Category Archives: Alumni

Applying federal Indian law in accounting practice: Joseph Bryant (MLS ’25)

Posted on by

Born and raised in rural Indiana, Joseph Bryant left home to serve in the U.S. Air Force, an experience that broadened his worldview and set the foundation for his professional journey. Now based in San Diego, with previous ties to Las Vegas, he has built a career as a certified public accountant with more than 14 years of experience in public accounting. At Delsen and Company LLP, he works with high-net-worth individuals and their related entities, such as businesses and trusts. Looking ahead, he hopes to become a partner and expand the firm’s practice into new areas, including supporting Native American-owned businesses.

He recently reflected on his MLS experience and career path in this Q&A.

What inspired you to pursue the MLS program, and did you have a particular emphasis?
I did not grow up in Native American culture, so I have felt robbed of that part of my heritage. My grandmother was born on a reservation, but she married and moved away in her early 20s. I wanted to learn more about my tribe’s history (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians) and about the legal history that Native Americans have with Federal, state, and local governments. I want to help bridge the gap between Native Americans and other peoples. My ancestor Peter Graves led Red Lake for many years and retired from the Federal government after 30 years of service. He successfully bridged the gap between Red Lake and the Federal government, and I want to continue that legacy. I hope to bring unique power to the Native American community by combining newly-acquired knowledge from the MLS program with my accounting skills.

My emphasis areas in the MLS program were Federal Indian Law, Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance and Sustainability. Once I began learning, I did not want to stop! 

Can you share a specific moment during the MLS program when you saw the direct relevance of what you were learning to Tribal governance or your work?
Internal control standards and audit requirements were some of the topics covered in Indian Gaming II. These might bore many students, but my CPA mind was dialed into that content. Some of the court cases and official complaints covered activity by tribes and their members that violated auditing and internal control standards. This helped balance my view of Native Americans and their relationship with the Federal government. Yes, Natives have suffered many wrongs at the hands of non-Natives, but external oversight is needed in some areas to help protect Native citizens from being harmed by their own people. Tribal self-governance should be encouraged and is good for Natives, but we need to lean on the Federal trust relationship during key times of tribal evolution.

How has your MLS degree helped you in your work? Or what is one project, case, or initiative you’ve been involved in since graduating that you’re most proud of? How did your MLS training help prepare you for it?
My public accounting firm has a client that is starting a sports leadership academy for disadvantaged communities, and I want to put Native Americans into that conversation. The academy is not up and running, but I am eager to start the process. This could be an exciting opportunity for Natives, as the leadership academy is connected to a professional sports team. I might not have had the idea to bridge that gap if I had not earned my MLS degree because of my networking and by making Indian affairs part of my daily consciousness. I can also speak confidently about Native American topics with outsiders because of my coursework.

What challenges did you face as an MLS student, especially balancing work, life, and community responsibilities—and how did you overcome them?
I work long hours during tax season and extension season in the fall (60+ hours a week), so time management was crucial. I would plan out my week in general the first day that a module opened (i.e., I would check Canvas for each class and get an idea of what I needed to do for that week and think about how to break it into manageable pieces). I used the Sticky Note feature in Windows to copy and paste the homework requirements and mark off items that I completed, listing due dates as needed.

I found that doing homework during my lunch hour was key, because I was able to get a head start while my energy level was still high. Watching a few videos or reading a few PDFs gave me a boost because I knew that I was doing things that I would not have to do later. 

I would do two more hours of homework every night after work, and I used Saturday mornings/afternoons for quizzes and tests because I was not drained from a full day of work. Sundays were either getting a head start on the week (if modules began on Thursdays) or by wrapping up homework for the week (if modules began on Mondays). I viewed myself as a homework machine – be consistent, be steady, pat myself on the back when I would get key items done, and keep on going. 

I have a family, so I had to carve out time for them during the MLS program. I tried doing fun activities like live sporting events and going to movies, which worked well because I was away from the house and away from responsibilities with fun distractions. I think that you have to make it clear to those around you that the degree program is a primary focus that you are going to have for some time, and that your life has to change for a while. If there are children in your life, showing them that studying matters is an example they will remember.   

