Networking with Lewis and Roca

On Sept. 27, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP invited the ILP to their firm for a lunch presentation. Along with our ILP staff and students, we saw some familiar ILP family faces like Peter Larson (’02), Professor Pilar Thomas and Navajo Nation Attorney General Doreen McPaul (’01). Among Council Delegates, Eugenia Charles Newton (Council Delegate, Navajo Nation; Chairwoman, Law and Order Committee at Navajo Nation) spoke at the presentation. 

Aspen Miller (2L) commented on her experience, “I am Navajo and it was great to hear from my elders and leaders about their journey and experience dealing with law. It reminded me that so many options are available in practicing law. Any experience gained or skills developed can be brought back to benefit.”

We appreciate Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP for hosting us!

Job Opportunity – Practicing Attorney & 3Ls

Job Description: The Gallup Office of the New Mexico Law Office of the Public Defender is hiring both practicing attorneys and 3Ls interested in a career in indigent defense. Depending on experience, the attorney would be expected to handle a wide variety of misdemeanor and/or felony cases, meeting with clients, interviewing witnesses, developing strategy, researching, briefing, and arguing motions, and conducting jury trials. Additionally, consistent with our offices belief in holistic representation, attorneys would be expected to assist our on-site case manager with the social needs of our clients, including addiction recovery, mental health, and familial relations, as they relate to our clients’ cases. Expect significant responsibility and trial experience early and often. Few public defender offices in the country can offer the sort of experience that our newer attorneys get on a regular basis.

Gallup is a small city in western New Mexico on the border of the Navajo Nation and the Zuni Pueblo. Approximately 75% of the people in the county (and therefore, our clients) are Native American. Thus, in addition to the typical slate of criminal law issues that most public defenders face, our cases often involve complex and sensitive issues of Federal Indian Law.

Located in the high desert of the Colorado Plateau, Gallup enjoys easy access to world class (and uncrowded) hiking, fishing, biking, camping, climbing, skiing, and other outdoor recreation. It is a world-renowned capital of Native American arts and culture, home of the Gallup Indian Ceremonial every year in August.

Minimum Qualifications: For practicing attorneys, being a member in good standing of any state’s bar and willing to obtain a Limited License to practice from the New Mexico Supreme Court.  For current 3Ls, a willingness to take the New Mexico Bar Exam.

To Apply: A full description of the position for practicing attorneys is available here.

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Professional Development Panel

ASU NALSA collaborated with NABA-AZ to host a NABA-AZ Professional Development Panel for law students.

Theresa Rosier (’98), Katosha Nakai (’03), Kevin Pooley (’15) and Denton Robinson shared tips on networking and employment in Indian Country with our current students. Thank you for coming to speak to our students! 

Job Opportunity – D.C. Associate

Rosette, LLP, is seeking a motivated candidate to serve as an attorney in its Washington, D.C. office to handle a wide variety legal issues affecting Indian tribes. The firm specializes in representing federally recognized Indian Tribes and their governmental agencies throughout the country. Knowledge and interest in issues affecting Indian Country – including federal legislative and policy issues – is strongly preferred.

Competitive salary and benefits, including health care, 401k, and paid time off.

Qualified interested candidates should respond to this posting via e-mail to Saba Bazzazieh at: sbazzazieh@rosettelaw.com and include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary requirements.

See more information here.

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Promoting Excellence in Diversity

On Feb. 15, Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee was honored as one of five recipients of the American Bar Association’s 2020 Spirit of Excellence award in Austin, Texas. This title is awarded annually to legal professionals that demonstrate excellence and commitment to diversity in law. We are so proud that she is a part of our program, and we are grateful to the ILP alumni and friends who came to support her achievement. Congratulations! 

“I realize that the opportunities I’ve had resulted from the work and sacrifice of a lot of people who fought for those opportunities. That’s why I spend a lot of time giving back to my tribe and serving my tribe in a pro bono capacity. I think it’s awesome because I feel that when I do things, I’m not just representing myself, but I am also representing my family, my tribe and where I come from.” 

Read more here or here

Job Opportunity – Staff Attorney

Job Summary: Acts as counsel for the Tribe and arms of Tribal government.  Works with a high degree of independence coordinates with the Tribal Attorney and senior attorneys in the Tribal Attorney’s Office as necessary. 

Location: Grand Ronde, OR

Closing date: 02/27/2020

Qualifications, Registrations, and Certification:

  • Requires knowledge of Indian and Tribal law and applicable federal and state laws.

  • Requires knowledge of and sensitivity to Native American culture.

More information here.

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Job Opportunity – Law Clerk PT

The Mille Lacs Band Tribal Court is looking to hire a part-time judicial law clerk. We are set up so that the individual can work remotely through secure connections, if need be. This is one of the busiest tribal courts I’ve experienced. Extremely competent and friendly judges and staff.

OPEN DATE: Jan 21, 2020

CLOSE DATE: Until filled

SUMMARY: The parttime Law Clerk is responsible for assisting the Tribal Court judiciary with legal research, drafting of court decisions and special court development projects. Work will be performed remotely from 16 to 20 hours a week with initial and periodic meetings at the work site (Tribal Court) with District Court Judge and/or Staff Attorney.

See full job description here.

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ILP Alumni & Friends Reception & Awards Ceremony

On April 6, we invite you to join the Indian Legal Program faculty, staff, and students for a reception and award ceremony at the Federal Bar Association’s Indian Law Conference. Meet the new students, learn what activities we have coming up and visit with friends and colleagues.

RSVP to ilp@asu.edu by March 30.

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