out to me anytime, I’m happy to help.

Read more success stories: From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Submit your application by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

The Native American Pathway to Law team is excited to host a five-day Pathway to Law Workshop at the University of Wisconsin Law School on June 3–7, 2025. This workshop provides aspiring law students with valuable resources, including application review, LSAT preparation, financial aid guidance, and more—all in a non-recruitment environment designed to support Indigenous students on their legal journey.

For many, Pathway to Law has been a pivotal step toward law school. Five ambassadors share how this program solidified their commitment to pursuing a legal career and gave them the tools to strengthen their law school application:

Damian Shapes Padilla, Pathway to Law ’18
Chad Edwards, Pathway to Law ’19
Asunción Hampson-Medina, Pathway to Law ’19
Ariana Romeo, Pathway to Law ’21
Mexica Torrez-Miner, Pathway to Law ’23

Their success ensures that future Native American students grow up seeing leaders who look like them, reinforcing the power of possibility and shaping the future of Indian Country.

Aspiring Native law students—this is your chance! Apply today and take the first step toward a legal career that uplifts and protects Indian Country.

Apply by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Ariana Romeo

Ariana Romeo
Tohono O’odham Nation
Stanford Law School , JD Candidate ’26
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’23
Pathway to Law participant ’21

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
My experiences working in Indian Affairs policy inspired me to apply to law school but at the time, I was going to be the first in my family to do so. Since I had no idea where to begin, I applied to the PTL Workshop after hearing about the program from other Native professionals I had worked with––and I’m so glad that I did. The Workshop not only provided me with a detailed overview of the admissions process, but it also connected me with supportive mentors and supplied me with the LSAT training I needed to feel confident on my test day.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc.) and why?
The Workshop truly informed every aspect of my law school application. I applied to the Workshop with a draft personal statement and worked on it with my admissions mentor to turn it into a stronger, more compelling version. Since these statements can be highly personal, I appreciated the opportunity to receive feedback from someone who could relate to Native students and the difficult themes they might write about. I also followed the Workshop’s admissions strategy, which encourages applicants to get their materials in early and to work from a list of schools that they help you compile––this proved successful, and I wouldn’t have known to do this if I hadn’t attended the Workshop. And finally, the Workshop’s LSAT prep course was a lasting form of generosity that I wasn’t expecting. As someone who hadn’t taken a test in years, I needed all the support I could get. 

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
The Workshop is structured for students or professionals who are considering law school but are not sure what it entails or how to get there. Even if you’re on the fence about law school, do not hesitate to apply. The Workshop helps you figure out if this is a professional path you want to commit yourself to and provides the resources you need to feel informed about the application cycle. And since it’s free to attend, you will regret not going!

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Apply! And once you’re in, don’t be afraid to ask questions or get to know those involved in the program. You’d be shocked by how many other applicants have “insider” knowledge of admissions process, and this Workshop places you on a level playing field. Even if you finish the Workshop and decide law school isn’t for you, it’s still another great program for Native networking.

Read more success stories: From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Submit your application by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Chad Edwards

Chad Edwards
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Indian Legal Program, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law,
Arizona State University, JD ’23
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’20
Pathway to Law participant ’19

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
I would not be where I am had I not gone to the Pathway to law school. When I first applied to law school I did it all wrong. I sent in my applications late, I have a bad resume and personal statement and I only applied to 2 schools. I didn’t know what I was doing and I did not get any acceptance letters but thankfully Kate Rosier saw something in my application to ASU. She called me and advised me that I should attend the Pathway to Law School.

During the program itself, I was able to grow my network immensely, and I made friends and mentors that I still have today. It was also at the program where I learned how to apply to law school and to give myself the best chance to get accepted with my LSAT score and GPA. Further, I learned for the first time about PLSI and just how important that would be for me.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
Not only were all the workshops extremely important to my applications down the road but to me the most important was just giving me some confidence and understanding about the process of applying to law school. As a first-generation law student, I had no idea what it would take to apply and get into law school.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
Absolutely, at the minimum you will grow your network, eat great food, and make lasting memories.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make sure to ask for help and reach out to all those who offer help.

Read more success stories: From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Submit your application by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Mexica Torrez-Miner

Mexica Torrez-Miner
Metis Nation of Ontario
UC Berkeley School of Law, JD Candidate ’27
Pathway to Law participant ’23

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
My experience at Pathways was truly amazing. The support and guidance given by the mentors was instrumental in my journey to law school. Additionally, being surrounded by only Native peoples in the legal field was such a new and comforting environment as someone that came from a predominantly white institution.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
The information that stuck with me the most, was the advice provided surrounding personal statements. How to write a compelling personal statement was the most unclear part of the process for me, and it felt like the most important aspect of one’s application package. To get not only suggestions on how to better your own personal statement draft, but to also read examples was extremely helpful.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
I cannot recommend Pathways enough. Not only does it provide invaluable information about how to be a better candidate, but also connects young Indigenous peoples together in a very unique and special way. Pathways was such an integral part of my process in applying to law school, which is very much a shared experience amongst past participants. 

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don’t let the application process overtake your life. It’s easy when studying for the LSAT, or awaiting law school decisions to forget everything else – allow yourself to have things outside of the process and surround yourself with your support system to ground yourself as the process is very mentally draining. 

Read more success stories: From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Submit your application by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw