The Office of the Solicitor, US Department of the Interior, is announcing the opening of the following positions in the Office of Solicitor. These positions will be open for applications until the end of January. Links to the application sites are provided below.

Because of our unique responsibilities to support the Department’s programs to benefit American Indians and Alaska Natives, Solicitor Hilary Tompkins strongly encourages Native American attorneys to apply.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this announcement to your respective bar associations, law schools or other folks you know who might be interested in applying for these positions.

Director, Indian Trust Litigation Office (ITLO):

Manages litigation relating to the Department’s Indian Trust responsibilities, including all litigation related to Individual Indian Money accounts and Tribal Trust. The Director is responsible for programs and activities concerned with individual and tribal Indian trust matters, and the provision of legal services with respect to litigation initiated by or against the Federal Government or officials of the Department involving the Indian trust responsibilities of the United States. Coordinates and directs attorney and support staff participating in litigation on Indian trust matters before trial courts, appellate courts, and other tribunals. Prepares and/or provides guidance and direction in the preparation of appellate briefs and other pleadings. Reviews proposed opinions, rules, regulations, and decisions considered controversial or precedent setting; evaluates proposed or recommended legal strategies and principles; identifies significant underlying legal issues; analyzes the adequacy of the legal position; determines possible consequences of the action on current Secretarial and Administration policy; and, recommends approval or alternatives and when appropriate, exercises final authority for acceptance or non acceptance. Represents the Solicitor or Secretary on task forces, interdisciplinary groups, meetings, conferences, and various departmental committees.

ITLO Job Application

Supervisor-Attorney (Assistant Solicitor – General Indian Legal Activities):

The Branch of General Indian Legal Activities (GILA), handles legal issues related to gaming, self-determination, self-governance, education, social services, housing, economic development, judgment fund distributions, Indian roads, and other government programs and services provided to tribes and tribal members. Assistant Solicitor exercises a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over attorney-advisors assigned to the Branch. The Assistant Solicitor also provides key legal advice and counsel and manages litigation on matters related to the Branch’s assigned areas of responsibility.

Assistant Solicitor

Attorney-Advisor – Branch of Water & Power:

The Attorney-Advisor provides legal advice and counsel and manages litigation on matters related to the Department’s trust responsibility for the protection of Indian water resources. The Attorney-Advisor must be able to manage highly complex, sometimes controversial, water resource issues. In addition, the Attorney-Advisor develops and manages litigation strategy, prepares opinions, and provides counsel on regulations and proposed legislation concerning Indian water resources.

Attorney-Advisor

The United States overnment does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

STAFF ATTORNEY: Crow Tribe Legislative Branch. Full-time in-house attorney, Crow Agency, MT. 3+ years experience preferred. Minimum qualifications include: license to practice law in State of Montana, strong research and writing skills, respect for and familiarity with Native American and Crow tribal law and history. General and flexible practice areas include analysis and drafting of proposed legislation and ordinances, land and environmental issues, employment law, contract review, and litigation. Salary DOE. Position open until filled. Crow Tribal and Native American preference may apply. Please submit cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, writing sample, and a list of three references to: ATTN: Manuel Cover Up, Sr., Speaker of the House, P.O. Box 309, Crow Agency, Montana 59022.

All applications held confidential.

Contact: Serena Hena
Employer: Pueblo of Tesuque
Address1: Rt 42 Box 360T
CityStateZip: Santa Fe, NM 87506
Email: shena@pueblooftesuque.org
Phone: 505-955-7717
Fax: 505-982-2331
AcceptingCalls: Yes

JobTitle: Tribal Judge
Salary: 80 – 95K
Hours: 40/wk
Description: Summary Description: Work under the general supervision of the Governor and Tribal Council. Tribal Judge is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the Tribal Court system including but not limited to: Civil, Criminal, Traffic and Juvenile Cases/Reviews; Trials, Civil hearings; Arraignments, Joint and Separate Trials, Dismissal, Other Preliminary Matters; Maintenance of an ongoing referral system for offenders including completion or default of court ordered treatment. Ensure financial accountability regarding collection of all court fines/fees and the Tribal Court budget. Supervise court staff.
Minimum Qualifications:
? Juris Doctor (JD) received from an (ABA) accredited law school or equivalent of ten (10) years experience in the field of court systems.
? Considerable knowledge of Federal Indian Law with emphasis on issues of tribal sovereignty and tribal government.
? Familiarity with monitoring PL638 contracts, and applying for and monitoring state and federal grants.
? Must clear pre-employment background check and drug screen.
? Qualified Native American Preference.
　
Experience: Current Bar Members
Submit: Resume,Cover Letter,References
SubmitOther:
SendBy: Fax,Email
Deadline: 12/2/09

Date: 10/16/2009 9:54:21 AM

Contact: Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas
Employer: California Indian Legal Services
Address1: 609 S. Escondido Blvd
CityStateZip: Escondido, CA 92025
Email: hiring@calindian.org
Website: www.calindian.org
Phone: 760-746-8941
Fax: 760-746-1815
AcceptingCalls: Yes

JobTitle: Staff Attorney – Eureka Office

Salary: Competitive salary D.O.E full family/partner medical and dental benefits, LTD, life insurance, generous leave policy and potential for annual performance bonus.

