Category Archives: Jobs

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: 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

Job opportunity: Indian Law Fellowship

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INDIAN LAW FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
BERKEY WILLIAMS LLP

2025-2026
Berkey Williams Indian Law Fellowship

Berkey Williams LLP seeks applicants for its one-year Indian Law Fellowship beginning September 2025. Our Fellowship program encourages recent law graduates to work in the field of Indian law and provides Fellows with opportunities to pursue a wide variety of projects in Indian Country. The Fellowship contributes to the development of the Indian law leaders of the future, whatever their career paths in the field might be.

About Berkey Williams
Berkey Williams is an intentionally small Indian law firm providing comprehensive legal services to tribal Nations and tribal organizations across the United States. The firm prides itself on many decades of collective experience championing tribal interests to protect and promote our clients’ legal, political, cultural, and economic rights. We maintain offices in Davis, California; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Syracuse, New York. We are a private law firm with a public interest focus, practicing primarily in natural and cultural resource protection, water and land rights, tribal sovereignty, self-governance, employment, health care and Indian child welfare. Additional information is available on our website: www.berkeywilliams.com.

About the Fellowship
The Fellowship offers a competitive salary, benefits, training, and the opportunity to work with experienced attorneys in a firm serving Indian Nations and organizations exclusively. The Fellow will be located in Davis and, over the course of the year, will work with each of the Firm’s partners in as many of our practice areas as possible. Fellows have contact with clients and typically engage in legal research and writing, historical research, litigation, and legislative advocacy, depending on client needs and the Fellow’s interests.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria
Applications are encouraged from recent law school graduates with a demonstrated commitment to Indian law. We give preference to candidates with personal or professional experience with Indian communities. We seek Fellows who bring a variety of experiences to the firm’s clients. High academic achievements are considered and weighed with other equally significant factors: personal accomplishments and experience, resourcefulness, creativity, commitment to promoting Indian sovereignty, and capacity to work conscientiously and independently. Membership in the California Bar, or willingness to obtain California Bar membership, is preferred.

Applying for the Fellowship
Interested law school graduates and 3rd year law school students should send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Gloria Coronado, Administrative/ICWA Assistant, at gcoronado@berkeywilliams.com. No phone calls please. Deadline to apply has been extended to November 22, 2024.

Job opportunity: Staff Attorney

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New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Clovis, Hobbs, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana Pueblo.

For this position, the staff attorney will handle issue for eligible clients such as:

  • Eviction prevention
  • Eviction diversion
  • Habitability
  • Reasonable accommodations
  • Subsidized housing
  • Low Income housing Tax Credit
  • Other housing related work

The work will include:

  • Advising clients.
  • Helping them prepare paperwork.
  • Representing clients in court and in administrative proceedings.
  • Conducting community education and outreach to eligible clients and community organizations as necessary.

This attorney position is based in the NMLA Las office.

NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.

Requirements:

  • Experience as a licensed attorney preferred, but exceptional entry-level candidates will be considered.
  • Admission to practice in New Mexico required.
  • Must be able to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces, web meetings and videoconferencing. software, to effectively collaborate and co-counsel with staff located in multiple offices.
  • Familiarity with Office365 is a plus.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and manage a caseload.
  • Able to build collaborative relationships with the staff in multiple offices and the community.

NMLA employees enjoy:

  • Being unionized
  • A great work environment
  • Great benefits including generous leave
  • Hybrid remote work schedule (3 days in office – 2 home office) available
  • Competitive salary

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

The position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click here to view the salary scale). NMLA provides comprehensive benefits, holiday and leave packages. For information about NMLA’s generous benefits, and what it is like to work at NMLA click here.

Applicants must submit a current resume and a cover letter in order to be considered. Your cover letter should include the ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above and explain your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. To apply click here. As an alternative, you can email the applicant packet to jobs@nmlegalaid.org.

