Category Archives: Alumni

Job opportunity: Defense Attorney II

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JOB TITLE:              Defense Attorney II
DEPARTMENT:        Defense Services Office
STATUS:                  Full-Time
CLOSING:                Open Until Filled
DESCRIPTION:       Defense Attorney II– GRIC

Job Number: 25-033
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Defense Services Office
City: Sacaton, AZ Location: 151 S. Bluebird Rd.
Area of Interest: Defense Services/ Legal Salary/
Hourly Rate: $97,305 – $167,305 Salary

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Defense Attorney II performs professional legal work involved in representing defendants in the courts of the Gila River Indian Community (“Community”) and conducting all phases of litigation from preparation through trial and appeal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Defend persons charged with offenses in the Community’s court system. 
  • Practice extensively in the courtroom arguing motions, trying cases to judges and juries, as well as occasionally arguing special actions and appeals. 
  • Perform job related legal research in areas of criminal law, including pre-trial motion practice through appellate argument. 
  • Draft legal documents for all stages of the practice of criminal law. 
  • Consult with clients and interview witnesses and potential witnesses. 
  • Participate in plea negotiations and pre-trial discovery with prosecutors. 
  • Review and analyze statutes and case law pertaining to criminal law and procedure and keep attorneys informed as to changes in the law, precedents and case applicability. 
  • Train and supervise others as assigned. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. 


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: 

  • Knowledge of Community codes and state statutes with emphasis on criminal law and procedures; 
  • Knowledge of Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. 
  • Knowledge of principles of criminal law. 
  • Knowledge of appeal procedures of the Community and other jurisdictions. 
  • Ability to analyze, appraise, research and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and present them in oral and written reports. 
  • Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material. 
  • Ability to produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling and legal citations. 
  • Ability to communicate orally in the English language with judges, attorney and the public using a telephone, in group, face-to-face, or one-to-one settings. 
  • Ability to enter and retrieve data or information from a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public. 
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.


REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing, and three (3) years’ experience as a licensed attorney (experience in defense representation preferred).

(Internal GRIC Employees) Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing, and two (2) years’ experience as a Defense Attorney I with the GRIC Defense Services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Tribal Driving Permit can be required. 
  • Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. 
  • Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Section 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly. Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position Reports to Director or designee


BENEFITS:
The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

Visit our GRIC website and apply online: www.gilariver.org

How to apply:  CLICK HERE

Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence: Call for nominations

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Rod Lewis was a distinguished lawyer, family man and friend who devoted himself to the practice of law and to the service of communities across the State of Arizona and Indian Country. 

The Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence (“Rod Lewis Award”) is awarded at the discretion of the Council to a past or present member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Indian Law Section (“ILS”) who approaches personal and professional demands with honesty, integrity, courage, grace, dignity, and respect.  The Rod Lewis Award was created to recognize a lawyer who has distinguished himself or herself by making significant contributions to the field of Indian law (in any of the various areas that Indian law encompasses).  The nominee should demonstrate innovation, leadership, mentorship, and service.

Any active ILS member, including any ILS Executive Council Member, may nominate an individual for the Rod Lewis Award. To nominate an individual, please provide the following information by Friday, April 25, 2025:

  • Nomination Form
  • Curriculum vitae for the nominee, if available
  • (Optional) At least one letter of recommendation from another individual addressing why the nominee should receive the Rod Lewis Award (refer to the criteria provided above)

The list of nominees for the Rod Lewis Award will be provided to the ILS membership via a discussion posting to the State Bar of Arizona’s Online Community for the Indian Law Section. ILS members are encouraged to provide information to the ILS Executive Council regarding the nominees by contacting M. June Harris, the Rod Lewis Award Chair, at mj@mistrose.com.  

The ILS Executive Council will vote to select the Rod Lewis Award recipient at a regularly scheduled meeting of the ILS Executive Council. The Rod Lewis Award will be presented to the selected individual at the ILS Annual Meeting during the State Bar of Arizona’s Annual Convention.

Job opportunities: Zwillinger Wulkan

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Associate Attorney

Job description:
We are seeking an experienced associate attorney, with 1 to 5+ years of experience in both tribal courts, state courts, and federal courts to assist in civil litigation, criminal, employment, personal injury, complex commercial, business and real estate litigation. The position will entail legal research and the writing of memoranda, motions and pleadings. The associate will also attend court conferences, participate in discovery-related activities and investigations, as well as other tasks required in a busy and diverse practice.

We place an emphasis on excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as attention to detail.

