Job Opportunity – Law Fellow

Coyote Valley
Band of Pomo Indians

Job Summary:
The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians is seeking a legal fellow that will assist the General Counsel with the provision of legal services to the Tribe, including the Tribal Council and various Tribal departments. The Tribe is willing to assist the successful applicant in obtaining student loan forgiveness through any available public service debt elimination programs.

Qualifications/Requirements:
The applicant must possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, and must have graduated within the last five years. The applicant must also be willing to take the California Bar exam and pass such exam within six (6) months of hire. The applicant must also have the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate would have taken Indian Law classes, or have practiced in the Indian Law field. The candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills, as well legal analysis and research
skills.

Essential Functions:
1. Perform related duties as determined by the Tribal Council, General Counsel, and Tribal Administrator.
2. Interpret and apply broad organizational policies and objectives into defined programs or services.
3. Appear in matters as assigned involving the Tribe in state, Tribal or federal court.
4. Work with outside specialists and consultants.
5. Attend required meetings and trainings.
6. Cultivate and maintain relations with Coyote Valley Tribal Court staff, Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Attorney, Mendocino County District Attorney, Mendocino County Sheriff, Ukiah police department and contracted attorneys.

How to Apply:
Please email your resume, a cover letter, and two writing samples to Paul Fernandez at housingdirector@coyotevalley-nsn.gov. Please include “Coyote Valley Legal Fellowship” in the subject line of the email. At least one of the writing samples should be in the nature of a legal memorandum or scholarly legal article. They also must be written solely by the applicant. Applicants will not be considered without a cover letter and writing samples.

Other:
1. The Tribe is willing to assist the successful applicant in obtaining student loan forgiveness through any available public service debt elimination programs.
2. Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified members of the Coyote Valley of Pomo Indian Tribe or qualified Native American candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 2, U. S Code). Coyote Valley of Pomo Indian Tribe and its enterprises are committed to achieving full equal opportunity without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical disability, age or sexual orientation.
3. Must be sensitive to the needs of the Indian community, their culture and traditions.
4. Salary is negotiable based on experience.

For job announcement, click here.

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Job Opportunity – Director

Indigenous Initiatives
University of Toronto, Canada
Director

Deadline: July 3, 2019
Salary: 109,555-127,814

Faculty / Division: Human Resources and Equity  Department: Human Resources and Equity  Campus: St. George (downtown Toronto)    Description:     Reporting jointly to the Vice-President & Provost, and the Vice-President, HR & Equity, the Director of Indigenous Initiatives works in partnership with members of the University’s senior leadership team to effectively engage academic and shared service divisions, as well as faculty, staff, and students in supporting the University’s strategic vision coming out of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee report, and oversees successful implementation of the recommendations. The Director, Indigenous Initiatives will work with existing portfolios to review related structures and initiatives, and will make recommendations regarding changes to, and the creation of, new structures and processes to implement Indigenous initiatives in order to work towards reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities. 
The Director, Indigenous Initiatives manages the operations of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, providing daily supervision of the staff as well as long-term operational resource planning for the unit. The Director, Indigenous Initiatives will also work closely with Indigenous faculty members who may be appointed as academic advisors in areas such as: mentorship of Indigenous faculty members; curriculum development related to Indigenous knowledge; and protocols for community-based research involving Indigenous peoples.

The Director, Indigenous Initiatives engages Indigenous people in and outside of the University in the mission of the University, broadly intersecting with such areas as teaching and learning, student experience, faculty and staff recruitment and engagement, and community-based research. In addition, the Director, Indigenous Initiatives will Co-Chair the Council of Aboriginal Initiatives and other related advisory bodies and committees.
  Qualifications:     (MINIMUM)
Education:
Graduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:
Minimum 10 years’ experience working with complex issues related to Indigenous issues as well as equity and diversity as they relate to faculty issues, human resources, the student experience and the workplace. Demonstrated experience leading and implementing complex projects. Experience designing and delivering educational programs is required. Experience working with students, faculty, and staff, and an appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the University’s community. Thorough understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code and relevant legislation/case law. Experience working within a post-secondary context is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in creating and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and experience acting at the senior level as an ambassador for the needs of Indigenous communities. 
Skills:
Computer experience required, including use of Microsoft Word and Excel. 

