Alumni Advice – Udall Alumni

The Indian Legal Program is always looking to expand our ILP family’s opportunities to network and gain experience in the legal profession. By networking with the Udall Foundation, we can show students more opportunities to participate in Indian Law programs across the country. Alumni Chia Halpern Beetso (’08), Julian Nava (’10) Jacqueline Bisille (MLS ’14), all completed the Udall Internship, along with current students Cynthia Freeman (2L), Christina Andrews (3L) and DesiRae Deschine (3L). The ILP asked these six Udall Alumni to share some advice to current or future students through their experience participating in the Udall Summer Internship Program.

“After completing my undergraduate degree, I was accepted into the Udall Foundation Congressional Native American Internship Program,” Sarah Crawford (3L) said. “This opportunity gave me my first hard look at the legislation and policy at play… The Udall Foundation also provided additional opportunities to visit and learn from a variety of agencies, law firms, and organizations that focus on Indian Country policies. The Program also provides housing and travel expenses which greatly reduced the burdens that prevents many Native individuals from pursuing a summer internship in Washington, D.C.”

Q: When did you intern at Udall and why did you apply?

Chia Halpern Beetso: “I participated in the Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship during the summer of 2007. I applied because I always wanted to intern in a U.S. Congressional office and heard so many great things about the program. I also had friends who really enjoyed their experiences while participating in the Udall Internship as well.”

Julian Nava: “I was a Congressional Intern through the Udall program in the summer of 2006. I applied because I wanted an insider’s view of our Nation’s federal government i.e. how policies & laws are formed and money is appropriated, especially as it applies to tribal governments and tribal programs. I was also very interested in the history of U.S. laws and policies directly aimed at American Indian tribes, so I thought, what better place to learn about that dynamic (past, present, future) than at the center of U.S. law and policy.”

Cynthia Freeman: “I was a Udall intern in 2006. I applied because the Udall internship program provided a unique opportunity for me to work in Congress and to learn more about tribal laws and policies.”

Jacqueline Bisille: “I interned during the summer of 2014 in the late Senator John McCain’s office. While living in Arizona, I interned with various organizations and a local government on issues that affected Arizona Tribes. While I enjoyed my time with those offices, I never had the chance to work on policy issues that involved the Federal government and Indian Tribes. When I heard about the Udall Internship in D.C., I knew it was an opportunity to not pass up so I prepared my application, sent it in, and waited for the Foundation’s decision.”

Christina Andrews: “I interned summer 2017. I interned at Udall because I wanted to learn about the United States’ legislative process and its impact in Indian Country. I wanted to know if I had a place at the U.S. government area. I applied because of the prestige of being a Udall Intern and the doors it would open up for me.”

DesiRae Deschine: “In 2017, I was a 1L when I was selected for the Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship. I wanted the legal work experience within a federal agency and to gain an inside look at the regulatory process of federal Indian law. In addition, I wanted to be a Udall Intern so that I could live and experience Washington D.C. with a cohort of other Native American students.”

Q: What was the experience like and what was the most valuable thing you learned?

Chia Halpern Beetso: “I had the best summer. I was in the office of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and was able to help plan and attend committee hearings. I got to see first-hand how legislation is drafted and passed. I was also fortunate enough to work on an issue that my own tribe needed assistance with. The most valuable thing I learned was to take the initiative to pursue my professional goals.”

Julian Nava: “I had a wonderful experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. The most valuable lessons that I learned during my internship was how important relationship building is, including, building relationships with those people who agree and understand your views and interests as well as those people who do not. Your ability to communicate and be inquisitive is vital to a successful experience.”

Jacqueline Bisille: “The experience was unforgettable because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about a career that I wanted to work in. I’d say the most valuable thing I learned was how Congress moves legislation through both chambers. The process is fascinating and continues to challenge me in unique ways each day while working for the SCIA.”

Cynthia Freeman: “The experience was rewarding; it provided me with numerous opportunities to network with tribal leaders and tribal advocates, meet Congressional leaders, and forge lifetime friendships. The most valuable thing I learned was the importance of having tribal representation within Congress, both at the leadership and staff levels.”

Christina Andrews: “The experience was more than I could have ever imagined. I was able to see the place where the Nation’s decisions were made. I learned about how law is made and passed; toured the White House and legislative buildings; helped create a bill and walk it through the process for consideration at the floor; I met many people who are advocating for Indian issues; I learned about being a leader and advocate for Indian Country; and finally, I built a lifelong cohort with other Udallers.  We still remain connected.”

