In Memory of Rob Rosette (’96)

The Indian Legal Program (ILP) and Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University mourn the loss of Robert “Rob” Rosette, JD/MBA class of 1996. On Saturday morning, we lost a friend, an alumnus and a champion for the ILP.

Rob Rosette was a prominent figure in the Indian law community. In addition to advancing the careers of other Native professionals, he was dedicated to improving the legal landscape for tribal communities across the country.  Early in his career, he founded a law firm to provide essential federal Indian law and other legal services exclusively to tribal clients. Rosette LLP began as a solo practice and grew into a national firm, supported by 24 attorneys, paralegals and support staff, including a large representation of ASU ILP alumni, with offices in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Washington D.C. and Michigan

Rob, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was a proud ASU ILP alum who regularly supported law students through scholarships, job opportunities and mentorship. He served on the ILP advisory council since 2012, to help the Program grow and recruit top Indian Law students. He also established a large endowment to fund and create the Rosette American Indian Economic Development Program in 2014. The endowment supports work and research in tribal economic development and was established to encourage more students to practice in this important area of law. The Rosette American Indian Economic Development Program’s annual “Wiring the Rez” conference has generated over $330,000 in funding for student scholarships and program operations since its inception.

Rob’s dedication to tribal sovereignty and tribal people will always be remembered, and his friendship, mentorship and laughter will be missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Sharon, his children Wyatt (ASU Law ’17), Thane, Keturah and their spouses.

Service for Rob Rosette:

Service on Friday (9/23) at 9 – 11 a.m.  Gravesite visit at 12 p.m.  

Location: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care – 400 S. Power Rd Mesa AZ 85206.

You can learn more about Rob Rosette’s impact on and involvement with the Indian Legal Program in the ASU News article Rosette law firm founder thankful for family environment he found at ASU.

Firm seeks 2L for 2023 Summer Law Clerk

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP is a well-established law firm in Indian country, with a particular focus on the California region and the more than 100 federally recognized Indian tribes located there. Our partners offer decades of experience representing tribal interests on all matters affecting tribal government and reservation communities. We provide general and special counsel services on a wide range of matters including tribal gaming, governance, employment, administrative, business transactions and economic development, environmental compliance, Indian Housing/NAHASDA, ICWA, tribal TANF, state and federal taxation and land-into-trust acquisitions. In furtherance of tribal sovereignty, we work closely with tribal leaders on strengthening tribal legal systems by updating core governance documents including tribal constitutions, membership and election statutes, and a wide range of other tribal laws and administrative policies and protocols. We have successfully advised tribal governments on establishing new or expanded tribal institutions and businesses as both an exercise of sovereignty and self-determination.

MPKGC is seeking applications from second-year law students for a 2023 Summer Law Clerk for its office in Oakland, California. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school. Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred. Applicants must also possess excellent analytical, research and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced and fun environment. MPKGC offers a competitive salary for a 10-week summer position (exact length negotiable).

To apply: interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and unofficial law school transcript to Ms. Bethany Sullivan at bsullivan@jmandmplaw.com by November 4, 2022.

Pivotal gaming case

Indian Gaming in Texas: Discussing a Supreme Court Victory

On Aug. 23, the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs hosted the webinar “Indian Gaming in Texas: A Discussion About a Recent Supreme Court Victory.” During the Supreme Court’s October 2021 term, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo argued a pivotal gaming case challenging the State of Texas and was victorious in a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch . The Court’s decision affirms the Tribes’ right to operate Class II gaming in Texas under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and their own tribal laws. The webinar discussed the case, the recent decision from the Supreme Court and what’s next for the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas with attorneys Brant Martin, counsel for Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, and Fred Petti, counsel for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Martin and Petti shared valuable insight about practicing law on behalf of a tribal client, their experiences arguing before the Supreme Court and participating as amici before the Supreme Court respectively. 

If you missed the webinar, you may watch the recording.

We look forward to inviting both attorneys and their tribal clients to the law school in Spring 2023. Keep a lookout for this announcement in the coming months.

Indian Legal Clinic tour Gila River

On Sept. 9, the Indian Legal Clinic students were sworn in to the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Court by Judge Anthony Hill (’06). “I had a great experience and was honored to meet Judge Anthony Hill,” said Chad Edwards (3L). “Being sworn in made me feel the most like an attorney since going to law school.”