What advice would you give to others considering the MLS program?
If someone feels led to pursue the MLS degree, they should do it. I think that it gave me vital legal knowledge without the need to attend law school. I considered law school when I was younger, but I chose accounting instead. The MLS program is perfect for working professionals who are deep into their careers but want to add legal knowledge and skills via the emphasis areas of their choice. I networked with other students and faculty that I would not have met otherwise. I did not grow up around other Native Americans, so making new Native friends was very rewarding for me. 

Is there a faculty member, class, or experience in the program that left a lasting impression on you? Why?

Professor Hoenig taught Indian Gaming I and II. He took complex material and separated it into interesting and manageable chunks of information. He was very approachable, offering an optional Zoom meeting during Indian Gaming II to get to know the students better. I really appreciated his deep understanding of the material and the chance to chat with him during the Zoom meeting. Professor Spruhan also offered an optional Zoom meeting during Civil Jurisdiction in Indian Country. 

It is easy for online students like myself to feel isolated or that they are not full-fledged students. Zoom meetings add life and color to the online experience. I left the meetings putting faces to the names and I knew that they had done the same for the students who attended. 

What’s one small change or initiative that you believe could make a big difference for tribal communities?

There are many disadvantaged communities in the United States, but Natives are very few and are often overlooked. I think that Native Americans should examine existing initiatives from third parties and find ways to connect their communities with those programs. This would be more effective than trying to start programs from scratch, as Federal assistance has been chronically underfunded and many tribes struggle to generate internal funding. The private sector has many donors looking to make a difference, and Natives need to network effectively with those who are interested in assisting minorities.

Where are they now? Feat. Carolyn Clark Loder (MLS ’11)

Posted on by

Carolyn Clark Loder is a seasoned leader in the mining and natural resources industry, serving on the boards of directors of K2 Gold Corporation and Integra Resources, where she also chairs its Environment, Social, Governance Committee. As a board consultant and expert witness in mineral rights and Tribal engagement, she advocates for Indigenous inclusion at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.

Earning her Master of Legal Studies in Indian Law from ASU Law in 2011 was a transformative experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her commitment to equity and education. The first woman inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame in 2023, Carolyn continues to champion change in an industry historically led by white men — ensuring that all stakeholders, especially First Nations, have a seat at the table. 

Q: What has your journey been like since graduating? 

A: Upon getting my MLS in Indian Law, it opened up a broader view of the world that has enabled me to influence corporate America with that vision. As a non-Indian, I admit I knew nothing of our colonial past as I was indoctrinated into learning only the history of MANkind. As a young girl I could find no women heroines in history – they were all men. And all white men. And, I knew nothing of our First Nations.

Being inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame as the first living woman — and the first woman in 100 years — is not only amazing to me, but more a reflection of our past in that it has always been white men and corporate leaders who were recognized. I have seen a change in perspective over the last 40 years that wealth seeking is not the end all. All stakeholders are important in projects, not just the shareholders. I am fortunate to serve on publicly traded boards that recognize this shirt and support my belief that our First Nations have a voice and can bring positive change to the table.

I also was able to help influence a decision that brought a Tribal member onto a publicly traded Board. That is the next step – to have Tribal members on publicly traded Boards so that their advice and opinions are incorporated into decision making. Having them as employees is not the same — it does not effectuate change at the top.

Q: What is the most valuable lesson you learned in the classroom that has helped you in your career? 

A: The lesson I learned in the classroom is that Indian Law is complicated — very complicated — and despite my degree, I still know very little. The general public knows even less. I always have stories to tell folks and I am pleasantly surprised at how much interest people have and the questions they ask about Indian law. I wish the basics of Indian Law were taught in elementary school, particularly in the western states. It should be mandatory in high school civic classes.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned after graduating that you wish you had learned in class? 

A: I miss the CLE classes that were always on current topics. They were so informative and I felt like I was still in the mainstream of learning. Without those classes, I lost touch with the Indian Law program, other than continued contact with a few students.

I also wish I had learned about the Tribes in Arizona. Having lived here for 30 years and being born in California, I still know so little of the Tribes of my homeland.

Q: What originally made you choose ASU Law? 

