Job Opportunity – Staff Attorney

New Mexico Legal Aid
Gallup, NM

The staff attorney will handle cases and matters involving Federal Indian law and Indian tribal law issues, including representation of low income individuals in tribal court.  In addition, the staff attorney may be required to handle general poverty law work in non-Tribal forums and to conduct outreach in Indian and non-Indian communities.  The attorney will also be active in relevant bar and community activities.   The position will be based in Gallup and will concentrate on Native American and non-Native American cases in northwest counties of the state. It may involve up to may involve up to 50% domestic violence casework. The attorney will report to the managing attorney of the Native American Program and the managing attorney of the Gallup office according to the type of casework.

The staff attorney will handle cases and matters involving Federal Indian law and Indian tribal law issues, including representation of low income individuals in tribal court.  In addition, the staff attorney may be required to handle general poverty law work in non-Tribal forums and to conduct outreach in Indian and non-Indian communities.  The attorney will also be active in relevant bar and community activities.   The position will be based in Gallup and will concentrate on Native American and non-Native American cases in northwest counties of the state. It may involve up to may involve up to 50% domestic violence casework. The attorney will report to the managing attorney of the Native American Program and the managing attorney of the Gallup office according to the type of casework.

Send a current resume and a letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if you are selected for this position to:  jobs@nmlegalaid.org Salary:  DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer.  Deadline:  March 31, 2020, or until filled.

For full job description, click here.

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Another U.S. Supreme Court case ruling and another win for Indian Country

In 2011, a group of law students led by Pat Kincaid (’12), that included Joe Keene (’12), Corey Hinton (’11) and Kevin Heade (’12) joined a national effort of NALSA students to help habeas counsel with the legal research on the Murphy case. The students collaborated with Philip Tinker, who was also a law student at the time attending the University of Tulsa College of Law, to assist with representation at the time. Tinker went on to work at the law firm that represented in the Murphy and McGirt litigation. Mr. Tinker now works at the Kanji & Katzen, PLLC.

The students did research on all of Oklahoma’s history and the absence of a termination act by Congress on the Murphy case. Oklahoma argued that the Enabling Act resulted in the disestablishment of the reservation. The students conducted research on the original treaties and the absence of termination language in the allotment  statute and looked into debunking the Enabling Act argument. The students also focused on theories related to allotments and the extent to which the underlying mineral estate was still in trust.

ILP alum Rob Rosette (’96) in ASU Now

“I envisioned a law firm that would only focus on federal Indian law, meaning we wouldn’t represent banks or development companies or casino interests or oil companies,” he said. “Just practice Indian law, purely on the tribal side as a tribal member from Rocky Boy. That was my original ambition and what I always wanted to do.” Robert Rosette (’96) was featured in ASU Now’s article “Rosette law firm founder thankful for family environment he found at ASU.” Read article here.

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Join NABA-DC Virtual Brown Bag series

Students and recent grads interested in Indian Law & Policy Careers in the DC area are welcome!

Every summer, the Native American Bar Association – DC organizes events and programs for summer interns working in the field of Indian law and policy. As many internships have been cancelled or have gone virtual, NABA-DC is also making its summer programs VIRTUAL. The NABA-DC programs include the Brownbag Program and Mentorship Program. Through each program, interns will be able to virtually meet and engage with attorneys and policy staff currently working in DC on issues impacting Indian Country.

If you are interested in participating please sign-up here: https://forms.gle/aR8s2TZgRM3bQeZdA

Brownbag Program: The NABA-DC Brownbag Program is for interns working in the field of Indian law and policy. This summer, NABA-DC will host virtual Brownbag events with host offices such as government agencies, law firms, and non-profit organizations.  You will get a chance to directly engage with attorneys and policy advisors currently working in DC on issues impacting Indian Country.  You will learn about their own personal career paths and the issues they work on each day. If you have any questions about the NABA-DC Brownbag program, please contact nabadcbrownbag@gmail.com.

Mentorship Program: NABA-DC coordinates a mentorship program each summer to give interns working or interested in Indian law and policy a personal networking experience.  Interns are matched with professionals working in Washington D.C., with efforts made to find mentors who are working in the same fields the interns wish to enter, enriching the interns’ educational experience in D.C. and connecting practitioners with the next generation of Native leaders.  If you have any questions about the NABA-DC mentorship program, please contact nabadcmentorship@gmail.com.

Original post from Turtle Talk.

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ILP & NALSA Virtual Graduation Ceremony – Today!

The ILP would like to invite the #ILPFamily to join us in celebrating the graduation of this year’s ILP students. Our virtual ceremony will be broadcast live via YouTube Premiere on  May 13 at 1:30 p.m. (MST) 

If you are unable to join us at that time, you may watch the video at a later time on the premiere page.

Set your reminders, post your congratulatory messages, live chat and tune in to watch our students graduate! 

