Author Archives: Indian Legal Program

Alumni: Taking the Oath in a Pandemic

Posted on by

Meet some of ILP’s alumni who were determined to make change. They care about the greater good and have positioned themselves to hold public spaces and have committed their efforts to public service.

In March, April Olson (’06) was named the Chief Judge for the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation in California. Congratulations, April!

Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren (’20) was appointed to represent District 7 of the Arizona State House of Representatives and is the youngest member of the House. Who better to conduct her swearing in than the first Native American woman federal judge and fellow ILP alum? Representative Blackwater-Nygren was sworn in by Judge Diane Humetewa (‘93) of the District of Arizona on Feb. 11.

On Jan. 8, Moon Valley Justice of the Peace Deborah Ann Begay (’10) took her oath of office, which was administered by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

She was surrounded by supportive friends and family, including ILP alum Chris Love (’05) who happily attended the swearing-in ceremony. Alumni supporting alumni, we love it! More on Begay’s win in the Arizona Republic article and her candid message to students.

In January, Brian Garcia (’20) was sworn in as president of Tempe Union School Board. Congratulations Brian!

Janet Bill (’20) was sworn into the State Bar of California on Jan. 21. Congratulations, Janet! 

In October 2020, Julianne Begay (’15) was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the 6th Judicial Advocate for children in dependency and neglect cases. Excellent advocacy, Julianne!

ASU Navajo Nation Law CLE 2021: Call for Presentations

Posted on by

The Indian Legal Program at ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is proud to host the 2021 Navajo Nation Law CLE Conference on Friday, October 15, 2021.

The Navajo Nation Law CLE Conference will offer a one day survey of Navajo law and ethics. This conference is ideal training for attorneys practicing on and near the Navajo Nation, tribal court advocates, tribal court practitioners, tribal court
prosecutors, tribal court defenders, tribal council members, Indian law
attorneys, tribal liaisons, government legislators, Navajo Nation Bar members,
law students, as well as teachers/professors and students of American Indian
studies.

The Conference Planning Committee welcomes proposals for 30-minute, 60-minute or 90-minute conference presentations or panel discussions. To submit a presentation proposal, please send the following information by July 30, 2021:

  • Presenter(s) name, title, contact information, bio
  • Title of the proposed presentation
  • A brief (one paragraph) description of the presentation, how the presentation relates to Navajo Law, and a description of the presentation format (example: lecture with Q&A, panel discussion, etc.)
  • A brief description of what will be or could be distributed to attendees as materials
  • A two-sentence summary of the presentation for the conference program, if accepted
  • Length of presentation
  • Would this session qualify for Navajo Ethics?

Participants will be notified of their selection by August 13, 2021.

Please submit your abstract here: ilp@asu.edu Subject: Navajo Law CLE Proposal

Impacting the next gen

Posted on by

This past semester ILP Executive Director and Assistant Dean of Institutional Progress Kate Rosier and Assistant Dean Ray English of ASU Law’s Office of Career and Employment Service joined forces to co-teach an undergraduate course LAW 394: Law School Foundations. The course was created to provide students with the opportunity to explore and develop the skills necessary to apply to law school and succeed in law school. This diverse roster took part in an intensive LSAT preparation course, and students learned about the law school application process and application strategies. They were also given the opportunity to network with law school administrators, law students, lawyers and judges. 

“I feel like the course provided students with a great foundation upon which to develop their critical thinking skills and to pursue admission into law school,” said English. “My favorite memories surround oral arguments. Students did amazingly well, considering many had never made an oral argument before.”

Over the course of the semester, the students were exposed to legal constructions of the courts in the United States and Arizona, including the function of courts and judges. Students participated in legal analysis exercises, draft legal memorandums and made oral arguments.

“It was a rewarding experience to work with talented and motivated students in the class,” said Rosier. “It was fun to demystify the law school admissions process and direct them with helpful tips.”

The course was initially designed to be in-person but due to a global pandemic, Rosier and English quickly took action and reworked the course to meet the needs of the students. By the end of the semester, they realized the course exceeded their expectations. “Kate and I make a great team! I am looking forward to working with her to improve the course.”

“I think the biggest accomplishment is that all of the students attended every session, even though I made everyone turn on their cameras,” he said. By the end of the semester, two students secured summer internships with Honorable David B. Gass of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.

This course was based on the course previously taught by Jeremiah Chin (’15) and Dr. Bryan Brayboy. We appreciate their great work and forward thinking.    

Make learning Indian Gaming Law fun

Posted on by

This semester, Professor Larry Roberts brought game to his Indian Gaming Law class! In a public health crisis, students turned on their webcams and tuned into class at 3:45 p.m. every Tuesday to learn about Indian Gaming Law from Professor Roberts, who tuned in from Washington, D.C. The class examined the historical background behind Indian gaming and the modern legal regime that governs the development of gaming enterprises in Indian country.

To make it interesting and get the students excited about learning, Professor Roberts challenged his class to Jeopardy and Family Feud. Student teams applied their knowledge and reviewed Indian gaming regulatory history while playing Jeopardy and a fast game of Family Feud. 

Jeopardy was neck and neck until the very end. Team 1’s Peter Furlow (2L) and Team 2’s Zaine Ristau (2L) faced off in final jeopardy. Team 1 won Jeopardy by the narrowest of margins: one dollar. Pro tip for those who haven’t played Indian Gaming Jeopardy: if you don’t know the answer, go with “What is the Secretary of the Interior?”

The class ran through two lightening rounds of Family Feud, reviewing the components of HR 1920 and dissenting views of HR 1920; the game ended in a tie. But the class wasn’t all games, they continued on to discuss the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and its legislative history.

____
Theresa Beaulieu
Program Coordinator, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law

Danielle Williams
Program Coordinator Sr, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law

Job Opportunity – Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison

Posted on by

Rapid City, South Dakota

Job Summary:

This position will have both internal and external facing responsibilities to advance the mission of GPTCHB through excellence in regulatory tracking, policy, advocacy, outreach, technical assistance, research and related projects.  This position oversees the interactions of the GPTCHB with tribal, federal and state governments and agencies in addressing all issues affecting health care in the Great Plains Area, and will assist with efforts to advocate for Indian health.  This position will be responsible for tracking and responding to federal health policies and regulations as they impact Indian Country.  The Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison will establish and strengthen ties and relationships with tribal councils, chairpersons, officials, staff, and tribal members in the OHC Service Area. The incumbent must have a strong understanding of health care delivery, the federal trust relationship with Indian Tribes as well as the legal, policy and political frameworks impacting Direct Service and Self-Governing Tribes as well as compacting and contracting Tribes, and this position is expected to understand the intricacies of how tribal political bodies, including the Councils and their Committees, and the tribal executive branches work. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATES/CREDENTIALS

  • Minimum education required is graduate or doctorate degree in Law, public policy/government, public administration or other relevant field; Juris Doctorate preferred.
  • A minimum of five (3) years’ of experience in the Indian health care delivery system working with American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments with demonstrated experience with policy analysis and development, research, project management and community engagement, and federal policy advocacy, working with Congress and the Administration.
  • Demonstrated analytical skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to be detail oriented. Computer and technical skills (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
  • Experience that indicates the ability to interact effectively with leaders among American Indian communities, government agencies, scientific and academic communities, medical and health-related organizations, nongovernmental groups and the public at large is required.
  • Must successfully pass a criminal and background check, and a pre-employment drug screen.

Essential Functions:

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key partners, networks, coalitions, organizations, and other GPTCHB partners critical to the achievement of the organization’s legislative agenda; convene and regularly communicate with an array of tribes and national, regional, and tribal organizations focused on a broad range of policy priorities.
  • Build relationships with Congressional and Administration contacts that are necessary to further the overall mission and responsibilities of GPTCHB, including interaction with tribal partners, federal partners, national and regional organization partners, constituent inquiries, and correspondence.
  • Attends meetings of groups and individuals affected by the GPTCHB programs and build positive partnerships.
  • Assist in development of strategies for GPTCHB discussions and negotiations with represented tribal governments to create mutually beneficial agreements and partnerships.

The GPTCHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference to qualified Indian/Tribal candidates overqualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions, if all other qualifications are equal.

See the full job description and apply here.

Job Opportunity – Attorney-Advisor (Continuous)

Posted on by

Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.

Summary:
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel, Ethics Law Division.

This is a permanent appointment in the excepted service and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment are required to serve a two (2) year trial period. Upon successful completion of the required trial period, this position will be permanent.

Responsibilities:
As a Attorney-Advisor (Open Continuous) GS 0905 11/12, your typical work assignments may include the following under supervision:

  • Provide oral and written advice, analysis, interpretations, and guidance on complex and sensitive legal and policy matters both for individual questions and as related to DHS programs and operations.
  • Draft and review documents for consistency with all applicable legal authorities and requirements, to include: ethics guidance, financial disclosure reviews, analysis and advice, directives, correspondence, reports, memoranda, testimony, regulations, Federal Register notices, directives, legislation, guidance and other such documents.
  • Draft and present ethics training to Headquarters officials, to include senior leadership and political appointees.
  • Review financial disclosure reports, analyze and resolve potential conflicts of interest and related ethics questions.
  • Assist with administration of the DHS Standards of Conduct Program.
  • Provide guidance related to related areas of law, such as procurement integrity and partisan political activity regulations and policies.

Basic Requirements:
GS-11:
1. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD), AND superior law student work. Superior law student work or activities as demonstrated by one of the following:

  1. Academic standing in the upper third of the attorney’s law school graduating class.
  2. Work or achievement of significance on one of the attorney’s law school’s official law reviews or journals.
  3. Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school (e.g., membership in the Order of the Coif, winning a moot court competition, or membership on the moot court team that represents the attorney’s law school in competition with other law schools.)
  4. Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-time, intermittent, or casual participation.
  5. Significant summer law office clerk experience.
  6. Other evidence of clearly superior accomplishment or achievement.

For full job description and to apply, click here.

Job Opportunity – Associate Attorney

Posted on by

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
Washington, D.C.

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP, a national law firm with offices in Washington, DC, Portland, OR, Oklahoma City, OK, Sacramento, CA and Anchorage, AK is seeking an Associate Attorney for its Washington, DC office. Hobbs Straus specializes in Federal Indian Law and has worked for almost 40 years to realize positive change in Indian Country. Our attorneys are dedicated to promoting and defending tribal rights, expanding opportunities for tribes, and improving the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Qualifications for candidates include: (1) superior research and writing skills; (2) strong academic performance; (3) strong communication skills; and (4) a commitment to tribal representation. We are looking for candidates with 0-3 years of legal experience. Prior experience in the field of Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred.

To apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample to Ms. Robin Branthover at rbranthover@hobbsstraus.com.

www.hobbsstraus.com

Job Opportunity – Associate Attorney

Posted on by

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP
Oakland, CA

Apply by: 07/11/2021, 11:30pm MST

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP represents American Indian tribes and organizations. We provide comprehensive services to our tribal clients involving all aspects of tribal government and tribal rights, and provide services on such matters as governmental programs, policies and legislation, business development and financing, real estate and land use, business transactions, protection of Indian children, cultural resources and governmental affairs.

