FULL-TIME STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION – OPENING

The Lakota Peoples’ Law Project, based in Hot Springs, South Dakota near the famous Lakota town of Wounded Knee, is opening a new “High Impact Litigation” Office in Rapid City, South Dakota – and is seeking applications from qualified Native American attorneys and qualified Native American Law-trained attorneys for the position of FULL-TIME STAFF ATTORNEY in its new Rapid City Office. Bar membership is required. However, while preferred, membership in the South Dakota State & Federal Bars is not required. This can be accomplished after being hired.Starting salary: Public Interest attorney rates.with health & retirement benefits.Our initial federal litigation will be a Rule 23(a) Federal Class Action civil lawsuit to be filed in the Western Division of the United States District of South Dakota against the South Dakota State Department of Social Services’ Children’s Protection Services seeking Declaratory and Injunctive Relief for the agency’s 10-year refusal to comply with the state and federal legal requirements of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act ( ICWA ] and the violation, by the officers, agents, employees and assignees of the DSS, of important state and federal Constitutional and Statutory Rights of the Lakota children; Lakota parents; Lakota grandparents; Lakota Tioshpaye (extended family) members and Lakota Tribes in connection with the State of South Dakota’s unlawful seizure and involuntary subjection of literally thousands of young Lakota children, over the past ten years to: a.) unlawful seizure and involuntary state detention; b.) subjection to the involuntary state administration of psychiatric drugs; c.) unlawful state termination of parental, filial and familial rights andd.) the involuntary “placement” of these Lakota children with Non-Lakota families and the state termination of all communications between these Lakota children and their rightful Lakota parents, families, Tioshpayes and Tribe.This first case will be Co-Counseled by Washington, D.C. Harvard College and Harvard Law School-trained attorney Daniel Sheehan (former National Legal Counsel to the Native American Rights Committee of ACLU National and former Christic Institute Chief Counsel in The Three-Mile Island Case; The Karen Silkwood Case [with Wyoming Attorney Gerry Spence]; The American Sanctuary Movement Case in Texas and The Iran/Contra Case);as well as by accomplished South Dakota Civil Rights & Criminal Defense Attorney Patrick Duffy; noted New York City attorney and Senior Partner in the Arent-Fox Law Firm, Eugene Scheiman and attorney Ira Lustbader, Chief Counsel of Children’s Rights, Inc. of New Jersey.Future cases which are presently being contemplated include: b.) a federal litigation to secure the return, to the traditional Seven Council Fires (Oceti Sakowin Oyate) of the Lakota People, all of the aboriginal Lakota Territory that was unlawfully seized by the United States Government, in incremental portions, in 1851; in 1868; in 1871 and in 1887 and c.) other legal actions (including federal litigation) to bring about the eventual dis-establishment of the present Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) tribal council system of government and the “Reservation” system that was unlawfully imposed upon the Lakota People by the United States Government and the replacement of these governing structures by a genuinely self-governing and self-sustaining traditional Seven Council Fires Government in Lakota Territory.Applicants for this Full-Time Staff Attorney position must have: a.) excellent legal training in the fields of American Indian Law and American Constitutional Law and b.) some federal and/or state litigation experience in the first of these legal fields.

Please contact directly:
Attorney Daniel Sheehan at: (831) 459-6136 Or ParadigmProject@aol.com

NCAI Staff Attorney

Organization: NCAI

Skills and Qualifications: The National Congress of American Indians has an opening for a Staff Attorney in the Washington, DC office. Subject areas of the Staff Attorney’s work will include (but are not limited to): tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility, tribal lands, law enforcement, tribal justice systems, federal agency consultation, taxation, economic development, and other issues of importance to Indian tribal governments.
Minimum Qualifications- JD degree- Active Bar Membership and eligibility for DC Bar Admission.- 2+ years of legal experience- Strong administrative and organizational skills.- Ability to both take direction and work independently, taking initiative within areas of responsibility.- Capacity to work under pressure, meet deadlines consistently, and handle multiple projects concurrently,- Knowledge of tribal communities.