Other:
Highly developed oral and written communication, analytical, relationship management and organizational skills. Demonstrated collaborative approach to problem solving. Ability to make sound decisions quickly based on available and sometimes limited information, and to take prompt, decisive action. Demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate with individuals at all levels within the University as well as externally, including students, staff, faculty and community partners. Demonstrated experience developing and leading staff. Ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation. High degree of political acuity and judgment. Flexible listener. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Must embrace diversity and inclusion as an integral component of a quality university experience. Ability to produce detailed and comprehensive reports from a large volume of complex information. Ability to plan strategically, initiate action and achieve desired outcomes for multiple complex and multi-faceted institutional projects and initiatives in both political as well as culturally sensitive environments. Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous culture, with an ability to leverage or develop a strong network of contacts within Indigenous communities.   Travel: None    Employee Group: Professional / Managerial    Appointment Type: Budget – Continuing Schedule: Full-time  Pay Scale Group and Hiring Rate: PM 6 — Hiring Zone: $109,555 – $127,814 — Broadband Salary Range: $109,555 – $182,591     Job Field: Administration  Job Posting: Jun 11, 2019  Job Closing: Jul 3, 2019, 11:59:00 PM

For more information, click here.

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Job Opportunity – Staff Attorney

Ramah Judicial District Court
Ramah, New Mexico

Closing Date: June 14, 2019

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under general direction of the Judges of the assigned district, performs work of considerable difficulty in providing complex legal advice and guidance; conducts legal research and drafts legal documents in support of the judges, court solicitor and court administrators; undertakes special projects for the Judicial Branch; performs related duties assigned. Provides legal guidance to judicial judges, involving numerous areas of law; utilizes a variety of research methods to find legal precedents; reviews statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, case law, briefs and other administrative and legal documents; provides both informal and legal opinions, recommendations and legal briefs resulting from research; proposes alternatives and options to consider; drafts memoranda, decisions, judgements, orders, summaries and other legal documents. Provides advice and assistance in administrative issues, including, but not limited to, employment matters, policy issues, and impact of legislation; undertakes special legal and administrative projects, conducts legal education programs; participates in the development of training plans, curricula and educational materials and provides training; provides legal representation for the court in various legal arenas; attends meetings.

Education, Training and Experience:
A Juris Doctorate from ABA accredited law school; and two (2) years of general legal practice as a licensed attorney. Must be a current member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association. Must have a state license and be a current member of a State Bar. The applicant shall obtain an attorney license in Arizona, New Mexico or Utah within two (2) years of date of hire

See full job announcement here.

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Job Opportunity – Program Attorney

The
National Judicial College (NJC) is a private, not-for-profit organization
providing quality continuing education to trial judges, administrative law
judges, tribal judges, military judges and court personnel.  The College
also provides international judicial education.  NJC is located on the
campus of the University of Nevada in Reno.

The National Tribal Judicial Center at The National
Judicial College is among the first institutions to address the needs of Native
American and Alaska Native tribal law judiciaries.  The curricula
presented are innovative and sophisticated, designed to enhance the
professional skills of tribal judges and tribal court professionals.  The
Center’s main objective is to improve justice through education and technical
assistance, both national in scope as well as customized for the needs of
specific tribes or regions.

NJC seeks a team-oriented individual to fill the
position of program attorney for the National Tribal Judicial Center. 
Under the supervision of the academic director, program attorney responsibilities
include developing academic courses on a variety of topics and issues
especially in the area of tribal judicial education, preparing course
materials, planning and conducting courses, delivering customized technical
assistance to tribal courts, and seeking further funding to support the work of
the National Tribal Judicial Center. 

Graduation from an ABA-accredited school of law and bar
admission to any state’s bar are required.  Experience working with tribes
or in tribal law is highly desired.  The successful candidate must have
demonstrated excellent organizational, writing, and communication skills. 
Further, the candidate must have two to five years of legal experience. 
Experience in continuing adult education and/or grant administration is
preferred. 

