Author Archives: dwilliams

Job Opportunity – Licensed Associate Judge

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Closing Date/Time: Fri. 08/07/15 11:59 PM Arizona Time
Salary: $103,491.00 – $150,061.00 Annually
Job Type: Full-Time
Location:10005 E. Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona

DEFINITION:
Position Summary:Under the administrative direction of the Chief Judge, presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned.Responsible for fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and  in ensuring SRPMIC adherence to applicable Federal, Tribal and other relevant laws and ordinances.The Licensed Associate Judge is appointed by the Council.This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

EXAMPLES OF TASKS:
Distinguishing Features: The Licensed Associate Judge is an integral member of the judicial system and as such serves to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.  The Licensed Associate Judge must thoroughly understand the legal system, administration of justice, interpersonal relationships, and dispute resolution as well as appropriate decision making techniques, public safety, and governmental methods of reporting.  Responsible for complex and sensitive legal decisions and judicial rulings on criminal and civil cases as assigned.  The Licensed Associate Judge’s work is reviewed by the Chief Judge through an annual performance review, reports, conferences and meetings.  Judicial conduct is governed by Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinances and the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Sec 2, Judicial Rules of Professional Conduct.

Essential Functions:  Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Tasks:

1.Manages and oversees criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned by the Chief Judge.    Facilitates and ensures all applicable rules of evidence and other judicial requirements are followed by parties that are in court.

2.If the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) is adopted by the Community, the Licensed Associated Judge would adjudicate TLOA cases.

3.If the Commercial Court is implemented, the Licensed Associate Judge would adjudicate complex commercial transactions that would be pending before the Commercial Court.

4.Assists in the development of court rules of procedure, court policies,and goals and objective to improve operation efficiencies.   At the direction of the Chief Judge,may be asked to assume the duties of the Chief Judge in an “Acting” capacity during the absence of the elected Chief Judge.

5.Manages and maintains regular court case load of non-TLOA cases and fills in as necessary to help avoid court proceeding delays or backlog in court cases.

6.Determines trial procedures and conducts trials, examines evidence, determines validity of allegations, rules on admissibility of evidence, and prepares and issues rulings.

7.Researches legal issues and prepares appropriate legal memoranda, interprets applicable SRPMIC, other tribal jurisdictions, city, state and federal laws and regulations.

8.Drafts and issues court orders and opinions.

9.Directs the preparation and maintenance of records and dockets of actions and courts proceedings in accordance with accepted standards of court procedures.

10.Conducts arraignments, advisement of rights, and sets appearance dates.

11.Presides in jury trials and assists with jury management.  Gives jury instructions on application of facts to law.

12.Executes and issues court processes including, but not limited to, writs, judgments, decrees, arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, summons, long form complaints and civil injunctions.

13.Drafts and issues orders compelling attendance at court proceedings.

14.Determines plea, motion and sentencing issues and authorizes collection procedures.

15.Decides restitution awards, revocation of probation status and bond forfeitures.

16.Sentences defendants in criminal cases in accordance with applicable laws.

17.Sits on appellate panels, if appropriate.

18.Assists in the development and implementation of plans, goals and objectives to ensure the effective and efficient administration of justice.

19.Coordinates with other tribes, federal, state, county and city authorities on court-related and juvenile matters.

20.Attends ongoing training as required by the SRPMIC and pursuant to Chapter 4, Art. 2, 4-22 of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances.

21.Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Chief Judge to maintain and enhance judicial operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

  • Knowledge of the SRPMIC ordinances, laws, rules, customs and traditions.
  • Knowledge of State, Federal, and Tribal statutes, codes, and ordinances.
  • Knowledge of general law, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of principles of civil and criminal law and appeals problems and procedures and methods of legal research.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of judicial administration, program planning and development, employee supervision and training.
  • Knowledge of court operations, principles, and practices.
  • Knowledge of the history and culture of the SRPMIC.
  • Skill in oral and written communications to conduct court proceedings and elicit pertinent information from all parties.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other judicial entities, regulatory agencies, staff, government officials, SRPMIC members and the general public.
  • Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, laws, acts, regulations and standards.
  • Skill in understanding and applying complex policies, procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines.
  • Skill in determining alternative approaches to problem solving.
  • Ability to hear and decide cases and perform judicial duties in a fair and impartial manner while upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
  • Ability to research, interpret, analyze and apply legal principles to pending cases.
  • Ability to regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of neglecting or creating a conflict with judicial duties.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with other members of the judiciary, other governmental entities, parties before the Court, and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualifications:

Education & Experience:  The applicant shall meet all the qualifications as set for in Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (D) of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances as amended.  Such qualifications include:

1.Being thirty (30) years of age or older;

2. Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate;

3.Must be a member for at least three (3) years and in good standing with a state bar association;

4.Of good moral character and any assessment of moral character shall be consistent with the customs and traditions of the Akimel O’odham and Xalychidom Piiipaash peoples;

5.Has never been removed for good cause as a judge in jurisdiction;

6.Has never been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction and has not been convicted of a misdemeanor (not including violations that are generally considered civil  traffic violations) within the past 5 years; and

7.Preference will be given to enrolled members of the Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Tohono O’odham Nation.