Pay:
The salary depends on experience. Benefits are available after a qualifying period.
Qualified candidates must be, and remain, licensed to practice law in Arizona courts. Must also be able to become licensed to practice in various tribal courts.

Duties
– Conduct legal research on various legal issues
– Draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and contracts
– Assist in case preparation for trials and hearings
– Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other attorneys
– Attend court proceedings and depositions as needed

Junior Paralegal

Job description
Seeking a full-time Junior Paralegal to join our busy, fast-paced law firm in Phoenix, AZ. The ideal candidate has tribal court, civil litigation, criminal, probate, or collections experience and has excellent communication and organizational skills.
As a Junior Paralegal, you will be responsible for a variety of assignments, such as: state and federal court filings, tribal court filings, docketing, preparing correspondence to clients and third-parties, word processing, and other administrative support matters.

Annual Salary: $50,000 -$60,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications required:

  • 2+ year of experience;
  • Professional demeanor;
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills;
  • High level of discretion and confidentiality;
  • Ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels;
  • Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus;
  • Thorough knowledge of PC applications, including MS Office.

Expected hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday

See full job description and apply: https://www.zwfirm.com/careers

Job opportunity: Chief Tribal Prosecutor

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Hualapai Tribe

JOB TITLE: Chief Tribal Prosecutor
DEPARTMENT: Prosecutor’s Office

CLASS: FT/Non-Exempt

SALARY: $99,029 annually minimum start (Determined on candidates qualifications and experience)

OPENING: November 15, 2024

CLOSING: Open Until Filled

JOB SUMMARY: The Chief Tribal Prosecutor represents the Hualapai Tribe in prosecuting all criminal complaints in the Tribal Court. This position reports to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Hualapai Tribe.

EMPLOYMENT DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

  • Regular attendance is essential.
  • Prepares complaints for prosecution by filing complaints with the court clerk in both adult and juvenile cases.
  • Interviews witnesses, victims, complainants, and arresting officers in preparation of cases.
  • Files necessary case related motions or pleas with the court.
  • Maintains a positive working relationship with general public and law enforcement.
  • Obtains pertinent information from reluctant witnesses.
  • Prepares and presents elements or facts of case to court.
  • Completes quarterly and annual reports in accordance with Judicial Contract.
  • Administers budget as needed.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • High School or General Education Diploma, and at least two (2) years of court or law enforcement experience.
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Juris Doctorate is required;

And/or

  • Knowledge of court procedures and all laws that are applicable on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, i.e., Indian Child Welfare act, Law and Order code, etc.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be willing to attend and receive training related to the position.
  • Must submit to and pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and/or pass a MVR check and be eligible for the Tribe’s Insurance.
  • Knowledge of Tribal, Arizona State, and Federal laws.
  • Knowledge of Hualapai Tribe’s Judicial policies, procedures, and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of Tribal Court appellate procedures.
  • Knowledge of case law appropriate to preparation, legal research techniques and practices.

Submit a completed Employment Application to:  Human Resources Department, PO Box 179, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, fax (928) 769-1191, or call (928) 769-2215/2216 for information.  To be considered for employment, the Human Resources Department must receive a completed application by 5:00 PM on the closing date.  A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.  All applications and supporting documentation submitted becomes the property of the Human Resources Department, please keep copies for your own reference.

PREFERENCE:

All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, or physical disability. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with Public Law 88-355, Section 703 (702-71) and public Law 93-638, Section 7B.

THE HUALAPAI TRIBE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities
For More information visit: https://hualapai.bamboohr.com/careers/258

 

2025 ILP Alumni Awards: Call for Nominations

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The ILP alumni awards are now open. Nominate your classmates and friends! The ILP Awards include Professional Achievement, Alumni Service Award, and Emerging Leader Award. Nominations are due February 21, 2025! Nomination materials should be sent by email to: Kate.Rosier@asu.edu. Awards will be presented at the ILP Alumni & Friends Awards Ceremony at Fed Bar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Nomination Guidelines

ILP Professional Achievement Award – This award recognizes outstanding achievement in Indian Law or Tribal Law throughout an individual’s career. The award honors ILP alumni whose achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law have brought distinction to themselves and real benefit to the Indian community. Nomination Package Requirements:

  • Describe the unique professional achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law that has brought distinction to the candidate. (maximum two pages)
  • Describe the recognized contributions made by this candidate that demonstrate a benefit to the larger community. (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways in which the candidate’s achievements are truly extraordinary or exceptional. (maximum one page)
  • Provide at least two letters of support from individuals that can speak to the candidate’s impact on his or her profession.
  • Letters of support should speak to the magnitude of the individual’s impact in the practice of Indian or tribal law or in the Indian community.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Claudeen Bates Arthur (’74) (Posthumous), Gloria Kindig (’89), Kathy Bowman (’86), Rob Rosette (’96), Diane Enos (’92), Ben Hanley (’71) and Herb Yazzie (’75).

