Ferguson-Bohnee receives national appointments from Lawyers’ Committee, ABA

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee

Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Faculty Director of the Indian Legal Program, was recentlyappointed National Commissioner for the Commission on Voting Rights by the organization Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under the Law.

According to the Lawyers’ Committee, the Voting Rights Commission is dedicated to the struggle to achieve equality and protect advances in voting rights for racial and ethnic minorities and other traditionally disenfranchised groups.

Ferguson-Bohnee was also recently appointed by the American Bar Association (ABA) to the Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice and named Vice Chair of the ABA’s Committee on Native American Concerns of the Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section.

Ferguson-Bohnee has substantial experience in Indian law, election law and policy matters, voting rights, and status clarification of tribes. She has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and has represented tribal clients in administrative state, federal, and tribal courts, as well as before state and local governing bodies.

 

Reminder – ILP conference Sustaining the Reservation: Creating the Tribal Economies is this Thursday and Friday.

Come hear our keynote speakers Kevin Washburn and Diane Enos!Reminder: Last day to register online at the regular rate is Tuesday 2/25 at 5pm…Regular Rate: $325.00
Walk-In Rate: $400.00 (day of conference by cash, check, or credit card)
Click here for more info and to register! http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/tribaleconomies/

Job Openings: Experienced Attorneys. U.S. Attorney’s Office – Arizona

The United States Attorney’s Office
for the District of Arizona is seeking applications from experienced attorneys
for multiple Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions.

Justice seeks to attract, retain,
and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of
life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and
inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American;
Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and
Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of
background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds
and experiences may reach their full potential.

Thank you for your help in
disseminating these vacancy announcements.  These and other attorney
vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.

Follow the links below:

U.S.
Department of Justice Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney’s
Office District of Arizona Opening Date: February 12, 2014 Closing Date:
February 26, 2014 Vacancy Announcement Number 14-AZ-01

Date posted: 02-12-2014

United
States Attorney’s Office / District of Arizona / Opening date: February 14,
2014 / Closing date: February 28, 2014 / Vacancy Announcement Number14-AZ-02

Date posted: 02-14-2014

 

Sustaining the Reservation: Creating Tribal Economies Conference

Monday – last day for online registration at regular or alumni rate!

Keynote Speakers:

Feb 27 – Kevin K. Washburn, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, DOI

Feb 28 – Diane Enos, President, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

PLEASE JOIN US!

February 27 – 28, 2014

Thursday, February 27th
Turquoise Ballroom – Memorial Union
Arizona State University – Tempe

Friday, February 28th
Great Hall/Armstrong Hall/College of Law
Arizona State University – Tempe

The extreme poverty found on most reservations today threatens their very existence as the permanent homelands of Indian families and tribal governments. As a consequence, improving economic conditions on reservations is one of the most important issues facing tribal governments and communities today.

Sustaining the Reservation: Creating Tribal Economies will continue the conversation and explore viable solutions how tribal governments and tribal citizens can create sustainable economies that will help them preserve their reservations as permanent homelands for their families, governments, and cultures.

This conference brings together cutting-edge scholars, tribal leaders, and officials, economic development planners, attorneys, and others to explore this important topic.

Who should attend? Tribal leaders and employees, attorneys, economic development planners, investors, and anyone who cares about the future of tribal communities.

Regular Rate:  $325.00 ends February 25, 5 p.m.
Walk-In Rate:  $400.00

May quality for up to 10 General CLE Credits for State Bar of Arizona, California and New Mexico MCLE Bar Association.

Click here for more info and to register!  http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/tribaleconomies/

Job Opportunity – University of San Diego – Tribal Liaison/Professor of Practice

The University of San Diego (USD) is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal, professional and scientific knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service. USD invites applications for the position of Tribal Liaison/Professor of Practice starting August 15, 2014. This is a full-time, benefit-based, 10-month position with two integrated areas of duties: half of the position serves as the University’s Tribal Liaison, supervised by the Associate Provost for Inclusion & Diversity; half as Professor of Practice, supervised by the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and the appropriate Department Chair.