8.Serving a one (1) year probationary period;

9.Having never been removed for good cause from a judge position in any jurisdiction;

10.Being subject to SRPMIC administrative policies regarding employees except when such policies are inconsistent with the status and duties of a judge including, but not limited to, employee grievance, recruitment and selection, and underfill policies.  Notwithstanding the administrative policies, Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinance shall apply to all removal or suspension of judges;

11.Being subject to the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Section 2 Judicial Rules of Professional conduct and as these rules may be amended.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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 Form-4432 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/employment

Job #100709-150709
LICENSED ASSOCIATE JUDGE
SP

OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
10005 E Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
480-362-7925
480-362-7925
hrrecruitment@srpmic-nsn.gov

Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

 

NABA-AZ 2015 Seven Generations Honorees

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Native American Bar Association of Arizona
2015 Seven Generations Honorees

The Native American Bar Association of Arizona (“NABA-AZ”) would like to congratulate its 2015 NABA-AZ Seven Generations Honorees.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Eric Dahlstrom, Partner
Rothstein, Donatelli, Hughes, Dahlstrom,
Schoenburg & Bienvenu, LLP

Community Award
James Anaya, Regents Professor & the
James J. Lenoir Professor of Human Rights
Law and Policy,
University of Arizona James E. Rogers
College of Law

Member of the Year Award
Denton Robinson, Partner
Rothstein, Donatelli, Hughes, Dahlstrom,
Schoenburg & Bienvenu, LLP

Please save the date, as the Seven Generations Dinner and Silent Auction will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, located at 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, Arizona 85048, Gila River Indian Community.

Please contact Kate Rosier at (480) 965-6204 or kathlene.rosier@asu.edu, NABA-AZ Dinner Committee Chair, if you have any questions about the upcoming dinner and silent auction.

Job Opportunity – Water Rights Attorneys

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Water Rights Attorney Vacancy Announcment

The Navajo Nation Department of Justice – Water Rights Unit seeks two attorneys. Under the supervision of the Assistant Attorney General, attorneys in the Unit represent the Nation in multiple water rights adjudications pending in state and federal courts, and in state administrative water rights matters; engage in negotiations to resolve the Nation’s water rights claims by settlement; and perform work necessary both to secure approval of negotiated settlements at the tribal, state and federal level and to implement Congressionally-approved water rights settlements. Attorneys are assigned tasks commensurate with their level of experience.

Attorneys in the Water Rights Unit regularly brief and advise the Navajo Nation government, including the Attorney General, the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission, the Navajo Nation Council and its Committees, the Office of the President and Vice President, and the Navajo Nation Washington Office on water rights matters. Attorneys also assist the Water Rights Commission in efforts to educate the Navajo public about water rights matters and work closely with the Nation’s technical staff in the Department of Water Resources. Attorneys may work on general Navajo Nation legal issues as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
– Juris Doctorate
– Current admission to practice in any state. Candidates not admitted to practice within the Navajo Nation, or to the state bar of one of the states in which the Nation is located (i.e., Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah) must secure such licenses within one (1) year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
– Juris Doctorate
– Experience in the fields of Indian Law and Water Law.

A successful applicant may be classified, depending upon experience, as an Attorney, Senior Attorney, or Principal Attorney, with a starting salary range between $63,356 and $106,225.60.  The Navajo Nation offers a generous benefits package. The Navajo Nation employment application form is available through the Navajo Nation Department of Personnel Management at www.nndpm.navajo-nsn.org.
Please submit your application, together with evidence of bar membership, law school transcript and a writing sample to Stanley Pollack, Assistant Attorney General, at smpollack@nndoj.org or by mail at P.O. Drawer 2010, Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ) 86515. Mr. Pollack may also be reached at 928.871.7510 should you have questions about this position.

The Navajo Nation Department of Justice complies with the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. The positions will remain open until filled.