DesiRae Deschine: “Interning with the Department of the Interior as a Native American Congressional Intern was invaluable. I received great mentorship and substantive legal work assignments from my internship placement. In addition to the work experience, I was exposed to other federal agencies, congressional offices, and non-profit organizations that share similar goals related to Native American communities and Tribes. Through this experience I strengthened my legal writing skills and as a result felt capable and ready to spend a full-semester in Washington, D.C. as a 3L with the D.C. Externship Program through the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.”

Q: Would you recommend this program to other students? If so why?

Chia Halpern Beetso: “I would definitely recommend this program to current students. It is a great chance to have a paid internship in Washington DC which isn’t always an option for many people. You often get to work on Native issues and have opportunities to attend hearings, meetings and receptions with various leaders in Washington DC. It can lead to job opportunities and truly is a learning experience.”

Julian Nava: “I would absolutely recommend this program because this program gives a hands-on experience that will hopefully provide students with a better understanding of how law and policy is formed, how the system works in real time and how they can eventually be a part of that system and/or change.”

Jacqueline Bisille: “I definitely would recommend the internship program to any ILP student thinking about working on tribal issues. In some way or another, a tribal government will likely have to work with Congress or the Administration and it’s good to have an idea of what goes on in DC.”

Cynthia Freeman: “Yes, I highly recommend this program to any student who is interested in learning about federal Indian policy and would like to work in Washington, D.C. As a participant, you will gain valuable insight into the legislative process as it pertains to tribal nations.”

Christina Andrews: “I was intimidated about DC, but now after going through the program, I have more confidence having spent the summer at DC. Also, this program challenged myself as an older student that I still have a lot to contribute, and I plan to do just that.”

DesiRae Deschine: “I absolutely recommend the Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship program to students that are interested in learning more about the government-to-government relationship between Tribes and the federal government and working for a congressional office or a federal agency in Washington, D.C. Being a Native American Congressional Intern was a unique experience and through the program I gained access to a network of Native American professionals who are contributing to strengthening Indian Country. Furthermore, I recommend the Native American Congressional Internship program because of the support that the Udall Foundation provides to each student that makes living and working in Washington, D.C. possible.”

Cynthia Freeman (left) in 2006 and DesiRae Deschine and Christina Andrews (right) in 2018

Q: For students who want to apply, what advice would you give them?

Chia Halpern Beetso: “I would advise students to review their essays a couple times prior to submitting the application. Also, to clearly explain why this experience will benefit them in their goal of working on tribal policy and make the connection as to why this internship is the next logical step in their trajectory.”

Jacqueline Bisille: “My advice for students considering in applying is to not procrastinate on your application. I’ve heard that the review committee can tell what applications were lazily put together from others that include well written essays. My last bit of advice for any student considering the internship program would be to go, if accepted, because they will be sharing these experiences with 11 other Native students, and have memories for a lifetime. A few of the Udall interns in my class live in DC and have become some of my closest friends. A bit cheesy, I know, but also one of the best things about the program and why I’m happy to have done it.”

Julian Nava: “Be inquisitive, ask questions (1,000 + perhaps), be involved, explore, be willing to learn, sightsee, be adventurous, network and tell your story.  People are very interested in your story. Tell it.”

Cynthia Freeman: “If you are considering applying, then it is very important that you have someone (a professor or mentor) review your application materials. I highly recommend talking with the Udall program or alumni, if you have any questions about the internship program or the application process.”

Christina Andrews: “For students who what to apply, I would advise them to take the application serious. Make sure you give well thought out answers; dig deep for your answers; don’t feel intimidated; and ask questions. Make sure to reach out to others who have gone through the program for help.”

DesiRae Deschine: “Students interested in the Native American Congressional Internship should reach out to alumni of the internship program and the Program Manager to learn more about the program and to receive individualized advice about the application process. Students should also work on their application ahead of time, research the contributions of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall to Indian Country, and seek out critical feedback on their essay.”

Find out more information about the Udall Foundation’s internships here.

Photos provided by students & alumni.

