As we head into the fall 2019 semester, we welcome 12 new students into our Indian Legal Program! Law school can offer the keys to a successful future in law and the beginnings of life-long friendships, according to alumni. But what view do our new students have on starting at the ILP, ASU Law and law school in general? Five of our students shared their thoughts.
What was it like to start law school?
Your professors were once law students too! We asked our Indian Legal Program faculty and staff what it was like to be a law student in their time, and our faculty responded with a variety of experiences.
Job Purpose:
This is a grant funded position with the Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC). Located in downtown Portland, the SBLC’s mission is to provide transactional legal assistance to low-income small business owners, primarily people of color, women and immigrants. The Staff Attorney will be part of the legal team at the SBLC and work with small business clients one-on-one. Half of their time will be spent in the SBLC Rural Outreach program serving 65 clients over the course of the year. The other half of the time will be serving business owners throughout Oregon in a fee-for-service structure. The Staff Attorney will be expected to track hours, draft contracts, register trademarks and copyrights, review leases, register businesses and complete other transactional legal needs to low-income small businesses.
What You’ll Do
Represent small and emerging businesses with transactional legal services,
Represent nonprofit corporations and cooperatives information, operation and obtaining tax-exempt status.
Meet one-on-one with clients.
Complete outreach presentations.
Contribute to the organization’s administrative tasks, such as tracking billable hours and creating monthly statements for clients.
Fundraise and support the SBLC in other duties as assigned.
Work closely with all staff and faculty to advance the SBLC’s mission.
Preference will be given to applicants with a strong connection to the Native American population, as well as a significant understanding of Native American history, and the tribes of Oregon.
For full job description and application information, click here.
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Ignacio, CO
Closing Date: 9/03/2019 (5pm MST)
Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Legal Department Director, attorney will serve as a member of the Tribe’s Legal Department, with principal responsibility for the effective, efficient, and fair prosecution of violations of the Tribal Code to include criminal, gaming, and wildlife cases. In addition, the attorney will represent the Tribe in other matters that require the Legal Department’s attention, including code review and drafting, civil litigation, contract review, employment matters, and the consideration of social services cases.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Click here to submit application.
Tohono O’odham Nation
Sells, AZ
Office of the Prosecutor
Salary: $73,875.00 /year
Job Summary: Under general supervision, presents criminal complaints and prosecutes individuals accused of violating the laws or ordinances of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
The work is normally reviewed upon completion, with occasional spot checks while in process, to ensure accuracy, timeliness and conformance to established standards; major work tasks are covered by instructions or procedures and unusual situations are referred to a supervisor.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:
Please Apply Through Human Resource Department and submit application.
Download full job description here.
Location: Native American Rights Fund (NARF) at the Boulder, Colorado Office
Description: The Native American Rights Fund is a non-profit national Indian law firm representing Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals in Indian law matters of major significance. NARF’s main office is in Boulder, Colorado, with additional offices in Washington, D.C. and Anchorage, Alaska. NARF is looking for an experienced attorney with excellent research, writing, and advocacy skills to assume a litigation docket. NARF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Minimum Qualifications: Required Qualifications: JD degree from an accredited school of law and bar admission. Preferred Qualifications: Five (5) years of relevant experience as a practicing attorney with an interest in federal Indian law; experience with, and knowledge of, Native American communities and culture; and experience with federal and state court litigation. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are encouraged to apply. If not already licensed to practice in Colorado, the successful applicant will be required to become so as soon as reasonably possible.
Salary & Benefits: Salary is highly competitive, plus generous health and vacation benefits.
Closing Date: Open until filled with interviews beginning in August.
Application Procedure: Submit by email: a cover letter, complete resume (including representative sample of litigation matters), three professional references, and a writing sample to: Ron Mack, Office/HR Administrator, Native American Rights Fund, 1506 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302, rmack@narf.org.
See more information here.
Havasupai Tribe
Closing Date: August 11, 2019
Job Description: The Tribal Prosecutor will represent the Tribe in adult criminal matters and juvenile proceedings involving allegations of child dependency, incorrigibility, and juvenile offenses.
The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive or restrictive.
Review police reports to determine charges to be filed or declined.
Interview complainant/victims, law enforcement officers, and witnesses.
Perform legal research to obtain information necessary to prepare and effectively prosecute a variety of cases before the Tribal Court.
Drafts legal memorandum for the Tribal Court or legal counsel.
Represents the Tribe in juvenile and adult criminal matters such as bench and jury trials, adjudication, and dependency.
Works cooperatively with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, State, County, and other Indian and Federal Law Enforcement Agency Personnel.
Provides technical assistance for changes to Tribal Ordinances for approval by the Tribal Council.
Performs related duties as assigned and authorized.
Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor from an accredited institution, licensed to practice law within any state, and bar admission in good standing
Must have practice experience in Tribal Advocacy in Tribal Courts, a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in adult criminal and/or juvenile court including trial experience
Must possess knowledge of Federal Indian Law, ICRA, ICWA, and Federal rules of evidence
Must have never been convicted of any felonies, and no misdemeanor in the past twelve (12) months
Must pass a criminal background check
Havasupai Tribe
Closing Date: August 11, 2019
Job Description:
The Tribal Public Defender will perform professional legal work involved in representing defendants in the Havasupai Tribal Court.
The following examples of duties are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive or restrictive.
Defend persons charged with offenses in the Tribal Court.
Practice extensively in the courtroom arguing motions, trying cases to judges and juries, as well as occasionally arguing special actions and appeals.
Review and evaluate evidence and prepare cases for trial. Consult with clients and advise them in legal matters.
Interview witnesses and potential witnesses, including police officers and expert witnesses.
Draft legal memorandum for the Tribal Court or legal counsel.
Participate in plea negotiations and pre-trial discovery with prosecutors.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required education, training or experience to effectively represent the defendants in court (position open to both licensed attorneys and tribal advocates).
Ability to pass pre-employment drug and health screening. EDUCATION
Must have practice experience in Tribal Advocacy in Tribal Courts, a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in adult criminal and/or juvenile court including trial experience
Must possess knowledge of Federal Indian Law, ICRA, ICWA, and Federal rules of evidence
Must have never been convicted of any felonies, and no misdemeanor in the past twelve (12) months
Must pass a criminal back ground check
For full job description and application detail, click here.
Under the general supervision of the Tribal Court Assistant Director/Chief Judge, the Legal Access Attorney will assist the Yurok Department of Health & Human Services, the Chief Judge and the Yurok Tribal Court in its client services and legal matters. The Legal Access Attorney will complete a variety of professional assignments. The Legal Access Attorney will work closely with the Social Workers, Staff Attorney, Chief Judge and other department staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
See full job description here.
The Arizona Democratic Party (ADP) is seeking a passionate, outgoing Native
American Outreach Director. The Director will, in tandem with the Political
Director and Field Director, craft ADP outreach plans and oversee the implementation of the plans and management of deputy directors.
The Native American Outreach Director will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining excellent relationships with all recognized tribes to expand our
ability to compete in local, state, and national campaigns. Responsibilities will
include creating a strategy for increased voter registration, voter awareness campaigns, social media, press and media awareness for Democratic candidates.
As a new battleground state, the Arizona Democratic Party needs a robust
program to achieve its ambitious goals.
Minimum requirements and skills include:
HOW TO APPLY: This is a full-time position. Please send brief cover letter and
resume to operations@azdem.org with subject line “Application: Native
American Outreach Director” by August 15, 2019.
Download full job description here.