Author Archives: Indian Legal Program

NITA Training

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NITA Motion Skills for Navajo Tribal Courts
October 1-3, 2019
Navajo Nation Museum
Window Rock, Navajo Nation

Free to All Members of the Navajo Nation Bar Association

This three-day program is designed to help you improve your courtroom motion practice skills, and is open to all practitioners barred on the Navajo Nation. With an emphasis on “learning by doing,” the first two days will focus on writing a motion based on provided case materials. The third day will focus on arguing that motion. Faculty members will discuss best practices for motion drafting, work with participants to refine their motions, and demonstrate oral argument skills. Through small group exercises, you will practice implementing these skills and receive suggestions for improvement on both your written product and oral presentation. Space is limited so please register early. Participants are expected to attend all three days. Participants who successfully complete the program may be eligible for Navajo CLE credits. The program is free to all Navajo barred practitioners.

To register please email your name and Navajo bar number to: kbelzowski@nndoj.org

For more information on NITA please visit:
http://www.nita.org/

Download announcement here.

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Job Opportunity – Legal Director

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American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation
Phoenix, AZ

Closing Date: Open until filled

Position Overview: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Legal Director will lead and expand the ACLU of Arizona’s legal program, including developing and litigating high-impact cases and managing the legal department. The Legal Director will be responsible for setting the overall legal strategy to advance the ACLU of Arizona’s mission, as well as handling the day-to-day management of legal staff, volunteers, and cooperating attorneys. As a critical member of the organization’s senior management team, the Legal Director will provide strategic leadership on both litigation and non-litigation legal advocacy in priority areas of criminal justice, immigrants’ rights, education, and LGBTQ equality, as well as other areas including First Amendment rights. In addition, the Legal Director works in close coordination with our policy, organizing, and communications teams, with the national ACLU staff, and other local and national partners to advance our advocacy goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to civil rights and civil liberties consistent with the mission and goals of the ACLU;
  • 8-10 years of trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts, including class actions, with a strong background in constitutional law and civil rights;
  • Admitted to the Arizona Bar or eligible for admission under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 34(f) (admission on motion);
  • Management experience in recruiting, training, managing, and motivating a diverse, high-performing litigation team;
  • Demonstrated record of moving legal cases forward from investigation and development and through all levels of the courts, with experience working with clients from diverse constituencies;
  • Excellent communication, media, presentation, written, and analytical skills;
  • Experience working closely with a volunteer board of directors and non-profit organizations, including allies from across the political spectrum;
  • Experience representing and working with activists and grassroots and other non-governmental organizations;
  • Excellent organizational skills and a creative and strategic approach to problem-solving and litigation;
  • Goal-oriented, project-oriented, and achievement-oriented, with an ability to recognize and maximize opportunities on behalf of the organization;
  • A team-building and collegial management style, including effective communications skills, a warm personal style that commands respect, and a good sense of humor;
  • Courage and integrity.

Application Procedure:
Please submit a cover letter to info@acluaz.org that illustrates your commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, a current resume, a legal writing sample, and contact information for three professional references. Include “Legal Director Search” in the subject line and specify how you heard about the posting. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

Hard copy materials may also be sent to the attention of “Legal Director Search,” ACLU of Arizona, P.O. Box 17148, Phoenix, AZ 85011.

For full job description, click here.

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Fresh Starts – Hearing from our incoming 1Ls and transfer students

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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.

ASU Law 2019 Orientation
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Job Opportunity – Staff Attorney

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Lewis & Clark
Small Business Legal Clinic

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

  • Work on the transactional needs of clients, such as drafting contracts and researching and registering trademarks.

  • 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.

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Job Opportunity – Tribal Attorney/ Prosecutor

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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.

Education and Experience

  • Must have a law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
  • Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Colorado and be in good standing with the Colorado Supreme Court or eligible to waive in to admission in that State within a year of hiring.
  • Must have 2 years of criminal law experience with actual trial experience.
  • Must have general knowledge of Tribal jurisdiction and Indian Law.
  • Must have an understanding of legal reference resources, research techniques, practices and procedures used to prepare and present an effective prosecutory case in court or administrative proceedings.
  • Must be able to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour on-call basis.
  • Must have a demonstrated record of reliability and professionalism.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License for state of residency and be insurable through the Tribal Vehicle Insurance policy.
  • Must pass a thorough background check including professional references, criminal history, fingerprint check, and pre-employment drug test.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Understanding of programs to which respondents may be assigned because of involuntary commitment proceedings.
  • Experience in Tribal court.Experience with Juvenile Court and Children’s Court Proceedings.

Click here to submit application.

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Job Opportunity – Attorney Prosecutor

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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:

  • Represents the Tohono O’odham Nation as plaintiff in actions based on violations of the Tohono O’odham Law and Order Code, and other applicable laws and ordinances.
  • Utilizes a plea bargaining process that will protect the interests of both the nation and the victims of crime.
  • Receives, reviews and screens complaints to determine whether formal criminal proceedings should be initiated.
  • Interviews clients, gathers evidence, and analyzes pertinent information in civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate and prepare for legal action.
  • Conducts research, interviews clients and witnesses and coordinates details and processes in preparation for trial.
  • Prepares legal briefs; develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of the case.
  • Files briefs with court clerk; handles specific cases or acts as co-counsel as assigned by supervising attorney.
  • Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals.
  • Confers with colleagues to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings.
  • Maintains all appropriate documentation as required.
  • 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.
  • Performs other job related duties as assigned and contributes to a team effort.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of legal strategies, their development and presentation.
  • Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
  • Skill in gathering, analyzing, and organizing information.
  • Skill in preparing, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting complex legal documents and publications.
  • Skill in working effectively under pressure.
  • Skill in presenting complex information.
  • Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and negotiate legal actions.
  • Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements to complex criminal and civil cases.
  • Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
  • Ability to maintain privileged confidential information.
  • Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
  • Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and one year work experience in the legal field. (Work experience based on law school internships, externships, clerkships, etc. count towards the one year of work experience.)

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

  • Must be admitted to practice law before the highest court of any state or in any federal or U.S. territorial court, or admitted within three months of hire.

Please Apply Through Human Resource Department and submit application.

Download full job description here.

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Job Opportunity – Staff Attorney

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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.

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Job Opportunity – Tribal Prosecutor

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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:

  • Required education, training or experience.

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

For full job description and application detail, click here.
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