A: Clearly, it was the Indian Law program and the staff and professors and Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier of Snell Wilmer. She and I worked together on a landmark Tribal land exchange in New Mexico that returned 20,000 acres of ancestral lands to two Tribes. She told me about a fairly new degree at ASU called an MLS. She suggested I speak to Associate Dean Gary Birnbaum to see if I could  focus my course work entirely on Indian Law. I had completed my first-year law courses elsewhere years earlier, so those credits were already in place. Upon acceptance, I truly felt welcomed, particularly being the ‘older’ one in the classrooms. And the students were phenomenal. They welcomed me, and I made sure I always found time for them to share their concerns. Being older, I was a safe haven for them to discuss their fears, their problems and their hopes and dreams. I had not anticipated that my advice would even be sought after — I truly thought they would be disinterested. But, it was the opposite.

Q: What advice would you give to current students? 

A: I would say that they are truly blessed being in the Indian Law program at ASU, especially because it focuses on Indian Law versus Indigenous Law. There is so much to learn in the U.S. that I feel that if I took the global approach, I would not have learned as much as I did -– which is still very little. Focusing on the U.S. has given me the advantage to apply that knowledge to specific projects, situations and decisions.

Q: What’s something you’d like people to know about you? (This can be a fun fact or anything else you’d like to share!)

A: I was married years ago in Antarctica to a Canadian on lands claimed by Argentina and not recognized by the U.S., by a Russian Ice Breaker Captain. My husband was born in Labrador, before it joined Canada as part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was born in the northern community of Hopedale, which is now a National Historic Site and legislative capital of the autonomous Inuit region of Nunatsiavut. His father ran the trading post and his mother cared for the Indigenous Peoples of Labrador with only a nursing degree and a dog sled. She received the Order of Canada by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing her dedication to the Native community and service to the Nation. Good footsteps for me to follow.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

A: I have had a very blessed life in that I grew up in a rural area with no knowledge of the world and at age 18, I sailed around the world with World Campus Afloat. That exposure changed my life forever. I became a sponge for knowledge and with supportive parents, family, friends and community I was able to pursue my hopes and dreams. I wish everyone had such a support group.

Job opportunity: Deputy Prosecutor and/or Public Defender

Posted on by

The Hopi Tribe is seeking a qualified person to serve as Deputy Prosecutor and/or Public Defender of the Hopi Tribal Office of the Prosecutor in Keams Canyon, Arizona on the Hopi Indian Reservation.  The Prosecutor’s office is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Winslow, Arizona.

The position requires an experienced preferred J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and admission to a State Bar.

Come make a difference, experience a unique culture deeply rooted in history, enjoy the high country climate and fresh air.   

If interested, please submit a resume to the Court Administrator at Ttewawina@hopitelecom.net or fax to (928) 738-5561.  Applicants will be required to comply with the Hopi Tribe’s Human Resource requirements.

 

Where are they now? Feat. Lena Jackson-Eckert (MLS ’08)

Posted on by

A graduate of ASU Law’s Master of Legal Studies program, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Lena Jackson-Eckert now serves as assistant community manager for SRPMIC, where she oversees several key tribal government departments, including Health and Human Services.

Reflecting on her journey, Jackson-Eckert said, “I think it’s pretty cool to be able to say I went to ASU Law. I made relationships I still have today, and I see people from my cohort doing awesome work all over the country.”

Her path illustrates how the MLS can deepen existing experience, provide practical tools for leadership, and foster a community of peers committed to serving Indian Country.

After working as an advocate in the tribal prosecutor’s office, Jackson-Eckert decided to pursue the MLS to strengthen her understanding of legal systems and better support her community. She graduated in 2008 as part of the program’s inaugural cohort.

Although she entered the program with courtroom experience and a strong grasp of criminal law, Jackson-Eckert found particular value in the Indian law courses. One standout was a Native American health care law class taught by visiting professor Dr. Donald Warne, whose teachings continue to inform her work with Indian Health Services and the operation of Salt River’s tribally run health clinic.

“There are only a handful of experts in this area,” she said. Having access to that kind of knowledge was “incredibly meaningful.”

Jackson-Eckert completed her MLS while working full time, thanks to a supportive supervisor and access to education leave. She encourages prospective students—especially those working in tribal government—to pursue the MLS if they have a strong support system in place.

The degree directly contributed to her professional growth. Jackson-Eckert had long aimed to oversee multiple departments, and the position she holds today required a master’s degree. The MLS not only fulfilled that requirement, but also enhanced her ability to navigate legal systems more effectively—sharpening her skills in reading codes, understanding legal language, and working closely with tribal attorneys.

