Author Archives: Indian Legal Program

Job Postings – Attorney openings at USDA

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Dear Colleagues:

For the first time in quite a while,  the USDA Office of the General Counsel is hiring career attorneys and I am asking you to help me spread the word!  Below is a listing of our current attorney job openings — 4 in Washington, DC and 4 in our field offices.  The list includes the government grade level and pay, the date that the application period closes, and the link to the USAJobs site candidates must use to apply.  Please share this information with any lawyers you know who are interested in working for the federal government.  OGC is a great place to work with many talented lawyers.    The application periods close relatively soon (betweenDecember 6 and 11, depending on the job) and applications cannot be accepted unless they come in by the dates specified and in the manner specified in the job announcements.

The GS 11 positions are all entry level jobs suitable for newly minted lawyers. The GS-12/13 position requires some litigation experience.  The Assistant GC position is a Senior Executive Service job (go to OPM.gov for background on the SES).  It requires significant management experience as well as significant legal experience and the application calls for a detailed written narrative.  If anyone is interested, they should start working on the SES application right away as the application period for this position closes December 11th.

Active bar membership is a requisite for all of the jobs.

Ramona E. Romero
General Counsel
U.S. Department of Agriculture

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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is hiring!

USDA OGC is looking for Attorneys in several different geographic and legal areas.  Please follow the links below to apply for the attorney positions in each city.

Washington, DC

Assistant General Counsel (1 vacancy)

Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs Division

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355791700

Salary: $119,554.00 to $179,700.00 / Per Year (SES)

Applications Close: Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Washington, DC

Trial Attorney (1 vacancy)

Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs Division

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355467800

Salary: $74,872.00 to $115,742.00 / Per Year (GS-12/13)

Applications Close: Friday, December 06, 2013

Washington, DC

Trial Attorney (2 vacancies)

Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs Division

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355704200

Salary: $62,467.00 to $81,204.00 / Per Year (GS-11)

Applications Close: Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Washington, DC

Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)

Natural Resources and Environment Division

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355660600

Salary: $62,467.00 to $81,204.00 / Per Year (GS-11)

Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013

Little Rock, AR

Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)

USDA OGC Field Office

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355643700

Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)

Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013

Kansas City, MO

Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)

USDA OGC Field Office

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355643700

Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)

Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013

Harrisburg, PA

Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)

USDA OGC Field Office

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355643700

Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)

Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013

Milwaukee, WI

Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)

USDA OGC Field Office

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355643700

Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)

Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013

This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
—

Michael J. Berrigan, Associate Solicitor
Division of Indian Affairs, Office of the Solicitor, Dept. of the Interior
(202)208-7340

 

Job Opening – SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY -Assistant General Counsel (Government)

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SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
invites applications for the position of:
Assistant General Counsel (Government)

An Equal Opportunity Employer
SALARY: $106,539.00 – $157,148.00 Annually

 

OPENING DATE: 09/25/13
CLOSING DATE: 10/25/13 11:59 PM
DEFINITION:
Definition:  Under general supervision of the General Counsel, provides legal review and advice to the SaltRiver Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC or Community) government.  Ensures that applicable laws are followed so that tribal sovereignty is protected and enhanced.  Provides assistance to avoid or prevent expensive legal disputes and litigation and protects the Community’s legal interests.  This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.
EXAMPLES OF TASKS:
Essential Functions:  (Essential functions, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).Tasks:

 

  1. Reviews legal documents and provides legal advice, to protect SRPMIC interests; may be assigned as counsel for civil litigation involving the Community and its departments.    Advises supervisor, Community departments, divisions and enterprises and the Community Council.  Reviews law, rules, regulations, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, grant documents and related legal documents.

 

  1. Provides legal guidance on personnel, program and other related issues to various departments of the SRPMIC.  Drafts legal documents, ordinances and policies.  May provide functional, project specific supervision to support staff.

 

  1. Works with a broad range of clients such as Council members, government employees, boards, and committees and other officials, many of whom are Community members.  Interacts with Community members and the public on a day-to-day basis.

 

  1. Represents SRPMIC at internal, external or intergovernmental meetings related to the various interests of the Community.  Attendances at after-hour meetings maybe required.

 

  1. Conducts legal research and provides advice related to Community interests, tribal sovereignty, tribal jurisdiction, taxation, membership, health and human resources, law enforcement, human resources/personnel matters, civil litigation, commercial transactions, business law and/or other areas.

 

  1. Assists in the preparation of legal and technical correspondence for the President, Vice President, Community Manager, and General Counsel.