Hours: Full Time

Description: Staff attorney will work with Indian individuals, families, organizations and tribal governments in all areas of Federal Indian law, including but not limited to, advising on issues involving jurisdiction, tax, estate planning, trust assets, environmental law, cultural resource protection, Indian education, natural resource development, tribal governance, tribal justice systems, employment, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. Responsibilities may range from the provision of brief counsel and services to low income Indian individuals to representing individuals and tribes in state and federal court, negotiating contracts, advising tribal clients and developing and implementing constitutions, codes, and policies for tribal clients.

Experience: Graduate,Current Bar Members

Submit: Resume,Cover Letter,Writing Sample

SubmitOther: * J.D. degree with exceptional academic achievement.
* Licensed to practice in California.
* Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian law with a minimum of three years experience practicing law.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* A willingness to assume a varied caseload.
* Strong work ethic and able to work nights and weekends when many tribal councils meet.
* Ability to travel overnight, valid driver?s license.
* A demonstrated commitment to providing high quality legal services for Indian people.
The following qualifications are desirable but not absolutely required:
* Experience working with Indian individuals or tribes.
* Prior legal services experience.

Job Title Attorney
Job Location Sacramento, CA

Job Description
The LaPena Law Corporation represents tribal clients on tribal, cultural, governmental, and economic development matters. We represent Indian tribes in tribal governmental operations; fee-to-trust and related real estate issues on and off reservation lands; selection and establishment of tribal entities; cultural resource protection; financing of tribal operations and development projects; gaming development and gaming regulation; establishing and counseling tribal gaming commissions; preparation of tribal codes and constitutions; housing development and finance; grant writing; Indian law litigation including environmental issues, contract disputes, Indian child welfare, and gaming; and other Indian law matters.

We seek an associate attorney to join our growing Sacramento office. Qualified candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school, California State Bar license. An academic or practical background in Federal Indian law is preferred.
Candidates must also possess excellent analytical, research and communication skills, and the ability to work well independently and as a team in a fast paced environment.
We offer excellent salary and bonus compensation, and a benefit package.

Please email your cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and law school transcripts if graduated within the past five years to AmyAnn Taylor at ataylor@lapenalaw.com.

Organization Name LaPena Law Corporation
Contact Name AmyAnn Taylor
Business Address 2331 Capitol Avenue
City Sacramento State CA Zip 95816

Business Phone
Business FAX 916-442-9907
Business Email ataylor@lapenalaw.com
Web Address www.lapenalaw.com#http://www.lapenalaw.com#

Will they accept applicant inquiries? no

Salary Range
Application Deadline 11/15/2009

Eligible Applicants
1L no
2L no
3L no
Alumni yes

Applicant Information Requested

Resume
yes
Writing Sample
yes
Law School Transcript
no
Reference Letters
no
Other
yes

Job Title Associate Attorney – Santa Fe
Job Location Santa Fe, NM

Job Description
The Nordhaus Law Firm, LLP is seeking a full time associate attorney with one to three years of relevant experience to work primarily on Indian water rights litigation in our Santa Fe, New Mexico office starting on or about October 15, 2009. Demonstrated interest in Indian law is required.

Experience in water law and/or Indian law is strongly preferred. The Firm is dedicated to the representation of Indian Tribes and Tribal entities on environmental issues, natural resource protection and development, jurisdictional issues, Tribal governance issues, economic development projects, and in administrative and regulatory processes as well as in trial and appellate litigation. Native Americans are encouraged to apply. Please apply immediately by
submitting: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, (3) a legal writing sample, (4) a list of references, and (5) an official law school transcript to Hiring Partner Santa Fe Position, Nordhaus Law Firm, LLP, 1239 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501. You may submit your application by email to hiringpartner@nordhauslaw.com.