Native Vote 2024-2025 Reflection

Posted on by

During the 2024–2025 academic year, the Indian Legal Clinic (ILC) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law focused its efforts on the Native Vote Election Protection Project, ensuring Arizona’s Native voters were informed, supported and empowered throughout the state and federal election cycle. This year, the ILC welcomed Maya Araujo as the management intern, tasked with tracking and producing the most accurate data on Native voter participation in Arizona.

The 2024 Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project team included our Indian Legal Clinic third-year law students Garrett Bryan, Shandiin Herrera (co-lead), Imani Hicks, Morgan Oakes and Sadie Red Eagle (co-lead), all working under the supervision of ILC Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee. They were joined by a dedicated team of advocates running the hotline with Democracy Director Joel Edman, Honore Callingham (’18), Torey Dolan (’19), Jordan Garcia (’23), Blair Tarman-Toner (’20), Alexander Castillo-Nunez from the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) and Araujo. 

In collaboration with partner organizations, the team actively defended Native voting rights across the state. The ILC participated in and drafted four election lawsuits on behalf of the Navajo Nation and Gila River Indian Community. These cases sought to compel Arizona counties to comply with election laws and ensure polling locations remained open in the face of disruptions on Election Day.

The Native Vote Election Protection Project successfully recruited and trained 100 volunteers who were deployed to 63 polling places across nine counties and 11 Tribal reservations. On Election Day, volunteers provided real-time support to voters, addressed legal questions and ensured that Arizona election laws were properly followed. The team fielded over 300 hotline calls and documented 227 incidents — ranging from ballot issues, voter registration issues and polling location equipment malfunctions. Volunteers also collected 35 sworn declarations from voters, which became crucial evidence in same-day litigation against Apache County. The resulting court order extended voting by two hours at affected locations — ensuring that every eligible voter had the opportunity to cast their ballot.

Following the election, the ILC presented its findings and recommendations to multiple stakeholders. The team briefed the Navajo Nation Department of Justice on voter turnout, Election Day litigation, Election Day litigation, polling issues on the Nation and statewide trends. 

In January, student co-leads Red Eagle and Herrera joined Katherine Belzowski of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice for a panel titled “Democracy Ambassadors and the Native Vote” at the American Bar Association’s Democracy Task Force for American Democracy Listening Session in Arizona. Moderated by Ferguson-Bohnee, the panel shared firsthand insights from Chinle polling site on Election Day and highlighted failures in Apache County.

In February, ILC was invited to present “Challenges for Native Voters and Voter Turnout” to the Indigenous Peoples Caucus at the Arizona state legislature. Araujo and Herrera joined Ferguson-Bohnee to outline barriers to voting, discuss the Project’s mission, review Native voter data from 2016-2024 and offer recommendations to improve accessibility. Ferguson-Bohnee also presented to the League of Women Voters of Arizona on how identification requirements, voting by mail and polling location access impact tribal communities.

In April, the Law Journal for Social Justice at ASU hosted its Spring Symposium, “Voting Rights and Voter Disenfranchisement in Arizona,” at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. The symposium brought together legal advocates, community organizers and election officials to examine barriers to voting access in Arizona and discuss strategies to reform procedures for future election cycles. Among the featured speakers were Araujo, Ferguson-Bohnee, Herrera and Red Eagle. 

Also in April, ILP student Hunter Mallinger (3L) joined Ferguson-Bohnee in a presentation to the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice section. During the Rapid Response on Native Americans & Birthright Citizenship, they discussed Executive Order 14160 and its impact on Native Americans. The session explored the legal history of Native American citizenship, dispelled misconceptions, and addressed emerging threats from immigration policy and enforcement. 

In May, ILC’s work was again highlighted during the ITCA Native Vote Convening, where Tribal leaders, election officials, legal scholars and voting-rights advocates reflected on the 2024 election cycle. Herrera and Red Eagle shared the Project’s findings, discussed common issues observed at the polls and offered strategies for improving voter access in Arizona’s Tribal communities.

Through strategic litigation, grassroots organizing and civic education, the Indian Legal Clinic’s Native Vote Election Protection Project continues to play a vital role in protecting the rights of Native voters and promoting a more inclusive and equitable democracy in Arizona.

Job opportunity: Defense Attorney II

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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).