 

The Tribal Liaison responsibilities include linking the University and its resources to the many tribal communities in its service area. Federally-recognized American Indian Tribes are considered sovereign nations, which underscores the need for appropriate interpretation of law and cultural protocol. Key responsibilities are becoming the campus expert in University and Tribal protocol issues, and developing and implementing programs, activities and networks that connect the University to urban- and reservation-based American Indian communities. The Tribal Liaison will advise on and implement best practices for the recruitment and retention of American Indian students, staff, and faculty at USD, function as a liaison between the campus community and American Indians and Tribal Nations in the larger San Diego County area and beyond, and work to build collaborative relationships among those entities. The Tribal Liaison will provide guidance and assistance to administrators, faculty and staff regarding tribal events, issues, educational needs, and protocol.

 

The Professor of Practice position is a non-tenure track instructional appointment in the College of Arts & Sciences. Responsibilities include: 1) teaching four courses per academic year; 2) holding one office hour per week per course taught; 3) performing departmental and/or college service duties as needed. Teaching duties include: designing syllabi and selecting instructional materials in coordination with the Chair; leading lectures and discussions, preparing and grading examinations, mentoring students in office hours, and assigning final grades.

A Master’s degree or equivalent in an academic discipline, with expertise in American Indian Studies, Ethnic Studies, or a relevant field required. A Doctoral or terminal degree preferred. This is a 10-month assignment paid over 12 months. For a full description of the position, qualifications, and other information, visit the University of San Diego Human Resources jobs website http://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/ and reference job number IRC#12831. Inquires should be directed to Esteban del Rio, Ph.D., Associate Provost, Inclusion & Diversity, at cid@sandiego.edu.

 

TO APPLY, complete BOTH of the following:

 

• Search IRC#12831 and choose the “Apply Now” button on the jobs website (http://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/) and follow instructions. If you have any questions or difficulties regarding the website, please contact the Employment Services Team at 619-260-6806, or email us at hr@sandiego.edu.

 

• Submit via email: 1) a cover letter that includes relevant teaching experience, research, and direct experience working with and in American Indian communities; 2) resume/vita; 3) sample syllabi; and 4) have three reference letters sent directly to cid@sandiego.edu by your recommenders.

Review of applications begins March 14, 2014 (review date extended). Priority will be given to those who apply before that date. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

USD is an Equal Opportunity employer, and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Regents Professor Rebecca Tsosie Receives National Honor

 Rebecca Tsosie

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is pleased to announce Regents Professor Rebecca Tsosie was recently awarded the 2014 Individual Leadership Award by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).  The Individual Leadership Award seeks to honor those whose work informs or advances understanding of diversity and inclusive excellence in higher education. The NADOHE recognizes leaders who have made outstanding contributions to research, administration, practice, advocacy, or policy work.

The NADOHE recognizes that Professor Tsosie’s pioneering work in Indian Law, in particular her work with Native Nations and the federal system, make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.  Professor Tsosie is of Yaqui descent and has worked extensively with tribal governments and organizations. She currently serves as a Supreme Court Justice for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The NADOHE award honors Professor Tsosie’s leadership at institutional, state, and national levels.

Professor Tsosie received her B.A. and her J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Since joining the College faculty in 1993, Professor Tsosie has taught in the areas of Indian Law and Critical Race Theory, among other subjects. She has written and published widely on doctrinal and theoretical issues related to tribal sovereignty.  Professor Tsosie has given numerous lectures nationally and internationally on the topics of indigenous people and genetics; identity as it relates to sovereignty; climate adaptation and sustainability; and epistemic injustice specifically in the areas of science, ethics, and human rights.