Job Opportunity – Assistant Public Defender-Non Exempt Position

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#34-15

Department:      Executive Offices
Position:            Assistant Public Defender-Non Exempt Position
Reports To:       Public Defender
Salary:               D.O.E.
Closing Date:    Open Until Filled

Job Summary:

This Position reports to the CRIT Public Defender.  The successful applicant will be assigned a case load that may include Juvenile as well as Adult criminal cases, at the discretion of the Public Defender.  Duties will include initial or intake interviews with prospective clients, and conflict checking and determination of whether client may be represented.  Such decisions may be reviewed by the Public Defender.  Although there will be some administrative support provided, preparation of pleadings and other documentation will be the responsibility of the Attorney.  The Attorney shall be responsible for case preparation.  Negations with prosecutors regarding plea agreements or alternative (diversion) programs and coordination with other affected departments such as probation and behavioral health.  Attorney will be responsible for hearing on assigned cases as well as coverage for cases assigned to the Public Defender on as ass-needed basis.  AM research and investigation required by assigned cases will be conducted as directed by the Public Defender, but responsibility for all legal matters assigned will rest with the Attorney.  The Attorney shall maintain appropriate contact with the client in assigned cases and communicate all information necessary for the client to make informed decisions regarding the conduct of their case.  The Attorney will advise each client on the legal procedures involved and make recommendations as to strategy and actions to be taken.  Trials as appropriate will be the responsibility of the Attorney.

Education & Experience Requirements:

  1. Applicant must have graduated from an ABA accredited law school and be a member of a State or Federal Bar, or pending admission.
  2. Applicant should have demonstrable knowledge of criminal law and procedures, along with an interest in Indian affairs.
  3. Applicant must be willing to locate to within reasonable commuting distance of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation.  No relocation allowance is available.For Employment Application visit:     http://critonline.comSubmit completed application to:
    CRIT Human Resource Department
    26600 Mohave Road
    Parker, Arizona  85344

    APPLY:
    COLORADO RIVER PREFERENCE:
    Under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Sections 701(b) and 703(i) explicitly exempts from coverage the preferential employment of Indian-by-Indian Tribes. Therefore, C.R.I.T. acknowledges and extends preferential treatment to enrolled C.R.I.T. members who qualify toward all employment opportunities otherwise; C.R.I.T. does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin.C.R.I.T. Offers
    Health and Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, Sick and Annual Leave and Pension Plan. Pre-employment drug screening is required.

Job Opportunity – Public Defender

Posted on by

#53-15

Department: Public Defender’s Office
Position: Public Defender
Reports To: Tribal Council
Salary: D O E
Closing Date: Open until Filled

Job Summary:

Responsibilities include representation of Tribal member adults and juveniles, in criminal actions before the Tribal Court. The Public Defender carries a full adult criminal caseload in Tribal Court and may also handle juvenile proceedings (Child Offender (CO) and Child-in-Need of Care (CNC) cases) under the Tribes’ Domestic Relations Code in some instances; the Public Defender may also be called on to take civil conflict cases referred by the Tribes’ Legal Aid Office.

The Public Defender will also be responsible for management of the Public Defender’s Office and staff including administrative and budgeting duties and supervision of staff in representing and counseling eligible Tribal Members.

Education & Experience Requirements:

1. Graduate from an ABA accredited law school
2. Be admitted to Tribal, State or Federal Bar or pending admission preferred.
3. Must have knowledge and experience working with principles of Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law and/or administrative law.
4. Applicant should have demonstrable familiarity with criminal law and procedure along with concern and interest in Indian Affairs.
5. Applicant must have ability to work cooperatively with other officers and attorneys of the court, even in adversarial relationships.
6. Dependable, punctual and able to communicate in a professional and pleasant manner.
7. Pre-employment drug screening is required.
8. Employees may be required to submit to fingerprinting and criminal background check.

For Employment Application visit: http://critonline.com

Submit completed application to: CRIT Human Resource Department
26600 Mohave Road
Parker, Arizona 85344

APPLY:
COLORADO RIVERPREFERENCE:
Under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Sections 701(b) and 703(i) explicitly exempts from coverage the preferential employment of Indian-by-Indian Tribes. Therefore, C.R.I.T. acknowledges and extends preferential treatment to enrolled C.R.I.T. members who qualify toward all employment opportunities otherwise; C.R.I.T. does not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, color, sex, religion ornational origin.

C.R.I.T. Offers
Health and Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, Sick and Annual Leave and Pension Plan. Pre-employment drug screening is required.

 

 

Call for Nominations – NABA-AZ Board of Directors

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NABA-AZ CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

NABA-AZ BOARD POSITIONS 2015-2017

Deadline To Apply – May 14, 2015

 

Dear NABA-AZ Members:

There are several positions open on the NABA-AZ Board of Directors. Board members serve 2 year terms, which begin immediately following the Annual Meeting, and are expected to provide significant contributions to the organization’s activities and mission. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please email a letter of interest to Kerry Patterson at KPatterson@lrrlaw.com by May 14th.

Pursuant to the NABA-AZ Bylaws, Board members should meet the following requirements:

·         shall be a General Member in good standing with the Association

A General Member must be recognized by a Native community as being a Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Alaska Native and must also be a licensed attorney, judge or a tribal court practitioner admitted in good standing in tribal court in Arizona.