Job Opportunity – Assistant General Counsel

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Closing Date: March 7, 2019

DEFINITION/PURPOSE:
Provide legal advice to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council, tribal departments and economic enterprises. Represent the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in matters brought in Tribal, State and Federal court.

TASKS:
Serves as legal advisor to the Tribal Council, tribal government departments and economic enterprises; Provides legal advice and analysis of tribal, state and Federal laws and regulations, specifically in relation to water and environmental law and policies; Drafts and revises the Tribal Constitution, Law and Order Code, other tribal laws, ordinances, and policies; Works at hours and times outside of normal business hours and days; Drafts, reviews and recommends changes to various contracts; Reviews other agreements, proposals; Represents the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in Tribal, State and Federal court actions; Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:
1) An attorney in good standing licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona; 2) Two (2) years legal experience working for a federally recognized Indian tribe or in the area of Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law; and 3) Current valid AZ driver’s license; and 4) Meet FMYN insurance standards.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resources Department
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-789-7138
Fax: 480-816-0419
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

See full job description here.

Job Opportunities – Chief Prosecutor & Assistant Tribal Prosecutor

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Fort Yates, ND


The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe seeks a Chief Tribal Prosecutor and an Assistant Tribal Prosecutor.

Work schedule is flexible. Salary is negotiable and based on experience. These are contract positions, compensated on an hourly basis.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Code of Justice provides the following statutory qualification requirements: To be eligible to serve as the Tribal Court Prosecutor or Assistant Prosecutor of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court, a person shall (1) be a member in good standing of the bar in any state or federal court; (2) at least 21 years of age, (3) be of high moral character and integrity, (4) have a law degree from an accredited law school, (5) must never have been convicted of a felony; (6) shall not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Services, must (7) be physically able to perform the duties of the office and (8) be qualified to be admitted to practice under the provision of Section 1-601 of this Title.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Code of Justice, Section 30-202, provides a limited preference based on political status, as follows, to: 1) Tribal members, 2) local Indians, 3) other Indians, and 4) all other qualified applicants. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race (“Indian” is a federally recognized political status), national origin, sex or sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability).

Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, writing sample, proof of bar membership, and any additional materials the applicant feels the Selection Committee should consider.

Applications for the Chief Prosecutor and/or Assistant Tribal Prosecutor position may be sent to Ms. Dellis M. Agard, Court Administrator, Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court, PO Box 363, Fort Yates, ND, or by Email to dagard@standingrock.org. Ms. Agard can also be contacted by Telephone at (701) 854-7244 Ext. 7419.

The worksite for this position is located at the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court in Fort Yates, ND. The Sitting Bull College Transit provides bus services, at nominal cost, to and from Bismarck, ND; Mobridge, SD; McLaughlin, SD and Selfridge, ND and coordinated with the Tribal Work Day, which is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Central Time).

Download full job announcement here.

All’s Fair in Love and Law

Happy Valentine’s Day to our Indian Legal Program family, which keeps growing! We wanted to celebrate this sweet holiday by spreading some of the love we have right here in our program. Thank you to all the couples who submitted their pictures to us!
Featured: LaTonia Bercenti Johnson (’05), her husband, Eli, and their daughter, Brooklynn; Theresa Rosier (’98) and Peter Larson (’02); David Hammond (’04) and his wife, Becky; Glenna Augborne (’16) and Brandon Arents (ASU Law ’15); Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94) and Bradley Bledsoe Downes (’94); Christine Reyes (’17) and John Van Dyk (ASU Law ’17); Ron Rosier (’95) and Kate Rosier; Heather Clah (’05), her husband, Ramondo, and their children; Chia Halpern Beetso (’08) and Derrick Beetso (’10); Jake Schellinger (’12) and Vivian Nava-Schellinger (ASU Law ’12); Aspen Miller (1L) and her fiancé, Seth Jensen; Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09) and Matt Campbell (’08); Chelee John (’16) and Travis Lovett (’14).

Some iconic ILP couples found love on ASU grounds! Three couples shared their special stories.

Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94) and Bradley Bledsoe Downes (’94)

“We both entered law school in 1991. We both participated in the ILP during our entire law school career. We started dating in the fall of our 2L year. Our first date was a movie and we saw ‘A League of Their Own’. We were married March of our 3L year. Many of our law school and ILP friends traveled to Vegas for our wedding! We will celebrate our 25th anniversary on March 19.”