The firm’s partners have devoted their entire careers to the furtherance of Indian and tribal rights and their 150 years of collective experience representing California Indian tribes is highly valued by our clients. In addition to the partners, all of our associates are highly experienced, sophisticated attorneys. We believe in collegiality, mutual respect and maintaining a level of staffing that allows the firm to quickly provide needed services to our tribal clients who utilize us as general counsel for their governmental and commercial entities while at the same time allowing us to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney seeking professional growth and stable employment in a practice that will fully utilize their training, knowledge and experience in federal Indian and tribal law.

We are seeking an attorney with experience in representing tribal interests.

Minimum qualifications include:

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school;
  • Status as an active member in good standing of the bar of CA or willing to sit for the next CA bar exam;
  • Ability to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area;
  • Two or more years experience working with Indian tribes or tribal entities;
  • Proven skills in effectively communicating with tribal clients, opposing counsel, and federal/state/local agencies:
  • Excellent analytical, research, and writing abilities;
  • Experience drafting transactional and governmental documents; and
  • Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.

Duties and Responsibilities include all the duties that typically are required of tribal attorneys

We offer very competitive compensation and full benefits

Interested candidates should send their resumes to: hiring@jmandmplaw.com

Michael Pfeffer
Partner
mpfeffer@jmandmplaw.com
510-919-8503
1970 Broadway Suite 825, Oakland – CA, United States (USA), 94612

Job Opportunity – Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Manager

Posted on by

Ak-Chin Indian Community  

Title: Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Manager

Closing date: 05/19/21 11:59 PM Arizona Time

Under the direct supervision of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council, the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Manager is responsible for the oversight and administration of the PRC program which includes supervision of staff, budget development and accountability, and advocate for all eligible program users.

Examples of duties:

  • Responsible for all PRC program operations, functions and services guided by an adherence to program policies and procedures and manages the program that meet the Ak-Chin Indian Community mission, vision and values.
  • Provides supervision and guidance to all PRC staff including scheduling, performance management, and providing training and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Prepares programmatic, fiscal, and statistical reports and data as requested.
  • Works collaboratively with Tribal leadership and other Tribal/Community entities.
  • Assists with determining provider agreement rates for PRC outpatient and inpatient services.
  • Ensures the processing of Medicare-Like rates for appropriate claims.
  • Develops the annual budget and closely monitors expenditures, variances and high cost/chronic care case management.
  • Provides guidance on day-to-day services including eligibility determination, maintaining billing and payment records, authorizing services, claims processing and identifying alternate resources.
  • Prepares CHEF claims in coordination with the PRC Specialist.
  • Ensures an office culture of respect, enthusiasm to assist program recipients, teamwork and positive attitudes; effectively and efficiently addresses staff and program recipient issues.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality, meets HIPAA compliance and IHS regulatory requirements as well as all other tribal, state or federal applicable regulations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
See full job description and apply here.

Job Opportunity – Attorney-Advisor

Posted on by

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
DHS Headquarters
Office of the General Counsel

Open & Closing dates
05/17/2021 to 05/16/2022

Location
Washington, DC

Summary
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Regulatory Affairs Division (RLD), and reports to the Associate General Counsel or Deputy Associate General Counsel. The primary purpose of this position is to support the management and development of the Department’s regulatory actions and by providing legal counsel on DHS and component regulatory matters.

Responsibilities
• Review DHS and component regulatory actions for compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Orders 12866 and 13563, and related statutes and Executive Orders.
• Ensure that DHS and component regulatory actions are consistent with Departmental policies and procedures.
• Provide written and oral advice to DHS senior leadership on legal issues regarding regulatory actions and initiatives. Etc…

Basic requirements
GS-13:

  1. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD); or
  2. The second professional law degree (LL.M.) AND
  3. Specialized professional legal experience in excess of two years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position or two years of judicial clerkship.

GS-14 or GS-15:

  1. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD); or
  2. The second professional law degree (LL.M.) AND
  3. Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual’s background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization.

To See full job description
USAJOBS – Job Announcement

Agency contact info
Lori Pollacci
Phone
2023578668
Email
lori.pollacci@hq.dhs.gov