Navajo Nation Attorney General–Department of Justice Employment Advertisement

The Navajo Nation Attorney General seeks an Attorney-Candidate, Tribal Court Advocate, or Attorney to join the Navajo Nation Department of Justice’s Economic and Community Development Unit. The individual who is selected for this position will primarily handle the Division of Community Development’s matters. Although an Attorney-Candidate or Tribal Court Advocate is preferred; Attorney-Candidate, Tribal Court Advocate, and Attorney applications will be considered.

As the Navajo Nation’s Chief Legal Officer, the Attorney General has charge of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, which advises and represents the Navajo Nation government in all legal matters. The Economic and Community Development Unit provides legal services to the Navajo Nation’s several political subdivisions; including the Division of Community Development, which is tasked with promoting and facilitating the Navajo Nation’s physical and legal infrastructural development. In consultation with the Division of Community Development, the Economic and Community Development Unit will interview and select an individual for this position. The Attorney General is charged with the final approval of the individual selected for this position.

The Attorney-Candidate, Tribal Court Advocate, or Attorney who is selected and approved will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Attorney General for the Economic and Community Development Unit. The selected and approved individual will perform legal research, and through a licensed Department of Justice Attorney, will provide guidance and assistance to the Division of Community Development. Moreover, the selected and approved individual’s work will primarily concern the Navajo Nation’s Chapter governments’ matters. Although not strict a requirement, the individual selected and approved for this position is preferred to possess at least a minimal understanding of Navajo language.

The selected and approved Attorney-Candidate will be required to:

• Possess a Juris Doctor degree;
• Become a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association within one year of hire;
•  Become licensed to practice in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah within one year of hire;
• Possess basic knowledge and competency of Federal Indian Law and Navajo Nation Law that impacts the Division of Community Development;
• Possess a basic understanding of Navajo culture and customs;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Possess working knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
• Possess experience interfacing with government officials.

The selected and approved Tribal Court Advocate will be required to:

• Be a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association;
• Possess basic knowledge and competency of Federal Indian Law and Navajo Nation Law that impacts the Division of Community Development;
• Possess a basic understanding of Navajo culture and customs;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Possess working knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
• Possess experience interfacing with government officials.

The selected and approved Attorney will be required to:

• Possess a Juris Doctor degree;
• Be licensed to practice in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah;
• Become a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association within one year of hire;
• Possess basic knowledge and competency of Federal Indian Law and Navajo Nation Law that impacts the Division of Community Development;
• Possess a basic understanding of Navajo culture and customs;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Possess working knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
• Possess experience interfacing with government officials.

Salary will be based upon experience and the Navajo Nation Department of Justice’s Personnel and Compensation Plan. The Navajo Nation Department of Justice also offers a competitive Benefits package. To apply, send electronic copies of your letter of interest (no more than two pages), resume (no more than two pages), transcripts (official or unofficial), and one writing sample (no more than three pages) to: blewis@nndoj.org before 5:00 p.m. MST on January 6, 2012. You may call the Economic and Community Development Unit at: (928) 871-6933 with questions.