ILP Alumni Service Award – This award is given for outstanding service to the Indian Legal Program, and is awarded for extended, extraordinary service to the Indian Legal Program. Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the ways in which the candidate has served or supported the ILP and the ILP alumni. Examples can include serving on committees, boards, CLEs, mentoring ILP students, or other volunteer or fundraising efforts or funding commitments. (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways this service been truly extraordinary. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has benefited the ILP. (maximum one page)
  • Please provide at least two letters of support from ILP alumni as part of the nomination package.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Brian Garcia (’20), Rebecca Ross (’10), Rodina Cave Parnall (’01), Peter Larson (’02), Verrin Kewenvoyouma (’04), Ann Marie Downes (’94), Mary Shirley (’92) and Jeff Harmon (’05).

ILP Emerging Leader Award – This award acknowledges and encourages service to Indian Country and the ILP by alumni who are less than ten years out of law school. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in their professional career, volunteer work, and promotion or support of the ILP and/or ASU NALSA. Nomination Package Requirements.

  • Describe how the candidate has achieved professional success in their legal career.
  • Describe the candidate’s volunteer work.
  • Describe how the candidate achieved an exceptional level of service while balancing the demands of being a recent graduate. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate was proactive in efforts to become involved in ILP and/or ILP alumni activities. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has been sustained over a long period of time or how the service has been innovative or beneficial. (maximum one page)
  • Provide two letters of support from fellow ILP alumni.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Krystalyn Kinsel (’15), Stephanie Sfiridis (’16), Jacob Schellinger (’12), Derrick Beetso (’10), Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle (’09), Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09), Steve Bodmer (’06), Elizabeth Medicine Crow (’05), Charles Galbraith (’07), Matthew Campbell (’08) and Michael Corey Hinton (’11).

Job opportunity: Chief Judge

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DEPARTMENT: Tribal Court

REPORTS TO: General Manager (for administrative purposes only)

DEFINITION/PURPOSE:
Direct and supervise overall operation of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court. Presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases. Performs duties require the individual to exercise considerable independent judgement in managing the docket, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conduct hearing and decide cases in a fair and impartial manner to the end of administering justice and maintaining the order of law.
The Chief Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court pursuant the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution, laws, ordinances and regulations, and applicable federal laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

TASKS:
Oversees all non-judicial administrative operational functions of the Tribal Court; plans, directs and supervises court staff; establishes overall operating policies and procedures; identifies and implements training programs for judicial and non-judicial court staff; provides general direction to other Tribal Court Judges in administrative matters; represents the Tribal Court within and outside of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Presides over civil, criminal, traffic, juvenile, probate and other cases; provides and oversees an impartial forum for settling matters in dispute; examines and rules on evidence to determine strength and relevancy to charges; impartially rules on matters before the Court; presides over evidentiary hearings; presides over jury and non-jury trials; issues search and arrests warrants at various hours of the day or night; issues court orders/rulings; performs legal research; interprets law, ordinances, case law and applies to the facts of the case; provides direction and oversight to jurors; reviews and signs court documents.
Serves as an Appellate Judge when the conditions of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Code are met; delegates certain non-judicial administrative responsibilities to other Tribal Court staff.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Thorough knowledge of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution, Law and Order Code, laws and rules;
  • Knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and the Yavapai people
  • Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal statutes, ordinances, codes and ordinances;
  • Knowledge of Tribal Case Law, Federal Rules of Evidence, and court procedures;
  • Knowledge of judicial protocol, proceedings, practices and techniques that may be required at times outside normal business hours or days;
  • Knowledge of legal research including electronic research systems;
  • Knowledge of basic principles of management/supervision/administration, -personnel management, bookkeeping, record keeping, case
  • management;
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of judicial administration, program planning and development of employee supervision and training;
  • Skill in interpreting and applying complex laws, statutes, ordinances, rules to the facts and evidence presented;
  • Skill in drafting and/or reviewing and approving complex court orders;
  • Skill in listening and deciding cases and perform judicial duties in fair and impartial matter while upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary
  • Skill in effectively and efficiently managing a high case load consisting of a variety of case types;
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with other departments of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation while also maintaining the impartial role of the Tribal Court;
  • Skill in regulating extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of neglecting or creating a conflict with judicial duties;
  • Skill in effectively communicating, both orally and in writing, with other members of the judiciary, other governmental entities, parties before the Court and the general public; and
  • All other necessary duties associated with the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION (established by Article VII, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution):
1) At least thirty (30) years of age; 2) Must be a law school graduate; 3) Juris Doctor 3) Possess a minimum of three years experience as a judge, practicing attorney or advocate; 5) Must have no felony convictions and no serious misdemeanor criminal convictions within the past five years; 6) Must submit to and pass a FBI criminal history background check; 7)Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen; 8) Must have a current Arizona driver’s license; and 9) Must meet FMYN insurance standards.