·         should be someone who can address and support the distinct, unmet needs of the Association

·         should be someone with leadership skills demonstrated by successful participation in an NABA-AZ committee, another bar association, experience on the board of directors of other nonprofit organizations, or other community efforts

·         should participate fully and even aggressively on behalf of the NABA-AZ.  The ability to attend Board meetings, the willingness to serve on Board committees, the desire to achieve good working relations with the Board of Directors and Officers and the commitment individually to take such steps as are necessary to promote the mission of NABA-AZ shall be measures of the requisite participation.

The NABA-AZ Board Nomination Committee consists of Kerry Patterson, Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Diandra Benally.

 

Job Opportunity – Experienced Indian Law Attorney

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Experienced Indian Law Attorney

Rosette LLP (Chandler, AZ)

Position Type:

 Attorney

Practice Area(s):

 Legal Services

Geographic Preference:

 Southwest (AZ, NM)

Description:

 We are currently seeking an attorney for the Firm’s Arizona office who has actively practiced for a minimum of 5 years. Preference will be given to attorneys who have an established connection and commitment to federally-recognized Indian Tribes and matters involving Native American heritage, as well as a keen interest and experience in Federal Indian law including in the areas of litigation (in tribal, state and federal courts), transactional law, gaming law, internal tribal governance matters, lobbying, water law and/environmental law.

 The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and willing to work in a dynamic atmosphere with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, organizational and communication skills are required. Must have the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. Must be willing to travel and work on client matters throughout the United States.

Desired Class Level:

 Alum 4-6 yrs exp, Alum 7+ yrs exp, LLM

Posting Date:

 April 28, 2015

Expiration Date:

 May 28, 2015

contact:

 Christian Cienfuegos

565 W Chandler Boulevard Suite 212 Chandler, Arizona 85225 United States

Resume Receipt:

 E-mail, Other (see below)

Default email for resumes.:

 ccienfuegos@rosettelaw.com

How To Apply:

 Cover Letter, Writing Sample

Additional Documents:

 Cover Letter, Writing Sample, Other Documents

id:

 25529

Job Opportunity – Chief Judge

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The Nez Perce Tribe Department of Law & Justice is recruiting for: CHIEF JUDGE HR-15-122

This position requires a wide range of legal, administrative, management and budgetary skills. The Chief Judge presides over the Tribal Court, and hears, or assigns to other Tribal Court Associate and Pro-Tem judges, all cases heard in the Tribal Court. The Chief Judge handles all phases of civil and criminal litigation, drafts orders, opinions, memoranda and other legal documents, and fulfills all other duties required of the Chief Judge to assure an effective and fair Tribal Court. In addition, the Chief Judge supervises Associate Judges, and the Court Administrator/Chief Clerk.

Requires three (3) years’ experience as a judge, tribal court judicial experience preferred. More than five (5) years of tribal court Chief Judge experience and evidence of success in court administration, court staff supervision and court budget development is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of Indian law, the Nez Perce Tribal Code, and applicable federal law, including but not limited to the Tribal Law and Order Act and Violence Against Women Act. Must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and must be a member in good standing of a state bar.

Please list contact information of at least four (4) work-related references, two of whom must be judges. Pre-employment drug testing required. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license with the ability to be insured under the Tribe’s policy. This position closes open until filled. (Grade 28)

To apply: Recruitments for Entry Level Positions (Grade 15 and below) will require a completed Tribal application only. Recruitments for Professional Positions (Grade 16 and above) will require a completed Tribal application and resume. Please submit one application per position:
Nez Perce Tribe Human Resources Office
ATTN: Job Name & No.
P.O. Box 365
Lapwai, Idaho, 83540

Phone (208) 843-7332 Fax (208) 843-7414 LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKETS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Tribal Preference applies. www.nezperce.org<http://www.nezperce.org/>

Click here to view and/or print the Nez Perce Tribal Employment Application<http://nezperce.org/Official/PDF/NPTApplication.pdf>

Job Opportunity – Attorney

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 EXPERIENCED INDIAN LAW ATTORNEY

Job Description

Rosette LLP is a majority-Indian owned and operated law firm providing legal services to federally-recognized Indian tribes and their governmental entities and agencies nationwide.

We are currently seeking an attorney for the Firm’s Arizona office who has actively practiced for a minimum of 5 years. Preference will be given to attorneys who are members of federally-recognized Indian Tribes or of Native American heritage, having a keen interest and experience in Federal Indian law including in the areas of litigation (in tribal, state and federal courts), transactional law, gaming law, internal tribal governance matters, lobbying, water law and/environmental law.

The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and willing to work in a dynamic atmosphere with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, organizational and communication skills are required. Must have the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. Must be willing to travel and work on client matters throughout the United States.

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

Please respond to this job posting with your resume, writing sample and cover letter via e-mail to Christian Cienfuegos at: ccienfuegos@rosettelaw.com.