 

  1. Keeps abreast of federal law, regulations, administrative and court decisions in Indian law and interacts with other tribal, federal, state or local agencies on behalf of the Community.

 

  1. May supervise non-attorneys, law clerks, interns, and/or externs.

 

  1. Performs other job related duties that enhance and/or facilitate department operations.

 

                                                                                    

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

 

  • Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
  • Knowledge of representing clients as legal counsel.
  • Knowledge of Federal Indian law.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of the legal profession.
  • Knowledge of case law appropriate to the issues and cases assigned.
  • Knowledge of legal research methods, legal research software, and use of data bases.
  • Skill in interpreting and applying statues, ordinances and other laws.
  • Skill in interpreting and applying rules, regulations, and policies.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with SRPMIC Administration,  Community Council members, Community members officials  and appropriate outside entities.
  • Skill in communicating and instructing others, using both technical and non-technical language as appropriate to provide legal counsel and explanation to those for whom the subject matter is unfamiliar and/or difficult to understand.

 

  • Ability to get along well and cooperate with others.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing with administrative staff, community member officials, outside entities and co-workers.
  • Ability to perform legal research.
  • Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal issues and apply legal principles.
  • Ability to adapt to changing work situations and assignments.
  • Ability to exercise resourcefulness in addressing new problems.
  • Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically, in both written and oral form.
  • Ability to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts, using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
  • Ability to set priorities and be organized in order to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to analyze and aid in drafting and commenting on proposed legislation.
  • Ability to appear as counsel of record in litigation or other adjudicatory proceedings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:  Graduation from an American Bar Associated accredited college or university with a Law Degree (Juris Doctor) and at least three (3) years of experience as a licensed attorney representing Native American tribes in legal affairs.  Experience that has provided knowledge of social, political, and legal framework of tribal governments is essential.
Equivalency:  Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling this position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Special Requirements:  Must be a member in good standing with a state bar association or if currently not a member of the Arizona Bar must take and pass the Arizona Bar Exam and be admitted to the Arizona Bar within one (1) year from the date of hire.  In addition, candidates must have the ability to practice in Federal District Court if required.  Must attend a minimum of 15 hours annual continuing legal education as related to job and approved by supervisor.Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.“SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer” Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

 

In order to obtain consideration for Community member/Native American preference, applicant must submit a copy of Tribal Enrollment card or CIB which indicates enrollment in a Federally Recognized Native American Tribe by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2)  fax (480-362-5860) 

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

 

Documentation must be received by position closing date.
The IHS/BIA CIB form is not accepted.
Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.srpmic-nsn.gov/employmentOUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
10005 E Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
480-362-7935
480-362-7925
employment@srpmic-nsn.govPreference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

Job #100067-130925
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL (GOVERNMENT)
KT

April 19 – Conference / Can International Law Support Changes to Federal Indian Policy?

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Friday, April 19, 2013 – 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Great Hall, Armstrong Hall, 1100 S. McAllister Avenue, Tempe, AZ  85287
Free and Open to the Public – Registration requested.

Keynote Speaker:  S. James Anaya, U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Agenda and registration online at:  http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/drip/
Contact:  Darlene Lester / darlene.lester@asu.edu / 480-965-7715
Sponsored by the Indian Legal Program and the Center for Law and Global Affairs at ASU

For Attorneys seeking  CLE credits  Registration $150.00 CLE Credits:  5 General CLE Credits available in AZ & and CA, 5.5 General MCLE credits for NM.  At the door CLE registration available.

This event will be Live Web-streaming at:  http://law.asu.edu/undrip2013

Sad News about Professor Joe Feller

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Dear Alumni and Friends:

I write with incredible sadness to inform all of you that, last evening, our friend and long-time member of our community, Professor Joe Feller, was struck and killed by a car.  I know this must come as a shock to all of you, and this is certainly a terrible loss to the College of Law.

Many of you knew Professor Feller personally; some may remember fondly class trips to the Grand Canyon with him. For those who didn’t know him well, he was an incredible teacher and advocate for environmental causes. He will be greatly missed.  In the days to come, we will make plans to honor Professor Feller’s memory and service, and we welcome any thoughts or suggestions on how you might want to see him honored.

We invite you to reach out to members of our law school community during this difficult time.

by ILP staff on behalf of
Dean Doug Sylvester

Joe Feller was a great friend, mentor and advocate for the Indian Legal Program and many ILP students over his years at the law school.  He will be greatly missed by ILP faculty, staff and alums.