POSITION STATUS: Regular, Full-time

PAYRATE: DOE

OPEN DATE: November 4, 2024 CLOSE DATE: Open Until Filled

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resource Department
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-789-7138
Fax: 480-816-9524
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of federally recognized Indian tribes.
To be considered for Indian Preference, you must submit your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) with your application.

WILL REQUIRE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK WHICH MAY REQUIRE FINGERPRINTING

Job opportunity: Staff Attorney

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Shelbyville, MI

SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney provides legal counsel and legal representation to the departments of the Gun Lake Tribal Government, as well as business entities and enterprises of the Tribe as assigned by the General Counsel. The Staff Attorney advises governmental departments and subordinate entities regarding legal rights, practices, and allocation of legal resources.

The Staff Attorney delivers legal services including without limitation: advice, negotiation, drafting of policy or laws, research, litigation and administrative or other formal proceedings. The Staff Attorney provides written opinions and memoranda intended to guide and interpret policy and law of the Tribe.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school
  • One to two years of professional legal experience
  • Active license to practice law and member in good standing of the Michigan Bar, or admitted to Michigan Bar within six months of hire
  • Candidates seeking admission to the Michigan Bar must supply evidence of alternative State Bar admission and licensure in good standing
  • Experience reviewing and preparing contracts and other legal documents
  • Knowledge of Native cultural practices
  • Knowledge of Federal Indian Law

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provides legal counsel and guidance to Tribal Departments legal matters including personnel law, policies, procedures, rules and regulations, contracts and grants, worker’s compensation, liability and insurance matters, and other practice areas as assigned.
  • Reviews, researches, interprets, and prepares both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues.
  • Drafts and reviews ordinances, policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents for authorization.
  • Reviews contracts, leases, and other legal documents; researches legal issues and recommends revisions as necessary.
  • Collaborates with outside counsel, as directed.
  • Provides training to the staff and/or community on various legal issues through seminars and meetings.
  • Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in law and in other related areas.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Superior verbal and written communication skills.
  • Thorough understanding of technology.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (if required)

As delegated or assigned by the General Counsel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (if required)

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Office setting, controlled environment. Periodically may be exposed to casino areas including smoking.

SECURITY SENSITIVE (if required)

Highly sensitive position. This position will have access to information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions of confidentiality

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug/alcohol test.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

  • The Gun Lake Tribe offers a competitive base salary and the best benefits package around
  • Medical, dental, vision and telehealth coverage for employee and all dependents, with no employee premium!
  • Paid Time Off and 15 paid Holidays
  • Short-and-long term disability coverage
  • Life insurance for the employee, spouse and their dependents
  • Pension plan for Public Safety employees
  • 401K/Roth retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC and Flexible Spending Account, additional life insurance
  • On-site gym, free memberships for entire household
  • One hour paid lunch break

TO APPLY

You are required to register and apply through our online employment portal to be considered for this position. https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/employment/

If you require assistance or to apply in person, please call 269.397.1780 to schedule an appointment.

External Job:https://click.appcast.io/track/l3cbuon?cs=ovb&exch=4s&jg=7tqa&bid=TMQKNCFaov4fFLqS_v4dTg==&ob=m4fXsRab8WiJeRDeNW_RsQ==&sar_id=1u2ei3y9&jpos=

 

Empowering the next generation

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On Nov. 19, ILP students had the honor of visiting the Honorable Diane Humetewa (’93), a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse. A member of the Hopi Tribe, Judge Humetewa made history in 2014 as the first Native American woman to serve on the federal bench.

During this inspiring visit, students gained insight into Judge Humetewa’s journey through law school, her distinguished legal career, her dedication to public service advocacy and her steadfast commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity in the legal profession.

“I was fascinated by her career path and the life experiences that led her to the federal bench,” shared Mallory Feather, a first-year student. “What really stood out to me was how approachable and humble Judge Humetewa is.”

