NALSA recognition

Students awarded NABA-AZ scholarships

On Oct. 8, twelve ASU Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) students received the Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ) Scholarship for their academic achievement at the “NABA-AZ 13th Annual Seven Generations Awards Event and Silent Auction.” 

Congratulations to ILP students: Rachel Carroll (2L), Keely Driscoll (1L), Chad Edwards (3L), Autumn Shone (3L), Alexandra Trousdale (2L), Sadie Red Eagle (1L), Natalia Sells (2L), Sophie Staires (2L), Shandiin Herrera (1L), Maryam Salazar (2L), Brittany Habbart (3L) and Kaleb Lester (2L).

We appreciate the continued support from our partners at NABA-AZ.

In Memory of Rob Rosette (’96)

The Indian Legal Program (ILP) and Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University mourn the loss of Robert “Rob” Rosette, JD/MBA class of 1996. On Saturday morning, we lost a friend, an alumnus and a champion for the ILP.

Rob Rosette was a prominent figure in the Indian law community. In addition to advancing the careers of other Native professionals, he was dedicated to improving the legal landscape for tribal communities across the country.  Early in his career, he founded a law firm to provide essential federal Indian law and other legal services exclusively to tribal clients. Rosette LLP began as a solo practice and grew into a national firm, supported by 24 attorneys, paralegals and support staff, including a large representation of ASU ILP alumni, with offices in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Washington D.C. and Michigan

Rob, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was a proud ASU ILP alum who regularly supported law students through scholarships, job opportunities and mentorship. He served on the ILP advisory council since 2012, to help the Program grow and recruit top Indian Law students. He also established a large endowment to fund and create the Rosette American Indian Economic Development Program in 2014. The endowment supports work and research in tribal economic development and was established to encourage more students to practice in this important area of law. The Rosette American Indian Economic Development Program’s annual “Wiring the Rez” conference has generated over $330,000 in funding for student scholarships and program operations since its inception.

Rob’s dedication to tribal sovereignty and tribal people will always be remembered, and his friendship, mentorship and laughter will be missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Sharon, his children Wyatt (ASU Law ’17), Thane, Keturah and their spouses.

Service for Rob Rosette:

Service on Friday (9/23) at 9 – 11 a.m.  Gravesite visit at 12 p.m.  

Location: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care – 400 S. Power Rd Mesa AZ 85206.

You can learn more about Rob Rosette’s impact on and involvement with the Indian Legal Program in the ASU News article Rosette law firm founder thankful for family environment he found at ASU.

Pivotal gaming case

Indian Gaming in Texas: Discussing a Supreme Court Victory

On Aug. 23, the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs hosted the webinar “Indian Gaming in Texas: A Discussion About a Recent Supreme Court Victory.” During the Supreme Court’s October 2021 term, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo argued a pivotal gaming case challenging the State of Texas and was victorious in a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch . The Court’s decision affirms the Tribes’ right to operate Class II gaming in Texas under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and their own tribal laws. The webinar discussed the case, the recent decision from the Supreme Court and what’s next for the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas with attorneys Brant Martin, counsel for Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, and Fred Petti, counsel for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Martin and Petti shared valuable insight about practicing law on behalf of a tribal client, their experiences arguing before the Supreme Court and participating as amici before the Supreme Court respectively. 

If you missed the webinar, you may watch the recording.

We look forward to inviting both attorneys and their tribal clients to the law school in Spring 2023. Keep a lookout for this announcement in the coming months.

Indian Legal Clinic tour Gila River

On Sept. 9, the Indian Legal Clinic students were sworn in to the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Court by Judge Anthony Hill (’06). “I had a great experience and was honored to meet Judge Anthony Hill,” said Chad Edwards (3L). “Being sworn in made me feel the most like an attorney since going to law school.”

“I am extremely grateful to have been sworn into the Gila River Indian Community Court by Judge Hill, who is a true role model for Indian Country judiciary success,” said Michael LaValley (3L). 

 

Student attorneys toured the facility and observed several hearings. GRIC prosecutor Ammon Orr (’16) explained the mechanics of a bail hearing they watched and gave the students some insight on practicing in tribal courts. The students also observed Charlie Giff in arraignments and met with the Chief Prosecutor Lando Voyles.

“Before this visit, I was not particularly excited about trials or criminal proceedings,” said LaValley. “After having the opportunity to observe the court chambers and visit with Gila River prosecutors, it sparked an interest as to the effective advocacy that can occur for Tribes from inside the courtroom.”

We appreciate the Gila River Community Court for the continued support.

Job opportunity: Tohono O’odham Judicial Court Judge

Tohono O’odham Legislative Branch
Sells, Arizona

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

POSITION: Judge (two positions)

TERM: Terms beginning February 1, 2023 and ending January 31, 2029

SALARY: $179,685.79 (licensed attorney), $136,946.58 (bachelor’s degree), and $101,827.44 (Nation’s member with associate’s degree) with additional compensation for fluent O’odham speakers, the chief judge, and deputy chief judge
Group health and life insurance, 401(k) plan, and other benefits provided

LOCATION OF POSITION: Tohono O’odham Judicial Court in Sells, Arizona.

For full description and application information, go to: Job Announcement – Tohono O’odham Judicial Court Judge

Job opportunity: Litigation Paralegal

Rosette, LLP is seeking a highly-motivated professional to serve as an Litigation Paralegal in its Tempe, Arizona. office. The successful candidate will be able to perform the position responsibilities and must possess a majority of the position qualifications listed below.

Position Responsibilities

  • Maintaining and updating law office files.
  • Reviewing, preparing, and editing legal documents, reports and presentations.
  • Maintaining multiple attorney calendars.
  • Assisting attorneys in preparing court filings.
  • Managing multiple projects with minimal supervision.
  • Drafting legal and business correspondence.
  • Performing tasks in a manner that demonstrates strong leadership and analytical skills.
  • Other miscellaneous tasks as assigned by attorneys.

Position Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or significant Executive Assistant/Paralegal experience.
  • Knowledge of the legal process, legal documents and court rules required.
  • Knowledge of ECF filing systems, i.e. PACER.
  • Knowledge of Westlaw, GPO Access, Federal Register, CaseMaker and other legal research databases.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, follow through and organizational skills.
  • Proven research abilities.
  • Strong analytical competency, independent thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and inquiries from numerous internal and external sources.
  • Demonstrated track record of achievement and success.
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
  • High initiative, high energy and a quick learner.
  • Competent in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Typing at 70+ WPM preferred.
  • Knowledge of federal Indian law is preferred, though not required.

Compensation

We offer competitive salary and benefits, including health care, 401k, and paid vacation time.

To apply, please send Cover Letter, Resume, and Salary Requirements to Wyatt Rosette, wrosette@rosettelaw.com.

Job Opportunity: Associate Attorney

Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP is seeking applications for an Associate Attorney who will work inperson in the Washington, DC office.

Hobbs Straus is a national law firm with offices in Washington, DC; Portland, OR; Oklahoma City, OK; and Sacramento, CA. Hobbs Straus specializes in Federal Indian Law and has worked for 40 years to realize positive change in Indian Country. Our attorneys are dedicated to promoting and defending Tribal Nations’ rights and exercise of sovereignty, expanding opportunities for Tribal Nations, and improving the
lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Qualifications for candidates include:

  • A strong academic performance;
  • Superior research and writing skills;
  • Strong communication skills; and
  • A commitment to Federal Indian Law.

We are accepting applications from 2023 law school graduates as well as attorneys with up to three years of experience.

To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial law school transcript, writing sample, and references to Trenton Osborne at tosborne@hobbsstraus.com.

Please reach out to Trenton or to Katie Klass at kklass@hobbsstraus.com with any questions. We will contact all applicants after we make our hiring decision. However, should you receive another offer or otherwise want an update before you hear from us, please reach out to Trenton or Katie.

Thank you for your interest in Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP.
Washington, DC Office Location:
1899 L Street, NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 822‐8282

HOBBSSTRAUS.COM