Author Archives: Indian Legal Program

Job Opportunity – Assistant General Counsel

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Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Closing Date: March 7, 2019

DEFINITION/PURPOSE:
Provide legal advice to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council, tribal departments and economic enterprises. Represent the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in matters brought in Tribal, State and Federal court.

TASKS:
Serves as legal advisor to the Tribal Council, tribal government departments and economic enterprises; Provides legal advice and analysis of tribal, state and Federal laws and regulations, specifically in relation to water and environmental law and policies; Drafts and revises the Tribal Constitution, Law and Order Code, other tribal laws, ordinances, and policies; Works at hours and times outside of normal business hours and days; Drafts, reviews and recommends changes to various contracts; Reviews other agreements, proposals; Represents the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in Tribal, State and Federal court actions; Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:
1) An attorney in good standing licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona; 2) Two (2) years legal experience working for a federally recognized Indian tribe or in the area of Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law; and 3) Current valid AZ driver’s license; and 4) Meet FMYN insurance standards.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resources Department
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-789-7138
Fax: 480-816-0419
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

See full job description here.

Job Opportunities – Chief Prosecutor & Assistant Tribal Prosecutor

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Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Fort Yates, ND

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe seeks a Chief Tribal Prosecutor and an Assistant Tribal Prosecutor.

Work schedule is flexible. Salary is negotiable and based on experience. These are contract positions, compensated on an hourly basis.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Code of Justice provides the following statutory qualification requirements: To be eligible to serve as the Tribal Court Prosecutor or Assistant Prosecutor of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court, a person shall (1) be a member in good standing of the bar in any state or federal court; (2) at least 21 years of age, (3) be of high moral character and integrity, (4) have a law degree from an accredited law school, (5) must never have been convicted of a felony; (6) shall not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Services, must (7) be physically able to perform the duties of the office and (8) be qualified to be admitted to practice under the provision of Section 1-601 of this Title.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Code of Justice, Section 30-202, provides a limited preference based on political status, as follows, to: 1) Tribal members, 2) local Indians, 3) other Indians, and 4) all other qualified applicants. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race (“Indian” is a federally recognized political status), national origin, sex or sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability).

Please submit a cover letter, resume, references, writing sample, proof of bar membership, and any additional materials the applicant feels the Selection Committee should consider.

Applications for the Chief Prosecutor and/or Assistant Tribal Prosecutor position may be sent to Ms. Dellis M. Agard, Court Administrator, Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court, PO Box 363, Fort Yates, ND, or by Email to dagard@standingrock.org. Ms. Agard can also be contacted by Telephone at (701) 854-7244 Ext. 7419.

The worksite for this position is located at the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court in Fort Yates, ND. The Sitting Bull College Transit provides bus services, at nominal cost, to and from Bismarck, ND; Mobridge, SD; McLaughlin, SD and Selfridge, ND and coordinated with the Tribal Work Day, which is 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Central Time).

Download full job announcement here.

All’s Fair in Love and Law

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Happy Valentine’s Day to our Indian Legal Program family, which keeps growing! We wanted to celebrate this sweet holiday by spreading some of the love we have right here in our program. Thank you to all the couples who submitted their pictures to us!
Featured: LaTonia Bercenti Johnson (’05), her husband, Eli, and their daughter, Brooklynn; Theresa Rosier (’98) and Peter Larson (’02); David Hammond (’04) and his wife, Becky; Glenna Augborne (’16) and Brandon Arents (ASU Law ’15); Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94) and Bradley Bledsoe Downes (’94); Christine Reyes (’17) and John Van Dyk (ASU Law ’17); Ron Rosier (’95) and Kate Rosier; Heather Clah (’05), her husband, Ramondo, and their children; Chia Halpern Beetso (’08) and Derrick Beetso (’10); Jake Schellinger (’12) and Vivian Nava-Schellinger (ASU Law ’12); Aspen Miller (1L) and her fiancé, Seth Jensen; Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09) and Matt Campbell (’08); Chelee John (’16) and Travis Lovett (’14).

Some iconic ILP couples found love on ASU grounds! Three couples shared their special stories.

Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94) and Bradley Bledsoe Downes (’94)

“We both entered law school in 1991. We both participated in the ILP during our entire law school career. We started dating in the fall of our 2L year. Our first date was a movie and we saw ‘A League of Their Own’. We were married March of our 3L year. Many of our law school and ILP friends traveled to Vegas for our wedding! We will celebrate our 25th anniversary on March 19.”

Christine Reyes (’17) and John Van Dyk (ASU Law ’17)

“John and I met on the second day of law school (not at ASU, we’re transfer students). I had taken a picture of the front of the classroom on the first day of school to post on social media with the caption ‘First day of Law School!’ John happened to be sitting in front of me and so the back of his head made an appearance in the picture. A mutual friend of ours apparently recognized the back of John’s head and messaged me asking if the guy in front of me was John Van Dyk. The next day I tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he was John Van Dyk. He turned slightly to acknowledge me and confirmed that he was, but quickly turned back around. I proceeded to tell him ‘I know this might sound weird but yesterday I took a picture of the back of your head and my friend recognized you.’ He again, slightly turned and said, ‘Oh!’ and chuckled, but turned back around quickly. (I must’ve made him nervous). After that day we clung to each other (on that sinking ship) and became best friends and study buddies! We were just friends for the first year of law school until we finally gave in and started dating after 1L year. January 31, 2019, almost 4 years later, he popped the question! And we’re officially engaged!”

Glenna Augborne (’16) and Brandon Arents (ASU Law ’15)

“Brandon and I met through a mutual friend in law school in December 2013. I shared my chicken enchiladas with him, and we talked about martial arts, music and food all evening. Despite having a great introduction, Brandon played it cool for a month before asking me out on an official date. When he finally did, he took me to what is now our favorite Ethiopian restaurant. We were married February 11, 2018­­––just in time for Valentine’s Day.”

Jake Schellinger (‘12) and Vivian Nava-Schellinger (ASU Law ’12)

“Jake walked into my Torts Law class as I had already set up my necessary highlighters, notebooks for taking down and important information, and had my laptop ready to go.  Jake walked in, sat in front of me, and turned around to ask me for a highlighter.  He was cute and suntanned (from what I later learned was attributed to time he spent building pools in the Midwest all summer), I figured I could lend him a highlighter. We later found out that we were not only in the same section, but we ended up in the same study group.  The third floor of the “old” law library on the Tempe campus because a place of sanctuary for us; an ironic comfort mixed with hours of reading, outlining, and practicing for oral arguments in study rooms cramped with too much Taco Bell and Mountain Dew.  While the law library became “our place” learning together and challenging one another began to feel like home.After years of friendship, we started dating in fall 2011, 3L year, and after graduation, Jake proposed to me exactly three days after we took the bar exam. He proposed at my favorite running spot, on the most scenic point in the Franklin Mountains, in my hometown of El Paso, Texas. Our journey brought us to Washington, DC, and tons of adventures in between.  We continue to see both the ILP and ASU Law as that representation of “home” that we will always have, no matter where life takes us.”

Mandy Cisneros (’11) and Joe Keene (’12)

“Mandy Cisneros (Kickapoo/Potawatomi) and Joe Keene (Osage/Cherokee) first met in Lawrence, Kansas. Mandy was a graduate student in the University of Kansas Indigenous Nations Studies Program, and working at the dorms on the Haskell Indian Nations University campus. Joe was completing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Haskell. Both were on track to attend KU Law, but once they learned more about the Indian Legal Program at ASU, they changed course. Neither had ever been to Arizona before. Mandy started law school the year before Joe, and during her second year and Joe’s first year, the welcomed their daughter Maya. The addition of a new baby did not derail their dreams of becoming attorneys. In fact, the ILP community provided support and encouragement for the new little family to continue their journey, successfully. Since graduating law school, the couple settled in Tempe, AZ and became engaged in 2018. They believe if they survived law school together, marriage should be a breeze. Mandy is an Associate General Counsel at Gila River Indian Community in Sacaton, AZ, and Joe is an Associate Attorney at Sacks Tierney in Scottsdale, AZ.”

Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09) and Matt Campbell (’08)

“Matt and Nikki met during the summer of 2006 at the Pre-law Summer Institute (“PLSI”) in Albuquerque. Matt had just finished his first year of law school at ASU, and he was working as a teaching assistant for PLSI. Nikki was attending PLSI as a student, and she was planning to attend the University of Utah the following fall. As fate would have it, during PLSI, Arizona State (ahem, Kate Rosier) stole Nikki away from Utah and gave Nikki an offer she couldn’t refuse–an amazing scholarship offer and the opportunity to study with the best Indian legal scholars in the country. Nikki was headed to Arizona. The day Nikki moved to Tempe, she received an unexpected call from Matt. He invited her out with other ASU law students for the evening. He was charming, polite, and fun. They began dating soon thereafter and quickly became inseparable. The two became best friends and fell in love. They married in October of 2011 and welcomed son, Eli, in April of 2013. They now live in Colorado where Matt is a Staff Attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, and Nikki is the Executive Director of the National American Indian Court Judges Association.”

Chelee John (’16) and Travis Lovett (’14)

“ When I started law school, Travis was a 3L. I first noticed him during the ILP’s Welcome Dinner where he was awarded the Judge William C. Canby Scholarship. Professor Clinton introduced Travis and spout off an extensive list of Travis’ law school accomplishments. Let’s just say, I was immediately impressed. A few days later, NALSA hosted its first lunch meeting and, as the President of NALSA, Travis led the meeting. This is the first time Travis remembers noticing me, the overly eager 1L sitting in the front row of the NALSA meeting. Having both noticed each other, you would think as confident future-lawyers that we would just introduce ourselves, but apparently we were not that self-assured. A week or so later, the law school was scheduled to host its inaugural “Gold ‘n Gavel” fundraiser and the ILP had two tickets to give to its students.  By mere happenstance (or so I thought) Travis and I were the two ILP students chosen to attend the event… Within hours, we started emailing, quickly exchanged phone numbers, and by the end of the night of the Gold ‘n Gavel, Travis asked me if he could take me out sometime. To which I articulately replied, “fo sho.” And the rest is history. We’ve been together nearly six years, we each graduated from law school; we moved to Canada and back again; had our daughter, Atlanna; Travis got his LLM; we studied and passed the Indiana bar together; and now we drive to work together, both working for the State of Indiana – Travis as a Deputy Attorney General and I as a Law Clerk for Court of Appeals. And to think it all started by being cc’ed on an ILP email.”

Job Opportunity – Attorney

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Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor
Kayenta, Arizona

Application Deadline: 3/6/2019, 5:00 PM MST

Job Description
Under supervision of the Chief Prosecutor/Deputy Chief Prosecutor represents the interest of the Navajo Nation government. Provides and assists several district prosecutor offices in prosecution of criminal and civil cases representing the interests of the Navajo Nation government. Will attend arraignments, as needed; trials, adjudications, child dependency adjudications, motion hearings, sentencing/disposition hearings, pretrial conferences, preliminary hearings, and other related issues to court attendance; prepares all required legal documents; reviews investigative reports, legal pleadings from defense counsel, law enforcement reports and related documents; determines nature of the criminal offenses; establishes case plan with law enforcement personnel from various governmental agencies on most serious criminal offenses such as vehicular homicide, sexual assault, aggravated batteries, child neglect or spousal abuse, etc.; assigns case plans; provides legal guidance and advice to law enforcement personnel in proceeding with investigation; prepares and obtains search warrants as necessary, conducts follow ups on cases and elements of cases, conducts legal research, review criminal complaints, interview witnesses, included but not limited to other legal matters. Provides supervision of district office(s) and ensures the continued daily operation of the district office. Coordinates, oversees and manage the overall operation of the assigned district office; fully responsible in securing resources and providing services to ensure the efficient operation of the district office; coordinates program activities with numerous government agencies throughout the tri-state area, completes and orientates, trains, lectures and advises on numerous law enforcement related law enforcement related laws, regulations and rules. Addresses administrative reports, meetings, direct services, and etc. pursuant to the established Navajo Nation(s) policies. This position is sedentary with potential for high levels of stress. This position serves at the pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.

Application Information
Application Method(s)
Apply via External Link
External Job URL: http://www.dpm.navajo-nsn.gov/jobs.html
External ID: Po#: 204739
Application Email: apply@dpm.navajo-nsn.gov
Apply via Fax to : (928) 871-6976

Job Opportunity – Associate Judge

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Tulalip Tribal Court
Tulalip Washington

The Associate Judge with 2-5 years of experience to provide a full range of judicial services by hearing cases in the Tribal Court regarding, but not limited to such issues as, criminal, civil, fishing, hunting, youth dependency, traffic, housing, drug/wellness court, and gaming. For more information, please see the job description here.