Application Method(s)

  • Application Email: jobs@judges.org
  • Apply via Mail to: The National Judicial College Attn: Human Resources Judicial College Building, M.S. 358 Reno, NV 89557

Job Opportunity – Law Clerk PT

Mille Lacs Band Tribal Court
Court of Central Jurisdiction
Onamia, MN

Closing Date: June 18, 2019

Summary:
The Law Clerk is responsible for assisting the Tribal Court judiciary with legal research, drafting of court decisions and special court development projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Completion of one year or more at an ABA-accredited law school, including satisfactory completion of a legal research and writing course.
  • Demonstrated interest in Tribal and Federal Indian Law.
  • Strong legal writing and research skills, including utilization of online legal research database services.
  • Ability to interpret and apply laws, analyze legal documents, derive pertinent points, and record conclusions.
  • Ability to draft legal documents so as to be understood by non-law trained individuals.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strict attention to detail.
  • Ability to read with speed and comprehension.
  • Ability to comprehend and record rapid speech.
  • Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency in Microsoft Word.
  • Moderate touch typing ability.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of documents, computer files and oral communications.
  • Must pass a criminal background check.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
  • Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation and proper insurance is required.

Submit resume, cover letter, and employment application to: Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Employment Coordinator 43408 Oodena Dr. Onamia, MN 56359 Fax # (320) 532-7492 e-mail to hr@millelacsband.com

Download full job description here.

Job Opportunity – Prosecuting Attorney

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation

Location: Tribal Prosecutor’s Office
Pablo, MT

Closing Date: June 13, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

This is a professional position requiring specialized knowledge and skill to represent and act as legal counsel for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and its governmental departments in the Tribal Court and such other forums, including other courts, tribunals, alternative dispute mechanisms, and agencies as necessary. The incumbent shall be a fully licensed member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana and admitted, or eligible for admission, to practice in the Tribal Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The general work is a litigation position and the incumbent shall have necessary education, training, and skills to represent the Tribes in court independently. To the end, the incumbent shall act on behalf of the Tribes with respect to the following matters which are not all-inclusive.

Minimum Qualifications (as reflected on the tribal employment application):

  • Must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana. If not admitted, must become admitted within six (6) months of hire to maintain employment.
  • Applicant must have no criminal convictions other than minor traffic infractions for which the punishment does not include the possibility of a jail sentence.
  • Weekend and off-hour work and occasional Court appearances required.

Submit:

  1. Completed Tribal employment application. (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official tribal application.)
  2. Copies of relevant licenses, academic transcripts and relevant training certificates.
  3. Provide a writing sample.
  4. Proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT.
  5. If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted with the application.

Download job announcement and full job description here.

csktribes.org
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cory Clairmont @ (406) 675-2700, ext. 1041. FAX (406) 675-2711 or E-Mail: cory.clairmont@cskt.org

ILP Alumni with Concurrent Degrees: Part 2

In an earlier post, we talked to some of our alumni with concurrent degrees. Again, we reached out to our alumni to ask them why they chose to pursue concurrent degrees and how it has affected their career after graduation. Below are the responses from Perry Riggs (’98) and Courtney Monteiro (’06). You can read our first installment on our blog here.

  • Robert A. Rosette (’96), Partner and founder of Rosette, LLP
  • Marlene Ray (’97), business manager and philanthropist
  • Perry Riggs (’98), Deputy Executive Director, Navajo Nation Washington Office
  • Theresa Rosier (’98), Deputy General Counsel, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
  • Verrin Kewenvoyouma (’04), attorney, business advisor, and owner of Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC
  • Courtney Monteiro (’06), Senior Vice President, Sovereign Finance, LLC
  • Bartley Harris (’08), Attorney, Four Rivers Indian Legal Services
  • Kris Beecher (2L), student and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Navajo Housing Authority

What is your current occupation and how long have you held that position? 

Perry Riggs: I am currently the Deputy Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office. I’ve held this position for almost three years, but I have worked for this office for about five years.