In 2012, Professor Tsosie was given the high honor of being named a Regents’ Professor by ASU for her extraordinary contributions in the classroom and in her field of expertise. This award is the highest faculty honor given by ASU, recognizing those who have achieved a sustained level of national distinction for their work. Professor Tsosie is one of the most highly regarded scholars of Indian law in the world as author of more than 40 law review articles and book chapters.

Professor Tsosie will be receiving the Individual Leadership Award at the 8th Annual NADOHE Conference, which will be held March 10-14 in San Diego, CA.

Job Opportunity

Department of Interior
Job Title:   Attorney – Advisor
Series & Grade:  GS-905-11/14
Position Information: Excepted Appointment – NTE 2 years – Full Time
Location: Washington, D.C.
Closing Date:  February 28, 2014 

As an Attorney-Advisor with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor Immediate Office, Indian Trust Litigation Office (ITLO), your specific duties will include:

The selectee will be assigned to existing matters and to new matters as they arise and will perform essential tasks in litigation such as: (1) identifying and gathering relevant information to respond to document and data discovery requests; (2) formulating and drafting discovery to propound on adverse parties; (3) analyzing documents and data for preparation of arguments for dispositive motions in trial or appellate practice; (4) analyzing documents and data for the preparation of the Government’s witnesses in depositions and at trials; (5) drafting legal analyses for use in litigation, settlement negotiations, or general advice to Department bureaus with delegated trust responsibilities; and (6) representing the Department’s interests in hearings before the courts and in meetings and negotiations with third parties.

The following vacancy announcement SOL-2014-0006 is posted at: 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/361890200

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy announcement, please contact Kristen Davis at (703) 648-7463 or kjdavis@usgs.gov.

Additional DOJ Job Opportunity – Trial Attorney

This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html

ATTORNEY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION
NATURAL RESOURCES SECTION
GS-13/15
TRIAL ATTORNEY
OPEN: FEBRUARY 11, 2014
CLOSE: MARCH 4, 2014
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: ENRD-14-013-EXC

About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking experienced litigators for its Natural Resources Section in Washington, DC. ENRD seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. ENRD fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential. We place a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspective and encourage applications from all ethnic groups, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

The Natural Resources Section litigates cases arising from more than 80 different natural and cultural resource statutes, environmental statutes, and numerous treaties, international agreements, interstate compacts and congressional referrals. The diverse and dynamic subject matter of the Section’s docket includes cases involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act, the National Park Service Organic Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the National Trails System Act. The Section’s cases, many of them of first impression and significant media interest, involve the stewardship of our national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources; the Nation’s trust relationship with Native Americans and Tribes; and vital federal programs ranging from nuclear materials management to military preparedness to energy policy and resource extraction.

The Section handles a wide variety of cutting-edge Fifth Amendment takings litigation involving real property, as well as original actions in the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes. The Section’s cases are tried throughout the United States and its possessions and territories in both state and federal court. The Section represents virtually every major federal agency.

Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: The attorney selected will handle cases involving novel and complex issues associated with the interpretation of statutes, treaties, regulations and executive orders relating to federal programs and the stewardship of the Nation’s natural resource, as determined by the Section’s needs. The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often rapidly. Successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and desire for primary responsibilities in sophisticated litigation, proficiency in working with a wide range of experts, and the ability to harness leading edge technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases. Creative thinking and considerable talent in problem-solving — whether in a litigation or settlement context — are indispensable.

Qualifications: The Section’s docket is demanding and requires top caliber work products. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated record of complex case management, initiative and creativity, strong courtroom skills, outstanding legal writing, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least five years of post-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation and/or trial work and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable and knowledge of natural resource management, trusts, or Indian law is a plus. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Travel: Periodic travel is required.

Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is GS-13 ($89,924 – $116,901), GS-14 ($106,263 – $138,136) and GS-15 ($124,995 – $157,100) per annum.

Location: Washington, DC

Term of Appointment: Initial appointment to this position is for a period not to exceed two years. Selected attorneys who perform successfully will be eligible for conversion to a permanent appointment. Selected attorneys are eligible for employment benefits such as health and life insurance, the FERS retirement program, paid vacation and sick leave, and a public transportation subsidy.

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Submission Process and Deadline Date: Applications must be received by Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Applicants must email a current resume, cover letter, writing sample, and OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment (Click on the link below to obtain the OF-306) to:

James D. Gette, Acting Chief, Natural Resources Section, U.S. Department of Justice

Please reference vacancy announcement number ENRD-14-013-EXC.

Email applications only, please to attyapply-nrs.enrd@usdoj.gov

OF-306-Declaration for Federal Employment

No telephone calls, please.

Internet Sites: For more information about the Environment & Natural Resources Division, visit the Justice Department’s web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/. This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html

Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination based on color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or nonmembership in an employee organization, or personal favoritism.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

There is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Schedule A: The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. Proof of a disability (ies) is required from a licensed medial professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., State or private); or any Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation need only certify that the applicant has a disability which is long-term and/or permanent in nature.

 

 

DOJ Job Opportunities

This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE SECTION
TRIAL ATTORNEYS
GS-13 to GS-15
OPEN: FEBRUARY 10, 2014
CLOSE: FEBRUARY 28, 2014
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: ENRD-14-006-EXC

NOTE: Three or more positions may be filled from this vacancy.

About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking experienced litigators for anticipated vacancies in the near future in its Environmental Defense Section (“EDS” or “Section”) in Washington, D.C.

The Environmental Defense Section represents the United States in complex civil litigation arising under a broad range of environmental statutes. EDS is the only section in the Environment Division that routinely handles cases in both federal circuit and district courts. EDS defends rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies under the pollution control laws, brings enforcement actions against those who destroy wetlands in violation of the Clean Water Act, and defends the United States against challenges to its cleanup and compliance actions at Superfund sites, federally-owned facilities and private sites.

Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: Primary duties include representing federal agencies in disputes under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and other pollution control statutes. Work assignments will include handling all aspects of CERCLA defensive litigation, including pre-trial and discovery tasks involving document reviews and document productions, preparation and filing of dispositive motions, taking and defending expert and fact witness depositions, and negotiating settlements.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and must have at least three years of post-J.D., relevant civil/environmental litigation experience, and be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction). The ideal candidate should possess an excellent academic record and strong analytical, writing, and advocacy skills. The ideal candidate should also have a comprehensive understanding of environmental law and federal civil procedure, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Travel: Travel is required.

Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is GS-13 ($89,924 – $116,901), GS-14 ($106,263-$138,136) and GS-15 ($124,995 – $157,100) per annum.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Terms of Appointment: Permanent. The selected attorneys are eligible for employment benefits such as health and life insurance, the Federal Employees Retirement System program, paid vacation and sick leave, and a public transportation subsidy.

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Submission Process and Deadline Date: The positions are for anticipated vacancies in the near future. Applicants are encouraged to respond on or before February 28, 2014.

Applicants must submit the following materials to ATTYAPPLY-EDS.ENRD@USDOJ.GOV: (1) resume; (2) short writing sample from an advocacy piece (5-10 pages); (3) law school transcript; (4) cover letter of not more than two pages highlighting relevant litigation, environmental law, and legal writing experience and any other factors that you believe would be a good fit for EDS’ litigation practice; and (5) declaration for federal employment – http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf.

Internet Sites: For more information about the Environment & Natural Resources Division, visit the Justice Department’s web site at: http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd. This and selected other legal position announcements can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.

Department Policies: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination based on color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent, membership or nonmembership in an employee organization, or personal favoritism. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

There is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.

Schedule A: The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department. Proof of a disability (ies) is required from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., State or private); or any Federal agency, State agency or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Documentation need only certify that the applicant has a disability which is long-term and/or permanent in nature.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.