Author Archives: dwilliams

Job Opportunity – Executive Director

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ASSOCIATION ON AMERICAN INDIAN AFFAIRS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Association on American Indian Affairs, www.indian-affairs.org, a national Indian advocacy nonprofit is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Executive Director. As the chief operating officer, the candidate must possess significant fundraising, administrative and programmatic experience, have excellent writing and public speaking skills and knowledge about American Indian affairs. Salary depends on experience and qualifications.

To apply, by May 8 please submit a cover letter of interest and resume, including three references, in confidence to Chair, Board Search Committee at general.aaia@indian-affairs.org  or to:
966 Hungerford Drive, Ste. 12–‐B,
Rockville, MD 20850.

Full job description is available at Click Here

National Native American Bar Association Releases Study of Native American Attorneys

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The National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) and NNABA Foundation recently released the results of the first-of-its-kind research study on Native American attorneys. This research is the only comprehensive research regarding Native American attorneys across all practice settings where each and every of the over 500 survey respondents identified as Native American.

One of the powerful findings of this study is that Native Americans often feel invisible and share an overarching perspective that their experiences are not valid or real. In addition to documenting the failure of traditional diversity and inclusion efforts to reach Native American attorneys, the study sheds light on unique challenges facing American Indians. Native Americans are clearly behind even other underrepresented groups in terms of inclusion, retention, and representation.

“This comprehensive research is not only the first – but the only – research that examines the experiences of Native American attorneys across all practice settings. It presents a stark portrait of an entire group of attorneys systematically excluded from the legal profession,” said Mary Smith, NNABA President. “It is clear that traditional diversity and inclusion programs are simply not working for Native American attorneys. NNABA hopes that this research will be used to build a more robust pipeline of Native American attorneys and to work toward the full inclusion of Native Americans in the legal profession.”

Highlights of the research include:

  • The survey captured information from 527 Native American attorneys, approximately 20% of the 2,640 Native American attorneys in the United States.
  • The most satisfied attorneys were working in the tribal sector, and the least satisfied attorneys were working for the federal/state government or law firms; however, tribal politics/cliques, overwhelming workloads, and not being able to make an impactful difference were cited as primary sources of dissatisfaction even in the context of being generally satisfied.
  • Over 40% of the attorneys overall in the study reported experiencing demeaning comments or other types of harassment based on their race, ethnicity, and/or tribal affiliation; and 33.63% reported experiencing one or more forms of discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, and/or tribal affiliation.
  • Women were more likely than men to report demeaning comments and/or harassment based on gender (38% to 3%); discrimination based on gender (35% to 4%); denial of advancement or promotional opportunities due to gender (21% to 3%); and denial of appropriate compensation due to gender (29% to 1%).
  • Over 76% of the attorneys in this study reported that more awareness and understanding of issues faced by Native Americans would have a positive impact on their careers. In comparison, only 60% of the attorneys felt that more effective implementation of diversity and inclusion policies in their workplace would have a positive impact on their careers. This is not surprising given the ways diversity and inclusion initiatives have largely ignored the issues and concerns of Native American attorneys.

For more information and to view the full report and the executive summary, go to http://www.nativeamericanbar.org/native-american-attorney-study/.

Founded in 1973, NNABA serves as the national association for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. NNABA strives for justice and effective legal representation for all American indigenous peoples; fosters the development of Native American lawyers and judges; and addresses social, cultural and legal issues affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

For more information contact 480-727-0420 or visit www.nativeamericanbar.org. 

Job Opportunity – General Counsel

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The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians is Seeking a General Counsel.

Classified Location:
Temecula  California  92592

United States

PECHANGA INDIAN RESERVATION Temecula Band of Luiseño Mission Indians P.O. Box 1477, Temecula, CA 92593 Telephone (951) 770-6000 Fax (951) 695-1778 Email: HR@PECHANGA-NSN.GOV

GENERAL COUNSEL
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians is accepting applications for the position of General Counsel.

SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Tribal Council to the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, the General Counsel provides legal services, representation and advice on legal issues confronting the Tribal Government and its entities and enterprises. Legal matters include a broad variety such as contract law, employment law, administrative law, real estate matters, Indian gaming regulation, taxation, tribal jurisdiction, environmental law, cultural resource preservation, child welfare, and legislation. In addition, the General Counsel researches and writes complex legal opinions, prepares drafts of contracts, notices, ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
· Must possess Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
· Must be a Member of the California Bar and licensed to practice law in the state of California.
· Must have a minimum of 7 years experience in practicing law in both the state and federal arenas, with emphasis in Indian Law and a comprehensive understanding of tribal sovereignty and tribal jurisdictional matters.
· Must have previous experience working as General Counsel.
· Extensive practical experience working within California on issues such as American Indian law, gaming law, family law, contract law, employment law, cultural matters, environmental law and water issues preferred.
· Must have the ability to lead and manage a staff of attorneys and support personnel.
· Must have the ability, flexibility, and willingness to travel when required.
· This position must comply with the Pechanga Tribal Government’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. This includes: pre-employment testing, post-accident or injury, and random testing.
· Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.

Position closes April 29, 2015. For complete Job Announcement and application go to: WWW.PECHANGA-NSN.GOV. Send resume and application to HR@PECHANGA-NSN.GOV

HIRING PREFERENCE:
The Pechanga Tribal Government will at all times and for all positions give hiring, transfer and promotion preference to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Members; 2) Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indian Member Spouses; 3) Other American Indians; and 4) all others.

Read more at http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/classifieds

Job Opportunity – Two Vacancies on the Maricopa County Superior Court

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Applications are being accepted for two vacancies on the Superior Court in Maricopa County created by the retirement of Judge Linda Miles and Judge Robert Miles.                

The Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Governor Doug Ducey, who will appoint the new judges. 

Applicants must be at least 30 years old, admitted to practice law in Arizona, a resident of Arizona for the past five years, and a resident of Maricopa County for the past year.

Applications can be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ. 85007; by calling (602) 452-3311; by sending an electronic mail request to: jnc@courts.az.gov; or at the Judicial Department website:  http://www.azcourts.gov/jnc.

The original completed application, 5 double-sided copies, and a single-sided copy must be returned to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2015. 

Applicants for the recent vacancies in Maricopa County DO NOT need to reapply to be considered for the new vacancies.

The Commission may, at its discretion, use the applications filed for these vacancies to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for these vacancies is held. 

All meetings of the Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments are open to the public.  Meeting dates will be announced.  The new judges will be paid $145,000 annually.

Contact:  Blanca Moreno
(602) 452-3308

 

Fair Courts Conference

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A free conference regarding Pinal County’s judicial system, AZ’s Merit Selection System and national cases impacting Fair and Impartial Courts. CLE is offered for $25.00 if desired. Breakfast and lunch are served at no cost to guests. RSVP is required. The State Bar of Arizona does not approve or accredit CLE activities for the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education requirement.  This event may qualify for up to 3.0 hours toward your annual CLE requirement for the State Bar of Arizona, including 1.5 hours of professional responsibility.

For more information and to RSVP, please click here.

Lunch Lecture with Elizabeth Medicine Crow

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We are happy to announce Elizabeth Medicine Crow will be visiting the law school  next week. Elizabeth graduated in Class of 2005. She is a recent recipient of the ILP Emerging Leader Award, which she will be accepting this Thursday at the ILP Alumni & Friends Reception and Awards Ceremony. Elizabeth will be here Monday at 12:15 PM to meet with you in room 114.

Please join us! The ILP will provide lunch. If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to Danielle.Williams.1@asu.edu.