“I am extremely grateful to have been sworn into the Gila River Indian Community Court by Judge Hill, who is a true role model for Indian Country judiciary success,” said Michael LaValley (3L). 

 

Student attorneys toured the facility and observed several hearings. GRIC prosecutor Ammon Orr (’16) explained the mechanics of a bail hearing they watched and gave the students some insight on practicing in tribal courts. The students also observed Charlie Giff in arraignments and met with the Chief Prosecutor Lando Voyles.

“Before this visit, I was not particularly excited about trials or criminal proceedings,” said LaValley. “After having the opportunity to observe the court chambers and visit with Gila River prosecutors, it sparked an interest as to the effective advocacy that can occur for Tribes from inside the courtroom.”

We appreciate the Gila River Community Court for the continued support.

Job opportunity: Tohono O’odham Judicial Court Judge

Tohono O’odham Legislative Branch
Sells, Arizona

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

POSITION: Judge (two positions)

TERM: Terms beginning February 1, 2023 and ending January 31, 2029

SALARY: $179,685.79 (licensed attorney), $136,946.58 (bachelor’s degree), and $101,827.44 (Nation’s member with associate’s degree) with additional compensation for fluent O’odham speakers, the chief judge, and deputy chief judge
Group health and life insurance, 401(k) plan, and other benefits provided

LOCATION OF POSITION: Tohono O’odham Judicial Court in Sells, Arizona.

For full description and application information, go to: Job Announcement – Tohono O’odham Judicial Court Judge

Job opportunity: Litigation Paralegal

Rosette, LLP is seeking a highly-motivated professional to serve as an Litigation Paralegal in its Tempe, Arizona. office. The successful candidate will be able to perform the position responsibilities and must possess a majority of the position qualifications listed below.

Position Responsibilities

  • Maintaining and updating law office files.
  • Reviewing, preparing, and editing legal documents, reports and presentations.
  • Maintaining multiple attorney calendars.
  • Assisting attorneys in preparing court filings.
  • Managing multiple projects with minimal supervision.
  • Drafting legal and business correspondence.
  • Performing tasks in a manner that demonstrates strong leadership and analytical skills.
  • Other miscellaneous tasks as assigned by attorneys.

Position Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or significant Executive Assistant/Paralegal experience.
  • Knowledge of the legal process, legal documents and court rules required.
  • Knowledge of ECF filing systems, i.e. PACER.
  • Knowledge of Westlaw, GPO Access, Federal Register, CaseMaker and other legal research databases.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, follow through and organizational skills.
  • Proven research abilities.
  • Strong analytical competency, independent thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and inquiries from numerous internal and external sources.
  • Demonstrated track record of achievement and success.
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
  • High initiative, high energy and a quick learner.
  • Competent in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Typing at 70+ WPM preferred.
  • Knowledge of federal Indian law is preferred, though not required.

Compensation

We offer competitive salary and benefits, including health care, 401k, and paid vacation time.

To apply, please send Cover Letter, Resume, and Salary Requirements to Wyatt Rosette, wrosette@rosettelaw.com.

Tohono O’odham Gaming Office, Legal Counsel

Under general direction, provides legal advice and representation to the Gaming Office; representing the Gaming Office in all legal proceedings, and in other matters that affect the legal interests of the Nation’s Gaming Office. The major work activities are generally undefined except in terms of achieving overall organization/department goals. Specific policies, procedures and guidelines are virtually nonexistent except for executive directives and accepted professional standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Prepares and reviews contracts, agreements, leases, rights of way and similar documents in order to maintain the best legal interests of the gaming operation.
  • Provides legal advice and services on legal issues.
  • Studies gaming federal legislation, federal regulations, statutes, ordinances and decisions of judicial bodies.
  • Examines legal data and conducts research on assigned legal matters, draft legal memorandums summarizing results and legal conclusions.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; reviewing case histories and rulings; attending workshops, conferences and seminars; establishing networks; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
  • Maintains documentation and confidentiality of all privileged information.
  • Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

For more information and to apply, go to job posting.