Organization Name Nordhaus Law Firm LLP
Contact Name Hiring Partner
Business Address 1239 Paseo de Peralta
City Santa Fe State NM Zip 87504

Business Phone (505) 982-3622
Business FAX (505) 982-1827
Business Email hiringpartner@nordhauslaw.com
Web Address #http://www.nordhauslaw.com/#

Will they accept applicant inquiries? no

Salary Range
Application Deadline 10/31/2009

Eligible Applicants
1L no
2L no
3L no
Alumni yes

Applicant Information Requested

Resume
yes
Writing Sample
yes
Law School Transcript
yes
Reference Letters
yes
Other
no

Please apply immediately by submitting: (1) a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) a resume, (3) a legal writing sample, (4) a list of references, and (5) an official law school transcript.

Experience Required
1 – 3 Years

Date: 10/9/2009 12:30:07 PM

Contact: Hon. Todd R. Matha
Employer: Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court
Address1: PO Box 70
CityStateZip: Black River Falls, WI 54615
Email: todd.matha@ho-chunk.com
Website: http://www.ho-chunknation.com/?PageId=107
AcceptingCalls: No

JobTitle: Staff Attorney/Law Clerk
Salary: $50,000/yr.
Hours: 40
Description: Staff Attorney/Law Clerk
The Ho-Chunk Nation Judiciary instituted the law clerk program shortly after its establishment in 1995. The Judiciary employs two law clerks for staggered terms of two years beginning on or around July 1. Several recent law school graduates have participated in the program since its inception, and many of those individuals currently practice and/or teach in the area of Indian law. The intention of the program is to provide a starting attorney with the necessary foundation to ably continue in this regard.

An interested applicant must submit the following documents to receive consideration for the law clerk position: 1) cover letter, 2) recent r?sum?, 3) transcript from an accredited law school, 4) writing sample, and 5) contact information for three professional/academic references. The Judiciary must receive the above application materials by mail on or before December 31, 2009. Applicants should direct materials to the following address:
Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court
Attn.: Hon. Todd R. Matha
P.O. Box 70
Black River Falls, WI 54615-0070
The Judiciary will inform applicants of the need to attend an on-site interview, and consequently applicants must be willing to travel to Wa Ehi Hoci for such purpose. The Judiciary will reimburse travel expenses to the extent possible. This reimbursement may include overnight accommodation.

Job Description

POSITION: STAFF ATTORNEY / LAW CLERK
DEPARTMENT: JUDICIARY/HO-CHUNK NATION COURT SYSTEM
SALARY: $50,000 / yr. or $24.03/ hr.
SUPERVISOR: CHIEF JUDGE OF THE TRIAL COURTS
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Legal research and drafting of memoranda for Trial Court Judges and Supreme Court Justices on questions of law.
2. Research legal issues identified by the Chief Judge, Associate Judges and Supreme Court Justice and prepare written memoranda, draft opinions and bench memos as directed.
3. Compile case law and make it available to users of the HCN Court System.
4. Field questions from court users and design court forms as needed.
5. Responsible for editing monthly Court bulletins, maintains opinion summaries and law library.
6. Maintain and advise on updates to the law library.
7. Coordinate HCN Law Day and maintain records necessary for CLE accreditation with State Bar of Wisconsin.
8. Coordinate HCN Bar Admission for the HCN Supreme Court and occasionally assist in drafting and issuing various Court Rules.
9. Must assist with Lay Advocate Training.
10. Responsible to work with minimal supervision and exercise their independent legal evaluation throughout the workday.
11. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Graduation from an accredited law school.
2. Membership in good standing with ANY state bar within 1 year of employment.
3. Strong research and writing skills.
4. Strong word processing and computer research skills including familiarity with INTERNET access.
5. Demonstrated interest in and familiarity with Tribal and Federal Indian Law.
6. Fluency in Ho-Chunk Language desired but not required.
7. Preference to members of the Ho-Chunk Nation, other Native Americans.
8. Valid driver?s license, dependable transportation and proper insurance, is required.

Experience: 3L,Graduate,Taking Next Bar,Bar Passage
Submit: Resume,Cover Letter,Transcript,Writing Sample

JOB ADVERTISEMENT
CROW TRIBE OF INDIANS
CROW AGENCY, MT

Staff Attorney

The Executive Branch of the Crow Tribe of Indians is accepting applications for a full-time in-house attorney position at the Office of Legal Counsel in Crow Agency, MT. Position open until filled.

Minimum Qualifications
· A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school;
· Admitted to practice in the State of Montana and a member in good standing of the Montana Bar;
· Willing to sit for the next available administration of the Crow Tribal Bar Exam;
· Prior legal experience (3+ years) preferred;
· General understanding of and inherent respect for Crow Tribal and Native American history and culture;
· Working knowledge of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure;
· Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian Law;
· Willing to sit for and ability to pass a criminal background check;
· No felony convictions and no serious misdemeanor convictions within the past five years;
· Must pass a pre-employment drug test;
· Commitment to the concepts of tribal sovereignty and Indian self determination

Salary: DOE

Description: The successful applicant will be responsible for diverse matters on behalf of the Executive Branch of the Crow Tribe, and will provide legal counsel to the Tribal governmental departments. S/he will be expected to divide her/his time as appropriate to cover the caseload in each respective assigned area. S/he will represent the Tribe in various cases or matters in which the Tribe has an interest, as assigned or delegated by Joint Lead Counsel for the Executive Branch.

Duties may include practice in tribal, federal, and state courts and arbitration proceedings; participating in teleconference and telephonic hearings as required; performing legal research in appropriate areas of law; review and analysis of statutes and caselaw pertaining to tribal, federal, and state law and any other relevant tribal codes; development of Tribal codes and legislation, including presentations to the Tribal Legislature and collaborative work with its Committees; analysis of pending Federal and State legislation for effects on the Crow Tribe; review of contracts and grant applications; land and leasing transactions; interface with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other Federal and State agencies; training and supervision of others as required; and other related duties as assigned or required.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Crow Tribal members, and to members of federally recognized Indian tribes.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references to: Office of Legal Counsel, Crow Tribe, Attention: Heather Whiteman Runs Him-Oleyte, P.O. Box 340, Crow Agency, MT 59022. Questions may be directed via email to: heatherw@crownations.net.

Sole practitioner seeks associate to assist in General Counsel representation of Oklahoma Indian tribe. Must have knowledge of federal Indian law and admission to Oklahoma State Bar. Office is located within commuting distance to Oklahoma City. Salary DOE. If interested, please email resume and supporting materials to indianlawjob@gmail.com.

Morris K. Udall Foundation
Program Manager, Native American Congressional Internship Program and Native American Recruiting

Full-time position based in Tucson, Arizona.

Brief description:
The Udall Foundation’s Native American Congressional Internship Program is a ten-week, summer internship for Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Washington, D.C. Interns work in Senate and House offices and federal agencies to gain an insider’s view of the federal government. The program provides interns with opportunities to research legislative issues important to tribal communities; exposure to resources available in Washington, DC, for legislative research and tribal policy development; and opportunities to network with key public officials, agency officials, and national tribal advocacy organizations.

The Program Manager for the Native American Congressional Internship Program manages strategy, implementation, and communication in four principal areas: applicant recruitment and intern selection; Congressional and federal agency office placements; intern housing and enrichment activities; and alumni development. The Program Manager reports directly to the Senior Program Manager for Education Programs, is an integral member of the Education team, and works with the Program Manager for the Udall Scholarship Program on strategy and implementation of Native American recruitment for the undergraduate scholarship. The Program Manager spends approximately 3 months each year (May 15-August 15) in Washington, D.C. to provide general supervision and professional mentoring of 12 Native American Interns.

Principal responsibilities:
§ Work with Education staff to develop and implement a national recruiting plan and targeted outreach for the Internship Program and Native American undergraduate scholarship.
§ Work with Education staff to enhance promotional materials and the internship website.
§ Work with Education staff to create guidelines for the selection of interns.
§ Coordinate application and selection processes.
§ Manage applicant and intern notifications.
§ Maintain institutional relationships with Congressional offices and federal agencies in Washington, D.C.
§ Arrange placement for 12 Native American Interns in appropriate congressional/agency offices.
§ Strategize and implement intern orientation, public receptions and enrichment activities.
§ Arrange housing for interns and manage residence and student life issues.
§ Maintain and develop alumni network and institutional relationships with Native American communities and organizations.
§ Conduct program evaluations to ensure continued improvements.

Necessary Qualifications:
§ BA/BS degree
§ Experience mentoring, advising, and/or recruiting Native American college or graduate students
§ Knowledge of policies, issues and problems affecting Indian country
§ Ability to spend May 15-August 15 living in Washington, DC (housing and per diem provided)
§ Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
§ Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel applications

Preferred Qualifications:
§ Master’s or professional degree in Native American studies or similar field
§ Experience interning or working for the federal government
§ Previous experience as a residential advisor or in college admissions
§ Familiar with Microsoft Publisher and Picture Manager

Salary range: $35,000-$45,000 with federal benefits. Reasonable relocation costs paid. Information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.udall.gov. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Morris K. Udall Foundation, attn: Jane Curlin; 130 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701-1922; or email a cover letter and resume (Word or PDF) to Jane Curlin at curlin@udall.gov. No faxes or phone calls.

Deadline to submit materials: September 18, 2009