Category Archives: Alumni

Inclusion on the bench

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Representation in Arizona

Of the 26 elected justices of the peace in Maricopa County, Judge Deborah Ann Begay (’10) is representing Indian Country in a big way! In January 2021, Begay made history by becoming the first Native American justice of the peace in Maricopa County and whose swearing in was administered by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. After a full year sitting on the bench, she understands the need to serve and empower underrepresented communities. 

“Because the judicial system has historically been ruled by cisgender white men, people may have biases against judges who do not look like they expect them to,” said Begay in an Arizona Republic article “Maricopa County Justice Courts lead way on representation.” 

Your impactful service is so inspiring and we are proud of you, Judge Begay!

See more of Begay’s personal swearing-in ceremony in ILP blogpost Alumni: Taking the Oath in a Pandemic. 

(Photo courtesy The Arizona Republic)

Native Vote

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Mapping the next election

Redistricting

The State is wrapping up its redistricting efforts, and the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission will finalize the legislative and congressional maps early next week. Native Vote Fellow Blair Tarman-Toner (’21) tracked the Commission’s deliberations over the course of its 14 decision-making meetings, as well as tracked  the public comments made at 32 public hearings. Tarman-Toner also regularly presented to tribes on the redistricting process, assisted tribes in drafting public comments, and submitted oral and written comment regarding the importance of complying with the Voting Rights Act and maintaining a strong Native American majority-minority district.  

2022 Legislative Session

The Indian Legal Clinic has kicked off its Native Vote policy project with the start of the legislative session this week. The project will focus on tracking bills that impact voting and keeping tribes informed and involved regarding how those bills will impact their tribal members. The clinic will also work with other voting rights organizations through the Arizona Voting Rights Defense Coalition. Native Vote Fellow Torey Dolan (’19) serves on the Coalition’s Coordinating Committee that manages the broader Coalition. 

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Blair Tarman-Toner (’21)
Native Vote Fellow, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law

Job opportunity: Attorney

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Kanji & Katzen, P.L.L.C
Seattle, Washington, and Ann Arbor, Michigan

Kanji & Katzen, P.L.L.C, with offices in Seattle, Washington, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, seeks an attorney for either office or to work remotely. Kanji & Katzen’s nationwide legal practice focuses on the representation of tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal members. The firm assists tribes in protecting their sovereignty, their natural and cultural resources, and their lands, and in pursuing economic development projects. The firm expects its attorneys to devote their careers to advocacy on behalf of tribes. Given the composition of the firm’s caseload, a keen interest in and knowledge of environmental and natural resources law, in addition to federal Indian law, would be helpful. However, prior experience in the fields of Indian and/or environmental law are not pre-requisites to employment.

Applicants should possess a stellar academic and professional record, as well as a willingness to work enthusiastically and creatively on behalf of tribes. Applicants should have at least 2 years of litigation experience after a judicial clerkship or law school.

The firm offers competitive salaries and an opportunity to hone advocacy skills in a wide variety of interesting settings.

To apply, please send by email a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, a writing sample, and references, to employment@kanjikatzen.com. We prefer to receive the application documents combined into a single pdf file.

Job Opportunity: Staff Attorney

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The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Staff Attorney in the Racial Justice Program of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY or Remote.

The Racial Justice Program (RJP) is part of the ACLU’s Trone Center for Justice and Equality, and works on a broad range of racial justice issues.

See full job posting.

We Conquered

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On Oct. 11, we held a free one-hour webinar “Conquering Columbus: Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.”

We appreciate our panel experts—Native Vote Fellow Torey Dolan (’19), Sarah Augustine, Douglas Lind and Professor Robert J. Miller—for leading this rising awareness discussion and helping ensure the academic landscape represents Indian Country’s full diversity and history at a national scale.

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

Innovative Traveling Class

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This year, 26 ILP students spent their fall break in Washington, D.C. for the “Federal Advocacy for the Tribal Client” traveling class. The class offers practical application of the government-to-government relationship, which was led by ASU Law’s Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Director Derrick Beetso (’10).