Salary: DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer. Application Deadline: 11/15/2024

Job opportunity: CTFC Fellowship

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California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) is honored to offer the San Manuel Tribal Advocacy Fellowship – a new post-graduation position for law students who have lived experience in tribal communities and a demonstrated interest in federal Indian/tribal law or child welfare. The Fellowship is a one-year position and will provide a competitive salary, student loan forgiveness as needed, and mentoring and training in Indian law, specifically in Indian child welfare work. Applicants must be planning to take the summer California Bar Exam and commit to the one-year position beginning in or around August.

The CTFC team focuses on high impact work, community driven needs identification with a focus on high needs stakeholders. We are looking for engaged and driven individuals that thrive in a collaborative environment, seek mentorship and learning and enjoy creative problem-solving.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The fellowship will commence approximately 1-2 weeks upon completion of the California State Bar Exam. Pending Bar Exam results, fellows are supervised and trained by a Senior Staff Attorney and work on a variety of projects related to the mission of the organization. Projects may include: research and writing about legislative efforts to improve Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) practice-related statutes (including topics related to education law, delinquency law, and child welfare); research and analysis related to CTFC lawsuits against state and federal agencies; assisting attorneys in preparing motions and pleadings for court; and preparing and presenting training materials on issues related to child welfare and litigation. Fellows will also receive hands-on mentorship from Senior Attorneys and complete approximately 7 weeks of California Dependency Attorney Training for Tribal Attorneys.

Upon passing the California Bar Exam, Fellows will become a licensed and practicing attorney for CTFC and will continue working under the supervision of a Senior Staff attorney. Duties will continue to include various projects as outlined above, but will also expand to case-specific work, including representing Tribes in child welfare dependency matters, appearing in Court, negotiating favorable outcomes for clients, and legally advising Tribal Social Service Agencies.

Compensation & Benefits:

The CTFC Fellowship is a one-year, full-time paid position. Work setting will be remote. Preferred start date is 1-2 weeks after completing the California Bar Exam in Summer of 2025, with some flexibility. 

  • Salary range including benefits: $68,000-$90,700 commensurate on experience, more details on benefits available upon request but generally includes health, dental, and vision insurance and access to a retirement savings plan.
  • Up to $10,000 available in student loan reimbursement
  • Up to $2,500 for bar preparation support between May-July 2025

CTFC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Graduating Native Law Students are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Applications will be accepted at fellowship@caltribalfamilies.org until 11:59 PM Pacific on Nov. 15, 2024. Graduates of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Law, where the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has supported Indian law instruction, will receive priority consideration. To apply, please send the following materials by the deadline:

  • Resumé
  • Cover Letter – the letter should address experience or education relevant to the position that is not reflected in the resumé, especially if there is a unique area of focus within the CTFC mission the applicant is interested in.
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Law School Transcripts
  • Writing Sample
  • Short answers to the following prompts:
  1. Please describe your interest and experience related to tribal communities.
  2. Please describe your interest and experience related to child welfare.

California Tribal Families Coalition staff will schedule virtual interviews with qualified applicants shortly after the close of applications. The Fellowship is a remote position with some travel required. If you have any questions, please reach out to CTFC Senior Staff Attorney, Jhette Diamond, at fellowship@caltribalfamilies.org. 

 

Job opportunity: Executive Director

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The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Board of Directors is launching a nationwide search for the next NIEA Executive Director to lead the dynamic, compassionate, and committed NIEA staff as we continue to work toward a thriving future for our Native students.

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was founded in 1969, in Minneapolis, MN, by Native educators who were eager to find solutions to improve the education systems for Native students. NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles: 1) to bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the schooling of Native students; 2) to promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures; and 3) to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and policymakers.

Reporting to a Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) provides overall strategic and operational direction for NIEA. The ED ensures the mission of the NIEA and the NIEA Board of Directors is carried out effectively and efficiently.

The position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements

  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. CV or Resume
  3. Three (3) Reference Letters, with at least one related to work/experience in a culturally-relevant area

Salary/Compensation

  • Salary Range: $170,000-$180,000

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, Short-term and Long-term Disability, and Life Insurance

See full job description.