Christine Reyes (’17) and John Van Dyk (ASU Law ’17)

“John and I met on the second day of law school (not at ASU, we’re transfer students). I had taken a picture of the front of the classroom on the first day of school to post on social media with the caption ‘First day of Law School!’ John happened to be sitting in front of me and so the back of his head made an appearance in the picture. A mutual friend of ours apparently recognized the back of John’s head and messaged me asking if the guy in front of me was John Van Dyk. The next day I tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he was John Van Dyk. He turned slightly to acknowledge me and confirmed that he was, but quickly turned back around. I proceeded to tell him ‘I know this might sound weird but yesterday I took a picture of the back of your head and my friend recognized you.’ He again, slightly turned and said, ‘Oh!’ and chuckled, but turned back around quickly. (I must’ve made him nervous). After that day we clung to each other (on that sinking ship) and became best friends and study buddies! We were just friends for the first year of law school until we finally gave in and started dating after 1L year. January 31, 2019, almost 4 years later, he popped the question! And we’re officially engaged!”

Glenna Augborne (’16) and Brandon Arents (ASU Law ’15)

“Brandon and I met through a mutual friend in law school in December 2013. I shared my chicken enchiladas with him, and we talked about martial arts, music and food all evening. Despite having a great introduction, Brandon played it cool for a month before asking me out on an official date. When he finally did, he took me to what is now our favorite Ethiopian restaurant. We were married February 11, 2018­­––just in time for Valentine’s Day.”

Jake Schellinger (‘12) and Vivian Nava-Schellinger (ASU Law ’12)

“Jake walked into my Torts Law class as I had already set up my necessary highlighters, notebooks for taking down and important information, and had my laptop ready to go.  Jake walked in, sat in front of me, and turned around to ask me for a highlighter.  He was cute and suntanned (from what I later learned was attributed to time he spent building pools in the Midwest all summer), I figured I could lend him a highlighter. We later found out that we were not only in the same section, but we ended up in the same study group.  The third floor of the “old” law library on the Tempe campus because a place of sanctuary for us; an ironic comfort mixed with hours of reading, outlining, and practicing for oral arguments in study rooms cramped with too much Taco Bell and Mountain Dew.  While the law library became “our place” learning together and challenging one another began to feel like home.After years of friendship, we started dating in fall 2011, 3L year, and after graduation, Jake proposed to me exactly three days after we took the bar exam. He proposed at my favorite running spot, on the most scenic point in the Franklin Mountains, in my hometown of El Paso, Texas. Our journey brought us to Washington, DC, and tons of adventures in between.  We continue to see both the ILP and ASU Law as that representation of “home” that we will always have, no matter where life takes us.”

Mandy Cisneros (’11) and Joe Keene (’12)

“Mandy Cisneros (Kickapoo/Potawatomi) and Joe Keene (Osage/Cherokee) first met in Lawrence, Kansas. Mandy was a graduate student in the University of Kansas Indigenous Nations Studies Program, and working at the dorms on the Haskell Indian Nations University campus. Joe was completing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Haskell. Both were on track to attend KU Law, but once they learned more about the Indian Legal Program at ASU, they changed course. Neither had ever been to Arizona before. Mandy started law school the year before Joe, and during her second year and Joe’s first year, the welcomed their daughter Maya. The addition of a new baby did not derail their dreams of becoming attorneys. In fact, the ILP community provided support and encouragement for the new little family to continue their journey, successfully. Since graduating law school, the couple settled in Tempe, AZ and became engaged in 2018. They believe if they survived law school together, marriage should be a breeze. Mandy is an Associate General Counsel at Gila River Indian Community in Sacaton, AZ, and Joe is an Associate Attorney at Sacks Tierney in Scottsdale, AZ.”

Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09) and Matt Campbell (’08)

“Matt and Nikki met during the summer of 2006 at the Pre-law Summer Institute (“PLSI”) in Albuquerque. Matt had just finished his first year of law school at ASU, and he was working as a teaching assistant for PLSI. Nikki was attending PLSI as a student, and she was planning to attend the University of Utah the following fall. As fate would have it, during PLSI, Arizona State (ahem, Kate Rosier) stole Nikki away from Utah and gave Nikki an offer she couldn’t refuse–an amazing scholarship offer and the opportunity to study with the best Indian legal scholars in the country. Nikki was headed to Arizona. The day Nikki moved to Tempe, she received an unexpected call from Matt. He invited her out with other ASU law students for the evening. He was charming, polite, and fun. They began dating soon thereafter and quickly became inseparable. The two became best friends and fell in love. They married in October of 2011 and welcomed son, Eli, in April of 2013. They now live in Colorado where Matt is a Staff Attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, and Nikki is the Executive Director of the National American Indian Court Judges Association.”

Chelee John (’16) and Travis Lovett (’14)

“ When I started law school, Travis was a 3L. I first noticed him during the ILP’s Welcome Dinner where he was awarded the Judge William C. Canby Scholarship. Professor Clinton introduced Travis and spout off an extensive list of Travis’ law school accomplishments. Let’s just say, I was immediately impressed. A few days later, NALSA hosted its first lunch meeting and, as the President of NALSA, Travis led the meeting. This is the first time Travis remembers noticing me, the overly eager 1L sitting in the front row of the NALSA meeting. Having both noticed each other, you would think as confident future-lawyers that we would just introduce ourselves, but apparently we were not that self-assured. A week or so later, the law school was scheduled to host its inaugural “Gold ‘n Gavel” fundraiser and the ILP had two tickets to give to its students.  By mere happenstance (or so I thought) Travis and I were the two ILP students chosen to attend the event… Within hours, we started emailing, quickly exchanged phone numbers, and by the end of the night of the Gold ‘n Gavel, Travis asked me if he could take me out sometime. To which I articulately replied, “fo sho.” And the rest is history. We’ve been together nearly six years, we each graduated from law school; we moved to Canada and back again; had our daughter, Atlanna; Travis got his LLM; we studied and passed the Indiana bar together; and now we drive to work together, both working for the State of Indiana – Travis as a Deputy Attorney General and I as a Law Clerk for Court of Appeals. And to think it all started by being cc’ed on an ILP email.”

Job Opportunity – Attorney

Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor
Kayenta, Arizona


Application Deadline: 3/6/2019, 5:00 PM MST

Job Description
Under supervision of the Chief Prosecutor/Deputy Chief Prosecutor represents the interest of the Navajo Nation government. Provides and assists several district prosecutor offices in prosecution of criminal and civil cases representing the interests of the Navajo Nation government. Will attend arraignments, as needed; trials, adjudications, child dependency adjudications, motion hearings, sentencing/disposition hearings, pretrial conferences, preliminary hearings, and other related issues to court attendance; prepares all required legal documents; reviews investigative reports, legal pleadings from defense counsel, law enforcement reports and related documents; determines nature of the criminal offenses; establishes case plan with law enforcement personnel from various governmental agencies on most serious criminal offenses such as vehicular homicide, sexual assault, aggravated batteries, child neglect or spousal abuse, etc.; assigns case plans; provides legal guidance and advice to law enforcement personnel in proceeding with investigation; prepares and obtains search warrants as necessary, conducts follow ups on cases and elements of cases, conducts legal research, review criminal complaints, interview witnesses, included but not limited to other legal matters. Provides supervision of district office(s) and ensures the continued daily operation of the district office. Coordinates, oversees and manage the overall operation of the assigned district office; fully responsible in securing resources and providing services to ensure the efficient operation of the district office; coordinates program activities with numerous government agencies throughout the tri-state area, completes and orientates, trains, lectures and advises on numerous law enforcement related law enforcement related laws, regulations and rules. Addresses administrative reports, meetings, direct services, and etc. pursuant to the established Navajo Nation(s) policies. This position is sedentary with potential for high levels of stress. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.

Application Information
Application Method(s)
Apply via External Link
External Job URL: http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html
External ID: Po#: 204739
Application Email: apply@dpm.navajo-nsn.gov
Apply via Fax to : (928) 871-6976

Job Opportunity – Associate Judge

Tulalip Tribal Court
Tulalip Washington

The Associate Judge with 2-5 years of experience to provide a full range of judicial services by hearing cases in the Tribal Court regarding, but not limited to such issues as, criminal, civil, fishing, hunting, youth dependency, traffic, housing, drug/wellness court, and gaming. For more information, please see the job description here.

Application closes February 8, 2019.

If interested in the position, please send a resume, cover letter, and writing samples to Alicia Horne by email address ahorne@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov or by mail address: 6332 31st AVE NE Suite B, Tulalip WA, 98271