With the support and commitment from ASU Law and ILP alumni, and other innovative professionals volunteering their time, the students gained a valuable learning experience. The volunteers included Saba Bazzazieh (’08), Allison Binney (’00), Tana Fitzpatrick (’08), Charlie Galbraith (’06), Brian Gunn, Sam Hirsch, Krystalyn Kinsel (’15), Matthew Murdock (’13), Sarah Murray, Breann Swann Nu’uhiwa (LLM ’09), Rebecca Ross (’10), Stephanie Sfiridis (’16), Ryan Smith (’98), Joel West Williams, Rani Williams (’18), the Office of Tribal Justice at the Department of Justice, the Office of Regulatory Affairs at the Department of the Interior, the Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, the House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. 

In addition to participating in the class, students met with ILP partners and supportive law professionals. On Oct. 13, students, alumni, faculty and friends joined together at the Arizona State University Barrett and O’Connor Center for our D.C. Mixer. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend!

“The course could potentially open so many doors to exciting new possibilities,” said MLS Richard Picard. “While no one could ever replace Professors Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes and Larry Roberts, Professor Beetso is a wonderful addition to the ASU team as his dedication and excitement for the future of Indian Country truly reverberates through his instruction.”

For additional photos and student testimonials, take a look at our social media posts that include 3L Hilary Edwards and 2L Michael LaValley. 

We appreciate the following firms for taking time to talk with our students and hosting meals: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC; Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker, LLP; Rosette, LLP; Jenner & Block; Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson & Perry, LLP; and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

Job Opportunity: Mid-Level Associate

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Sacks Tierney

For over 60 years, Sacks Tierney has distinguished itself through cause-related volunteerism and legal involvement in local and national issues; offering litigation services and experience competitive with much larger firms; and pioneering expertise in legal areas of special value to Arizona clients. For more information about Sacks Tierney, visit www.sackstierney.com.

Sacks Tierney is currently seeking a mid-level associate with 2-4 years of experience to join our Indian Law practice. Applicants must have excellent research, analytical, and writing skills. In addition, the successful candidate must have strong academic credentials, and must be licensed to practice in Arizona. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript and a writing sample to Laura Nance by email at laura.nance@sackstierney.com.

Job Opportunity: Associate Attorney

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Rothstein Donatelli LLP

The Tempe, Arizona office of Rothstein Donatelli, LLP is seeking an associate attorney for its Indian law practice. Rothstein Donatelli has offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as in Tempe, Arizona where we specialize in federal Indian law, including gaming, economic development, Indian Child Welfare Act, Indian health law, labor and employment law, civil litigation, and transactional matters. Rothstein Donatelli is committed to advancing the sovereign rights of Native American tribes. More information about the Firm is available at www.rothsteinlaw.com.

Rothstein Donatelli is interested in an attorney with two or more years of experience with a demonstrated commitment to the highest quality of legal practice. The ideal candidate will have excellent research and writing skills and experience working with tribal communities. Familiarity with Indian law is preferred. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to Firm Administrator Manya Snyder at info@rothsteinlaw.com. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Opportunity: Associate Attorneys

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National Majority-Indian Owned Law Firm Seeking Associate Attorneys
Rosette, LLP is a leading majority-Indian owned national law firm who’s dynamic approach and practice area diversity is unparalleled for our size firm. We specialize in federal law and it’s application to tribes, tribal business, complex litigation, government negotiations, financial transitions, tribal housing, land use and planning, Human Resources management, tribal energy development, and representation related to internal tribal governance matters. We are currently seeking ambitious and motivated Associate Attorneys to handle legal matters for tribal governments and tribal businesses across the United States with offices in Arizona, California, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Washington D.C.  Applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience. 

Nate Hendricks
CEO
nhendricks@rosettelaw.com
602-686-6654
565 W. Chandler Blvd. Suite 212 Chandler, AZ 85225

Apply via Email: nhendricks@rosettelaw.com

ILP serving on the NABA-AZ Board

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The Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ) recently announced its 2021-2022 board of directors. Congratulations to this year’s ILP leadership: ILP Executive Director Kate Rosier, president; Meredith Gaylord (’19), president-elect; Bartley Harris (’08), treasurer; and Professor Pilar Thomas, secretary. Other ASU ILP board members include Jason Croxton (’10), ILP Faculty Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Simon Goldenberg (’17), Verrin Kewenvoyouma (’04) and Kevin Pooley (’15). 

We appreciate ILP representation on the board!

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Danielle Williams
Program Coordinator Sr, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law