Job opportunity: Instructional Faculty

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Tenure Track Faculty – Native American Studies (Federal Indian/Tribal Law/Policy, Tribal Governance, and/or Sovereignty)

Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 3 – CFA – California Faculty Association, Faculty – Social Sciences, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time

COLLEGE: College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

DEPARTMENT: Ethnic Studies

POSITION TITLE: Native American Studies (Federal Indian/Tribal Law/Policy, Tribal Governance, and/or Sovereignty)

For full job posting, go to: https://careers.csus.edu/en-us/job/540805/tenure-track-faculty-native-american-studies-federal-indiantribal-lawpolicy-tribal-governance-andor-sovereignty

Job Opportunity: Staff Attorney

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Employer: The Indian Law Resource Center
Position Title: Staff Attorney
Salary: $70,000 to $105,000
Location: Helena, Montana, Washington, D.C., or remote
Department:
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Overview: The Indian Law Resource Center seeks a Staff Attorney with a demonstrated, serious commitment to protecting and advancing indigenous peoples’ rights, including particularly indigenous women’s rights. The attorney must be licensed to practice law in at least one state within the United States. Knowledge and experience in United States federal Indian law and experience in working with indigenous peoples’ rights are required. Ideally, the attorney will have the ability to work in both Spanish and English or Portuguese and English, but this is not required.
The Indian Law Resource Center is an American Indian nonprofit organization providing legal help without charge to indigenous peoples in the United States and throughout the Americas. The Center is known for its leadership in winning the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Center recently received an eight-year, $20 million grant from the Kellogg Foundation to support our new project to expand and strengthen indigenous collective land ownership in Mexico and Central and South America. Further information about the Center is on our website, www.indianlaw.org.

Key Responsibilities:

The attorney’s job will include work on our project for ending violence against indigenous women and girls. In our Safe Women, Strong Nations project, we:

  • Raise public awareness to gain strong federal action to end violence against Native women and children;
  • Provide legal advice to Native women’s organizations and Indian and Alaska Native nations on ways to restore tribal criminal authority, to preserve tribal civil authority, and to prevent violense against Native women and girls;
  • Advocate at the United Nations and the Organization of American States to attack violence against indigenous women as a human rights violation; and
  • Build alliances with indigenous and indigenous women’s organizations and indigenous communities and peoples in the United States and in Mexico and Central South America to help them address all forms of violence and discrimination against indigenous women and children.

The attorney will also participate in carrying out other legal work of the Center including providing legal assistance to Indian and Alaska Native nations and indigenous organizations in the United States and Canada in matters relating to self-determination, lands and resources, international human rights, and environmental protection and providing assistance to indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central and South America to title or secure legal ownership of their lands.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to indigenous rights;
  • Superior speaking, reading, and writing skills in English, and, ideally, Spanish or Portuguese as well;
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate both with Center staff and with our partner organizations;
  • Familiarity with indigenous communities and cultures and with the rights of indigenous peoples;
  • Ability to travel regularly in the United States and to indigenous communities in other countries;
  • Understanding of international human rights and advocacy before the United Nations and Organization of American States;
  • At least three years of experience practicing law;

The position is open immediately. Interested attorneys should apply or contact the Center as soon as possible. There is no closing date for applications. Applications will be considered as soon as they are received.
This is a full-time, salaried position. The attorney will work in the Center’s headquarters in Helena, Montana or in the Center’s Washington, D.C. office. Working remotely will be considered but is not favored. The salary range is between $70,000 to $105,000, depending on location, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other factors. The Center provides generous benefits including health insurance and retirement. All employees enjoy 120 hours of paid vacation annually, paid holidays, paid sick and personal leave, and other benefits.

To apply:
submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (or multiple samples to demonstrate ability to work in Spanish or Portuguese), and two professional references combined in one PDF document to: Melanie Dayton, mt@indianlaw.org