Application closes February 8, 2019.

If interested in the position, please send a resume, cover letter, and writing samples to Alicia Horne by email address ahorne@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov or by mail address: 6332 31st AVE NE Suite B, Tulalip WA, 98271

Job Opportunities with Havasupai Tribe

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General Counsel
Flagstaff, AZ
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The General Counsel is the principal legal counsel of the Havasupai Tribe and reports directly to the Havasupai Tribal Council. The General Counsel provides professional legal counsel and representation to the Havasupai Tribal government as indicated by the Tribal Council. The General Counsel works closely and independently with the Tribal Council and the Tribal Government staff. Finally, the General Counsel assists the Tribal Council in managing the work of the Tribe’s outside legal counsel.

The Havasupai Tribe is establishing a remote office in Flagstaff, Arizona for professional staff. 

See full job description and application details here.

Tribal Chief Judge
Supai, AZ
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Tribal Chief Judge presides over a broad range of civil and criminal cases for the Havasupai Tribal Court.  This position would require an individual to review a broad range of civil and criminal matters, and render decisions under Havasupai laws.  The Tribal Chief Judge must have the ability to remain unbiased and ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice in the Havasupai Courts.

See full job description and application details here.

Job Opportunity – Prosecutor I

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Gila River Indian Community
Sacaton, AZ
Prosecutor I – Deputy Community Prosecutor

Closing Date: 03/08/2019

Distinguishing features of the class:
The Prosecutor I position involves representing the Community in the litigation of criminal complaints, civil
petitions and juvenile offender matters in the Community courts as plaintiff or petitioner; legal research and
writing; intimately familiar with professional responsibilities as an Attorney.

Essential Functions:

  • Conduct legal research, analysis and document production related to the litigation of criminal and civil cases in the Community courts.
  • Represents the Community in Court at arraignments/initial hearings, pretrial/status conferences, review and evidentiary hearings and trials/adjudications in which the Community is the plaintiff or petitioner, as assigned.
  • Draft legal pleadings for the Community courts.
  • Gather and analyze evidence in criminal and civil cases.
  • Maintain case files, calendars and database for criminal and civil cases.
  • Assist in the development, revision and codification of the Community’s laws, resolution and ordinances.
  • Assist in representing the Community at meetings, court proceedings and other functions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

To download full job description, click here.

Job Opportunity – Research Assistant

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Diné College
Tsaile, AZ
Closing Date: 2/15/2019 4:00 PM Mountain

Research Assistant is to assist with the research process, development of policy recommendations for the Navajo Nation as well as for the Navajo Nation Chapters, Departments and Community Organizations.  Research Assistant must apply all academic and non-academic skills in Diné Policy Institute research projects.  Research Assistant must be able to present a final research project report and policy recommendations to the various sub-committees of Navajo Nation Councils and at Chapter House meetings.
Must have and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license and successfully pass a background check. Other licensing may be required depending on position and/or area of assignment. Use of college vehicle, which requires updated Defensive Driving certificate. 

Diné College gives preference to eligible applicant in accordance with the Navajo Preference in Employment Act (NPEA) and the Navajo Nation Veteran’s Preference. Navajo and Veterans Preference will not be given unless applicable documents are submitted with your application (example: DD-214 and Certificate of Indian Blood.)

The Essential duties of this position may change at any time and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Familiar with Diné Fundamental law, Diné Culture, Indigenous Research Methodology, Navajo Nation Tribal Government system and operation, Chapter House organizations, Diné Philosophy, research center on Indigenous Knowledge, protocol of collection data on reservation, Diné cultural etiquette, various sociological theories, be familiar with American Sociological Association (ASA) and American Psychological Association (APA) formatting and citation, academic research process, and familiar with the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board (NNHRRB) application process.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft word, Excel, and Powerpoint.  Strong Writing Skills. Proficiency in Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) to analyze quantitative data.
  • Time management, pay attention to details, public speaking (English and Diné Language), personal communication, assertive in research process, self motivator, discipline, and goal orientated.  Have the ability to meet deadlines with tasks. Team player in various projects.

For full job description and application details, click here.