 

Job Opportunity – Attorney

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Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD)

Attorney
Ben Franklin Station, P.O. Box 7611
Washington, DC 20044
United States
ENRD-15-013-EXC

About the Office: The Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking experienced litigators for its Natural Resources Section in Washington, DC. ENRD seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. ENRD fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential. We place a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspective and encourage applications from all ethnic groups, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

The Natural Resources Section litigates cases arising from more than 80 different natural and cultural resource statutes, environmental statutes, and numerous treaties, international agreements, interstate compacts and congressional referrals. The diverse and dynamic subject matter of the Section’s docket includes cases involving the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Forest Management Act, the National Park Service Organic Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the National Trails System Act. The Section’s cases, many of them of first impression and significant media interest, involve the stewardship of our national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources; the Nation’s trust relationship with Native Americans and Tribes; and vital federal programs ranging from nuclear materials management to military preparedness to energy policy and resource extraction.

The Section handles a wide variety of cutting-edge Fifth Amendment takings litigation involving real property, as well as original actions in the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes. The Section’s cases are tried throughout the United States and its possessions and territories in both state and federal court. The Section represents virtually every major federal agency.

Job Description: The attorney selected will handle cases involving novel and complex issues associated with the interpretation of statutes, treaties, regulations and executive orders relating to federal programs and the stewardship of the Nation’s natural resource, as determined by the Section’s needs. The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often rapidly. Successful candidates will demonstrate an aptitude and desire for primary responsibilities in sophisticated litigation, proficiency in working with a wide range of experts, and the ability to harness leading edge technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases. Creative thinking and considerable talent in problem-solving — whether in a litigation or settlement context — are indispensable.

Qualifications: The Section’s docket is demanding and requires top caliber work products. Successful applicants will have a demonstrated record of complex case management, initiative and creativity, strong courtroom skills, outstanding legal writing, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree awarded no later than December 2009, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation and/or trial work and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable and knowledge of natural resource management, trusts, or Indian law is a plus. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Salary: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is GS-13 ($90,823 – $118,069), GS-14 ($107,325 – $139,523) and GS-15 ($126,245 – $158,700) per annum.

Travel: Periodic travel is required.

Application Process: Applications must be received by January 23, 2015.

Applicants must email a current resume, cover letter, writing sample, and OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment (Click on the link below to obtain the OF-306) to:

Lisa Lynne Russell, Chief, Natural Resources Section, U.S. Department of Justice.

Please reference vacancy announcement number ENRD-15-013-EXC in the subject line.

Email applications only, please to attyapply-nrs.enrd@usdoj.gov  

Email links icon
OF-306-Declaration for Federal Employment

No telephone calls, please.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2015
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Number of Positions: Two or more positions may be filled from this vacancy

Updated January 9, 2015

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Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice.

Reasonable Accommodations:  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities:   The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with targeted/severe disabilities are encouraged to register for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Shared List of People with Disabilities (the Bender Disability Employment Registry) by submitting their resume to resume@benderconsult.com

Email links icon and referencing “Federal Career Opportunities” in the subject line.  Additional information about the Bender Registry is available at www.benderconsult.com [external link]. Individuals with disabilities may also contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC).  See list of DPOCs.

Suitability and Citizenship:  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys’ Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department’s mission and would be subject to strict security requirements.  Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans:  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the “point” system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his  or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

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 This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.

 

Tribal Health Care CLE Conference – Early Bird Rate expires 1/16

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Early Bird Rate ends this Friday, January 16.

Group rates, non-CLE, and conference scholarships are available upon request.

This event will offer a forum for experts and tribal leaders to discuss the myriad complex legal and policy issues that tribal communities face in an increasingly sophisticated and complicated health care landscape to provide the best and highest quality health care to Indian peoples.  This conference will bring together cutting-edge scholars, tribal leaders and officials, health care planning and development experts, attorneys, and others to explore these important topics.

Agenda, Registration, and more information at: http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/ilphealthcarecle/