Tune in at: law.asu.edu/ilpgrad2020

Job Opportunity – Government & Legislative Communications Officer

Navajo Nation Washington Office
Washington, DC

Develops and implements media strategies & manages media relations activities to publicize congressional legislation, actions, and events; maximizes existing press contacts while cultivating new ones; writes, edits and issues press preleases, newsletters, publications, scripts & other communications documents; responds to congressional, legislative, and other public relations media requests; builds meaningful relationships with key public officials and Navajo Nation leaders; develops and implements governmental relations strategies; researches and composes speeches, presentations, and talking points; serves as a resource for regional and national reporters for the Navajo Nation government; coordinates public relations activities; advises office staff concerning public relations aspects of policies, practices, procedures, programs, and actions; produces news, public service and educational programs for radio and television; recruits and arranges public appearances with subject experts, elected officials, dignitaries, and other individuals; plans and coordinates news conferences and special events; serves as a contact for information administrators in the maintenance of the office network and website; and prepares required reports.

For full job description, click here.

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Job Opportunity – Litigation Attorney

Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP is a prominent tribal law firm providing legal representation and advocacy in a broad range of services, with an emphasis in tribal law and federal Indian law serving tribal nations, tribal business enterprises and tribal organizations throughout the United States.

Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP is seeking candidates with 7-10 years of litigation experience to join our metropolitan Omaha, Nebraska office.  The right candidate will have the opportunity to work on cases in a variety of areas including constitutional law, environmental law, real estate, employment, tax issues, corporate/business matters, and complex federal, state and tribal court litigation at both trial and appellate levels. 

Requirements  

  • Active admission to any state bar, with the ability to become licensed in Nebraska
  • J.D. from an ABA accredited Law School
  • Attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow standard procedures
  • Comprehensive experience in litigation
  • Ability to effectively interact, orally and in writing
  • Licensed attorney with 7-10 years of experience in litigation
  • Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities with a “roll up your sleeves” and team-oriented attitude
  • Exceptional organizational skills, juggling priorities and adhering to strict deadlines
  • First-rate academic credentials and references
  • Superior research, writing and analytical skills and technology oriented
  • Commitment to participating in the firm’s marketing and public relations initiatives, including joining associations, securing leadership roles, and conducting webinars, seminars, and speaking engagements

Preferred

  • Knowledge of or experience working with Indian law or tribal courts
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and cloud-based computer environment

Job Type:  Full-time

Benefits:
Big Fire Law & Policy Group’s mission is to provide excellent legal services and an outstanding client experience, balanced with a work atmosphere that promotes individual betterment and professional exceptionalism. We build incredible trust with our clients by encouraging our attorneys to be the best at what they do, and to do so in the best possible way.

  • Annual salary that is competitive, compensating for talent, expertise, and performance
  • Opportunity to participate in the firm’s 401K plan
  • Enrollment in the firm’s medical insurance plan
  • Opportunity to earn annual bonuses

Unlimited paid time off for attorneys (billable time requirement applies)

Work -life balance and employee wellness promoted environment

Please send your cover letter, resume and writing sample to:   careers@bigfirelaw.com

www.bigfirelaw.com

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Job Opportunity – Executive Director

Center for Native American Youth  (CNAY)
Washington, D.C.

About the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) believes all Native American youth should lead full and healthy lives, have equal access to opportunity, and draw strength from their culture and inspire one another. As a policy program of the Aspen Institute founded by former U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (ret.), we work to improve the health, safety, and overall well-being of Native American youth ages 18-24, with special emphasis on youth suicide prevention. We do this through youth recognition and leadership development, research, advocacy, and policy change; Native youth program capacity building; and by connecting Native youth with strengths-based media. We strive to bring greater national attention to the issues facing Native American youth while fostering community-driven solutions. The program, and this position, is based in Washington, DC.

Job Summary:
CNAY is seeking an Executive Director to lead a dynamic and impactful Native American youth leadership development and advocacy organization who can build on its successful growth since its founding in 2011. The candidate must have a very strong understanding of Native American policy issues and deep relationships with tribal communities, tribal leaders, and tribal nonprofit leaders. This position requires a strategic thinker who can work closely with youth and community stakeholders to design programs driven by their vision and rooted in their cultural values, while leveraging the wide resources and expertise of a large organization that is a global leader in the fields of leadership development, policy, and action. In addition to leading the strategic positioning and growth of CNAY’s programs, the Executive Director will manage a staff of 5 people and oversee all finance and operational responsibilities for the program. The Executive Director is also responsible for raising funds and other resources for the program, which is an essential part of the job. Finally, the ideal candidate will be the key external representative for the organization and possess strong writing and speaking ability that will raise the profile of CNAY to funders, elected officials, thought leaders, and other key stakeholders.

For full job description, click here.