The visit included a guided tour of Judge Humetewa’s courtroom and chambers, where she graciously answered questions, listened intently and made each student feel valued. Her openness and authenticity left a profound impression on everyone in attendance.

“Judge Humetewa’s advice to ‘just go for it’ and embrace new opportunities really resonated with me,” said Feather. “Meeting her during such a busy time in the school year was a refreshing reminder to step back from the stress and focus on why I’m in law school: to pursue my passions and fight for the greater good.”

Standing strong: The fight for fair Native voting rights

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On Election Day, Indian Legal Clinic Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Navajo Nation against Apache County officials for violating Tribal members’ fundamental right to vote, and other crucial rights guaranteed by federal and state law. Torey Dolan (’19) helped run the Arizona Native Vote hotline and submitted her declaration to support the lawsuit.

Apache County officials failed to comply with essential voting requirements, including opening polling locations on time, providing correctly printed ballots, maintaining adequate ballot supplies and long lines with wait times up to 2-3 hours – denying many Navajo voters the opportunity to vote. A voter reported to the Arizona Native Vote Hotline that elders left because standing in the 40-degree weather for extended periods was too much hardship.

Third-year law students Shandiin Herrera and Sadie Red Eagle, in the field at voting locations in Apache County, were quoted in Cronkite News article “Voters in Navajo Nation face polling issues on Election Day; Apache County extends voting hours.” Candace French (’17), an attorney voting in Window Rock, was nearly turned away when she presented her Tribal ID at an Apache County polling site. Dolan was also interviewed by azcentral, detailing the issues reported to the Arizona Native Vote hotline.

“It’s a huge issue to be precinct-based, especially in rural parts of the county, and especially on tribal lands, because as we saw today, there’s just so much confusion. And so people don’t have gas money, they don’t have the time, they have to go back to work. And so if it was in the vote-center system, they could just go to any polling location and cast a standard ballot.”
Shandiin Herrera (Navajo Nation) Third-year law student and co-lead

Many Navajo voters attempted to vote but were unable to due to Apache County’s many systemic failings. The Navajo Nation successfully secured a court order to extend voting hours at nine polling sites where Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project volunteers observed these issues, as well as the locations where Navajo voters reported significant issues to the Arizona Native Vote Hotline. Herrera and Red Eagle defended voters’ rights to the extended voting hours against uninformed poll workers and police presence.

In an ASU News article, Herrera highlighted the extensive current voting barriers Native Americans face in rural communities.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all volunteers, advocates, allies and partners who served as Native Vote Protectors, working tirelessly to amplify Native voting power! This year, over 100 dedicated volunteers served as Native Vote Protectors, assisting voters across multiple polling locations in 12 Tribal communities: the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Fort Mohave Tribe, the Gila River Indian Community, the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Thanks to your efforts, we were able to support voters both through the hotline and on the ground, addressing issues and ensuring that Native voters could exercise their fundamental right to cast their ballots.

This year’s Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project mighty team includes our Indian Legal Clinic third-year law students Garrett Bryan, Shandiin Herrera (co-lead), Imani Hicks, Morgan Oakes and Sadie Red Eagle (co-lead), under the supervision of Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, who ran the hotline with Democracy Director Joel Edman, Maya Araujo, Honore Callingham (’18), Torey Dolan (’19), Jordan Garcia (’23), Blair Tarman-Toner (’20) and Alexander Castillo-Nunez from the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. 

Job opportunity: Reservation Attorney

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Tulalip Tribes
Tulalip, Washington, 

Description

The Reservation Attorney shall work with other Attorneys in the Office of Reservation Attorney to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities.  The Reservation Attorney should also be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of tribal governmental action.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  • Providing legal services to the Board of Directors, Tribal government, Executive Directors, CEO’s, and various other departments, enterprises, commissions and committees.
  • Must be able to practice in the areas of, HR/employment, Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance, Housing, Education, and other duties as assigned, including representation in Tribal Court and Administrative Hearings.
  • Maintain the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
  • To respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or issues in a confidential, professional manner.
  • Write memos, correspondence and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
  • Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Tribal Leadership, management, public groups, and/or other governmental agencies.
  • Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
  • Other related job duties as assigned.

Salary is based on the number of years from passing the bar from any state but must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the Tulalip Tribal Court Bar within 6 months of hiring.

See full job description.

Submit an application via the Washington State Bar Association website (even if someone you are not licensed in WA), or send a cover letter, copy of law school transcripts, and resume by email to Carson Cooper, Managing Attorney, at  carson.cooper@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov