State Bar Leadership Institute

Greetings Colleagues:
Great news! The Leadership Institute Program Overview, Application and Nomination Form are available on the State Bar website. Applications and Nomination Forms are due Friday, August 3rd. As a member of the Board of the Leadership Institute, I am very excited about this program! Please take a look at the website, ask your colleagues to do the same, nominate participants for the first class, and please consider applying for the program and encouraging others to apply. Go to http://myazbar.org/BarLeadership/

Participants will be notified of their selection by Friday, August 31st. The overnight kick-off retreat is tentatively scheduled for Participants on Saturday, Sept. 15th and Sunday, Sept. 16th. Below is a list of the program sessions:

September 2007 – What Does It Take To Be A Leader?
October 2007 – Working the Bar
November 2007 – Is that Ethical?!
December 2007 – Improving Your Legal Practice & Path to the Career of Your Dreams
January 2008 – Practicing Law in the Public vs. Private Sector and Making the Transition February 2008 – Meet the Bench: Conversations with Judges (Federal, State, County & Tribal) March 2008 – Law and Order: Conversations with Government Attorneys and Defense Lawyers
April 2008 – Corporate America: Conversations with In-House Counsel and Business Executives
May 2008 – We the People: Conversations with Congressional Reps, Lobbyists and Tour of the State Capitol

Thank you.
Linda J. Benally Attorney(State Bar Leadership Institute Board member)Pinnacle West Capital Corporation Law Department 400 N. 5th Street – MS 8695 Phoenix, AZ 85004
Business line: 602-250-3633 Fax line: 602-250-3393

JOB: Executive Director at California Indian Legal Services

California Indian Legal Services (CILS) seeks an Executive Director to lead a well-established and highly reputed statewide, public interest law firm that is dedicated to creating a better and more humane society for California tribes and Indians. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual committed to and knowledgeable about Indian affairs to lead CILS into a new era of its work to protect and advance Native American rights.

Founded in 1967, CILS is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS is a state and national leader in protecting and advancing the rights of California Indians, and each year works with dozens of tribes in the state and thousands of Indian individuals and families.

CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Indian individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Our work includes such diverse practice areas as the Indian Child Welfare Act, trust lands, Indian probate, Indian cultural and religious rights, tribal community and economic development, tribal justice systems, tribal governance, tribal social service delivery systems, protection of sacred sites, and environmental protection.

CILS has an annual operating budget of approximately $2.3 million derived from a wide variety of sources, including federal and state grants, tribal donations, and tribal grants and contracts. Oakland currently houses both the central administration of CILS as well as a field office, and additional field offices are located in Bishop, Escondido, Eureka and Santa Rosa. We have approximately 20 staff, including ten lawyers/advocates. Our Board of Trustees is comprised of California Indians appointed by Indian tribes and organizations across the state, as well as representatives appointed by the State Bar of California.

Additional information about CILS may be found on our website, at www.calindian.org.

Position Summary:
The ideal candidate for this position will be a dynamic leader who brings passion, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to seeking justice for Indian people. The Executive Director is the primary spokesperson for CILS, oversees its programs and legal and administrative staff, and has overall responsibility for day-to-day operations. For many years the Executive Director has been based in the Bay Area, but the Board will consider alternative locations based on the needs of candidates and the program.

Roles & Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and vision required to sustain and expand CILS’ role in the California Indian community
Provide effective management of CILS’ staff and operations to ensure that the priorities of the organization are met
Strengthen and expand CILS’ relationships with California tribes and Indian organizations
Build on CILS’ commitment to advancing California Indian rights and set strategic direction for program
Work closely and effectively with Board of Trustees
Develop and implement effective strategies to maintain and increase CILS’ funding, and diversify CILS’ funding base
Promote CILS and develop effective strategies to increase CILS’ positive presence in the community at large
Maintain CILS’ exemplary standing in the legal services community
Create a positive work environment to continue and enhance CILS’ high-quality advocacy
Maintain high level of knowledge about policies and legislation impacting tribal governments
Other duties as required to ensure high quality services and effective operations, and as assigned by Board of Trustees

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Possess:
Passion for the mission of CILS and clear vision of CILS’ on-going potential to advance the rights of California Indians
Understanding of the needs of our client community and commitment to legal services for Indian people
Solid and extensive background in federal Indian law
Previous management, strong supervisory skills and administrative ability
Effective communication, listening, and mentoring skills
Ability to attract, develop, and retain staff as well as maintain a high level of performance and effectively utilize their talents
Historical knowledge of California Indian communities
Practical experience interacting with tribal governments
Demonstrated track record of raising funds and support from a variety of sources
A licensed attorney admitted to the California Bar or eligible to practice in California strongly preferred

Salary:
Competitive based on experience. Full family/partner medical and dental benefits, LTD, life insurance, generous leave policies.

Application Procedure:
Please submit letter of interest, resume, two writing samples and three professional references to Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas, Director of Administration, California Indian Legal Services, Re: Executive Director Position, 405 14th Street, Suite 300, Oakland, CA 94612. E-mail hiring@calindian.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

CALIFORNIA INDIAN LEGAL SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. NATIVE AMERICANS, WOMEN, MINORITIES AND THE DISABLED ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

JOB – Staff Attorney – Gila River Indian Community

STAFF ATTORNEY
DEFENSE SERVICES OFFICE
GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY
Sacaton, Arizona

THE OFFICE: There are 2 vacancies for Defense Attorney I positions. These are staff attorney positions with Defense Services Office located in Sacaton, Arizona. We are within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community (bordering the Phoenix metro area). We offer legal representation to adult and juvenile Community members before the Tribal courts. Emphasis is criminal law- functioning as a public defender’s office.

THE JOB: DSO attorneys are responsible for all phases of criminal defense from providing consultation, conducting interviews of witnesses and police, investigation, trials to handling appeals. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct bench and or jury trials for a variety of offenses. This is a great chance to hone writing skills on motions and appeals. We also provide representation in juvenile matters.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Arizona State Bar in good standing (any jurisdiction) OR be licensed in the State of Arizona within one (1) year of hire. Must possess good driving record.

COMPENSATION: Salary begins at $57,011 + D.O.E.; great benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, disability and retirement.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Announcement end July 5, 2007. Please send your resume, Motor Vehicle Record (30 months +), and application with job announcement number 2007- 500 to:

Human Resources
Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, Arizona, 85247
www.gric.nsn.us for the application

DSO CONTACT: Raymond Vaca Jr., Director
Phone: 520 562-5700
Fax: 520 562-6520
Email: Raymond.vaca@gric.nsn.us

JOB: Klamath Tribe – Chief Judge

The Klamath Tribes
P.O. Box 436
501 Chiloquin Blvd
Chiloquin/OR/97624
Website: www.klamathtribes.org
Phone: 541-783-2219
Fax: 541-783-2836

AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Chief Judge
Salary: Contract Basis

CHIEF JUDGE
KLAMATH TRIBAL COURT
The Klamath Tribes seeks candidates to serve as Chief Judge for the Klamath Tribal Courts on a contract basis. Requirements: 1) Enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe; 2) 30+ years of age; 3) never convicted of a felony or within the last 12 months of a misdemeanor, nor dishonorably discharged from the military; 4) Juris Doctor degree OR minimum one year experience as a judge. Requests for certification must be submitted by July 31, 2007. Application and required documentation must be received by August 17, 2007.

For more information, contact:
The Klamath Tribes
Attn: Human Resources – Sandi Hanan
Sandi.hanan@klamathtribes.com
Tele: 541-783-2219
Fax: 541-783-2836

SubmitOther: Requests for certification must be submitted by July 31, 2007. Application and required documentation must be received by August 17, 2007.
SendBy: Mail,Fax
Deadline: 07/31/2007

Helen Burtis (’07) wins writing competition

Helen E. Burtis, a 2007 graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, has won a writing competition held by the Indian Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona. She will receive the award and a $1,000 scholarship at the Bar’s annual convention, June 27-29, at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale. In her paper, “Sovereignty Struggles: When the Federal Government Deals the Hand,” Burtis predicts how the U.S. Supreme Court would decide the jurisdiction held by the National Labor Relations Board over Indian tribes, and provides advice for tribes about proceeding under those circumstances. Burtis, who plans to clerk for Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Patrick Irvine for a year, ultimately would like to practice law in Indian Country.

Burtis worked in the financial services and insurance industry for 23 years before enrolling in law school in 2004 at the age of 45. “I made myself a promise that I would have a second career in my life,” she said. “I’d heard a motivational speaker talk about the fact that people work 50 or more years after they graduate, and that’s plenty of time for two satisfying, rewarding careers. I thought there was a lot of merit to that, and I promised myself that, no matter how comfortable I was, I would do something new when I was 45 or 50.” Burtis said she felt studying the law would be challenging and eventually provide her with a career where she could help clients understand and achieve their objectives.

She chose the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law because of its internationally renowned Indian Legal Program (ILP). “The ILP faculty is the best in the field,” Burtis said. “They have been helpful and supportive, giving me extra time and helping me with difficult endeavors, such as externships and the challenging curricula. But they also have pushed and encouraged me to do my best.” This was Burtis’s first entry in a writing competition at the College of Law, and she said the award is both surprising and gratifying.

Rebecca Tsosie, the ILP’s executive director and a College of Law professor, said the program’s faculty, staff and students benefited from having Burtis on campus. “She distinguished herself with her commitment to study and gain practical experience in many aspects of Federal Indian law,” Tsosie said. “Helen’s excellent written work demonstrates her mastery of the subject and her willingness to engage in a creative and thoughtful analysis of the many tough issues within Federal Indian law. “We are so pleased and honored to join the State Bar of Arizona in congratulating Helen for her winning essay in the writing competition, and we look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments in the field of Federal Indian law.” To read Burtis’s paper, go here.

JOB – Yavapai-Apache Nation Attorney General

Yavapai-Apache Nation located in Camp Verde, Arizona is hiring for the following position:

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Must have at least 10 years legal experience and be a member in good standing of Arizona Bar.
Ability to competently handle wide range of complex transactional and litigation matters.
Prior legal experience in areas of Indian housing, environmental issues. ICWA, employment law, Indian Gaming, contracts, taxation, jurisdictional issues, and economic development in Indian Country.
Must have litigation experience and familiarity with court rules and procedures.
Must have skills interpreting case law, codes, ordinances and administrative rules.
Must have the ability to manage law office staff and maintain department budget.
Must be committed to concept of tribal sovereignty and Indian self determination.

The Yavapai-Apache Nation offers a benefit and compensation package: Medical Health Care Insurance; 401K; Dental; Vision; Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Short & Long Term Disability Insurance.

PAY RATE: DOE; Plus Tribal Benefit PackagePOSITION STATUS: Regular; Full-time
OPEN UNTIL: July 20, 2007

To apply and see a full job description, contact Yavapai-Apache Nation, Human Resources at (928) 567-1094 or email your resume to tlewis-moore@yan-tribe.org

INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Successful candidates must pass a drug screening and background check.

JOB – MILS – Staff Attorney

Employer: Michigan Indian Legal Services (Traverse City, MI)

Title: Staff Attorney

Description:
Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS), a statewide provider of free legal services to low income Indians and Indian tribes, seeks a staff attorney. MILS represents Indian individuals, families, tribes and organizations in cases that span the complete range of federal Indian law and tribal representation. MILS has offices in Traverse City and Lansing. We are seeking an attorney for the Traverse City office.MILS seeks a law school graduate with above average academic achievement, licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan or willing and qualified to take next available Michigan Bar Exam, with excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to eventually assumeresponsibility over a sophisticated caseload touching on many different areas of law and a commitment to providing high quality legal services for Indian people. MILS is an equal opportunity employer.Send resume, writing sample and cover letter to:James A. KeedyExecutive Director814 S. Garfield Ave., Suite A

Position Type: Attorney

Practice Area(s): Native American, Legal Services

Desired Class Level(s): JD Alum, Alum 0-3 yrs exp, Alum 4-6 yrs exp, Bar Passage, Pending Bar Passage

Compensation Type: Salary

Compensation Details: DOEOpen until filled.

How To Apply: By mail.
Requested Documents: Resume, Writing Sample, Cover Letter

Important Dates
Posted On:Jun 13, 2007
Applications Accepted Until:Sep 28, 2007

All candidates should apply immediately. This date is not necessarily the deadline date, as resumes are more than likely reviewed as they come in and interviews scheduled as soon after the posting date as possible. You should not wait until the expiration date to submit your materials, as you may be depriving yourself of an employment opportunity.

Contact Information
Employer: Michigan Indian Legal Services (Traverse City, MI)
Name: Mr. James A. Keedy
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 231-947-0122
Fax: 231-947-3956
Address: 814 S. Garfield Ave.Suite ATraverse City, MO49686

JOB – Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Associate Legislative Attorney

Contact: Kimberly Montney
Employer: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Address1: 375 River Street
CityStateZip: Manistee, MI 49660
Website: www.lrboi.com
Phone: 231-398-6702
Fax: 231-398-9101
AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Associate Legislative Attorney
Salary: Employment Contracted Position
Description: This is a permanent full-time position which will provide support services to Chief Legislative Counsel & Associate Legislative Attorneys in the nature of legal opinion research, litigation support, contract review, and support for tribal entities as directed by the Chief Legislative Counsel. The Associate Legislative Attorney will be assigned to provide legal services to commissions or committees of the tribe subject to review by Chief Legislative Counsel.
1. J.D. Degree from accredited law school.
2. Admitted to practice in Michigan, or other state bar, required to eb admitted to Michigan within one year of employment.
3. 5 -7 years experience as lead counsel or co-counsel in complex civil litigation (Federal or State).
4. Applicant must provide copy of state bar admission and transcript of graduation from accredited law school with applicatoin
Experience: Current Bar Members
Submit: Resume
Submit1: See “Other” Comments
SubmitOther: Application available at www.lrboi.com
SendBy: Mail,Fax,Email
Deadline: Remain open until filled

JOB – Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Chief Legislative Counsel

Date: 6/15/2007 6:01:52 AM
Contact: Kimberly Montney
Employer: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Address1: 375 River Street
CityStateZip: Manistee, MI 49660
Website: www.lrboi.com
Phone: 231-398-6702
Fax: 231-398-9101
AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Chief Legislative Counsel
Salary: Employment Contracted Position
Description: To provide guidance and direction for the Legislative Legal Department and legal counsel to the Tribal Council of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
1. J.D. Degree from an ABA accredited law school and 5 years experience with a major law firm or legal department.
2. Demonstrative knowledge of Constitutional Law and Federal Indian Law practices.
3. Strong administrative management experience in the legal field.
4. Admitted to practice in Michigan or other state bar, must obtain Michigan bar within one year of employment.
5. Strong knowledge of litigation, employment law, and business law.
6. Valid drivers license throughout employment.
Experience: Current Bar Members
Submit: Resume
SubmitOther: Application available at www.lrboi.com.
SendBy: Mail,Fax,Email
Deadline: Remain open until filled