Courtney Monteiro: I am the Senior Vice President of Sovereign Finance. I helped start the company in August 2008 and have been with the company ever since. Prior life was as an Investment Banker at JPMorgan Securities.

How have your concurrent MBA and JD degrees affected your career? Do you wish you had chosen a different field? 

Perry Riggs: I think having both degrees has made me more marketable in the early stages of my career. Having an MBA has also helped me do my job as an attorney. I have been a licensed attorney for almost 20 years now and about 18 of those years has been spent within tribal government. Nowadays, Indian tribes are doing so many different things, especially economically, that you now have to know things from a business perspective. As an attorney, I have been involved in finance, investments, commercial transactions, construction, tribal enterprises, gaming, procurement, budgets, appropriations, economic development, and a number of other areas. With an MBA, it allowed me to see the issues involved from a business perspective allowing me to provide better advice and services to the tribe, as well as their enterprises.

I do not wish I had chosen a different field. Being an attorney is a very difficult job, but it has its rewards.

Courtney Monteiro: I’m a bit of an anomaly. My JD/MBA helped me realize that I preferred the business side of the equation to the legal. As such, when I received offer letters and considered my options, I was partial to proceeding outside of a traditional career in law. That said, I could not have excelled in my career without the work that was put in going through the legal portion of my education. I have zero regrets regarding my career choice. In fact, I couldn’t have imagined being in the position I am in when I was in school and I am grateful to have had the opportunities that I have had. I certainly would not have been prepared for where my career has taken me without all facets of my educational career, including my time spent at the law school. 

In what ways do you use your knowledge of law in your career and everyday life? 

Perry Riggs: I have been utilizing my knowledge of the law pretty much throughout the length of my career. I worked 12 and a half years as in-house counsel for an Indian tribe, one and a half years as counsel within Congress, one year as outside counsel, and five years in my current position working on behalf of my tribe in its representation to Congress and the Executive Administration. This all requires legal knowledge. In everyday life, I use the analytical skills often for problem solving, but the legal knowledge only in specific circumstances.

Courtney Monteiro: My firm provides financial and investment advisory work to tribal clients. While I am not in a position where I am drafting legal opinions or doing legal research, the time I spent both in law school and during my clerkships have been an invaluable component to ensuring that my client efforts receive the best advice possible. Sometimes this is as simple as providing them with access to legal resources that are made available to me through the many friends and colleagues, mostly graduates of the ILP program, that are providing exceptional legal advice throughout Indian Country. 

Would you recommend a law degree or concurrent degrees to prospective students? What would you say to a student considering earning these degrees? 

Perry Riggs: Although it would depend on your circumstances and goals, I would definitely recommend a law degree or concurrent degree. Not only is the legal knowledge you gain from law school helpful, but the legal training also dramatically improves your logical and analytical abilities, as well as your ability to think strategically in resolving issues and problems. 

Courtney Monteiro: I unquestionably and without hesitation would recommend that students that are able, take the time to pursue both degrees. I couldn’t tell you how many of my legal colleagues express to me how they should have taken the extra time to get their MBA. The addition of the skills that are developed as part of the MBA are an invaluable addition to any lawyers resume, and quite frankly develop a series of life skills that are valuable in and of themselves. In addition, and if that is not enough justification, being able to secure an MBA in one year rather than two as is typical, is incentive in and of itself.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Perry Riggs: I would say, if you are thinking about a legal career, do not take it too lightly. And, especially, do not make the decision based on simply wanting the title of an attorney. It is a difficult job and it requires a lot of work. But, at the same time, in my practice area of Indian law, you are involved with working with some of the brightest people and working on some interesting and difficult issues while pushing the cause of Indian tribes and Indian people. It has its own rewards.

In regards to the Indian legal program at ASU, it has expanded much further than when I was in law school. They are doing a lot of great work. I still see a number of people who were in the ILP program during my time at ASU and some of the work they are doing now is amazing. Due to our connection with the ILP, these people remain life-long friends and colleagues.  

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____
Miranda Cyr
Communications Aide, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law