Responsibilities include:- Legal analysis- Legislative analysis and drafting- Researching background information related to tribal issues- Drafting memoranda – Preparation of amicus briefs- Coordination with federal agencies- Legislative and agency advocacy- Advising and updating tribal leaders on important issues

Salary and Benefit: This is a salaried position that offers competitive salary and benefits (including health benefits, 401(k) plan, vacation time, etc.). Salary to be determined based on experience.

Application Procedure:Applicants should send their resume, a brief writing sample, three references, and a cover letter by mail or email.

Open Date: 8.29.2007

Close Date: Until filled

Contact Info: National Congress of American Indians Attn: Virginia Davis 1301 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036

Contact Email: vdavis@ncai.org

Organization Web-Site: www.ncai.org

The salary range is $82,560-$103,200 with exceptional benefits. The EBCI human resource office can be reached at 828-497-1795 for questions regarding this position.

AStaff Attorney position at San Manuel has now been posted and can be found here:

https://www.ultirecruit.com/san1001/jobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*156D1247E33A9AA0

The job description is below. Applicants must complete the online application to be considered for the position.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Office of Government Development/Legislative

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OLS0316917-210391-0302

DATES 12/10/07 – 12/21/07

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the Local Governance Act, Ethics in Government Law and Title II of the Navajo Nation Code. Knowledge of budgeting, goal setting, performance measure development, and fiscal management; skilled in contract drafting, management, procurement, compliance and enforcement; skilled in organizing, planning, and supervising; skilled in managing and directing
staff, maintaining open and effective communication, and employee rights and grievance procedures; skilled in researching, interpreting and analyzing a variety of legal documents; skilled in collection, analysis and evaluation of information to arrive at sound conclusions and recommendations; ability to forge effective working relationships with Council Delegates, Chapter Officials and staff, and the Navajo public; excellent public speaking skills and writing skills mandatory.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directs an office engaged in complex governmental matters that may be highly political and impact the overall Nation; works under oversight of the Commission on Navajo Government Development and make regular reports to the Commission and Navajo Nation Council and/or Committees; prepares legislation, resolutions, policies; contracts and correspondence; explains
Navajo law and policies affecting the chapter governments; and conducts a significant amount of public education and speaking, preferably in Navajo. May involve review of small to medium size grants for chapter governments.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field; and
eight (8) years of adminstrative or management experience, which must include six (6) years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

TITLE: Paralegal or Attorney, Law Office of Schaff & Clark-Deschene, LLC

HOURS: Full Time

SALARY: Negotiable

DUTIES:
Provide legal support regarding matters under tribal law, and in particular, matters involving enterprises of the Navajo Nation. Provide legal support regarding tribal governing laws and other authorities and related policies and procedures of the enterprise, including personnel policies and procedures and other internal policies and procedures of the enterprise. Provide negotiation support with regard to the above matters. Provide litigation services and/or support with regard to the above matters as those matters are litigated in tribal courts, and litigation support as the above matters are litigated in other jurisdictions. Remain advised and informed on matters impacting tribal energy projects and other industries as they may impact the tribal enterprise. Coordinate, in conjunction with the tribal enterprise, the work done by other attorneys and consultants under contract with the tribal enterprise. Provide project support and research services to the tribal enterprise as well as other in-house related legal services as are requested by the tribal enterprise. Travel required.

REQUIREMENTS:
Desirable candidates will have paralegal training or a J.D. and two or more years of related experience with practice in the following areas: federal Indian law, energy and natural resources law, economic development, land use, government affairs, and/or litigation matters affecting not only tribes, but also non-Indian developers seeking to enter into relationship with tribal governments. Must reside in or near Window Rock, Arizona, have reliable transportation, and understand Navajo.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
For attorneys, prefer state and Navajo Nation bar certification. Demonstrate self-reliance and willing to take initiative to accomplish project goals.

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

PREFERENCE:
In accordance with the Indian Preference Regulations, preference is given to American Indians. To claim American Indian preference, a copy of tribal affiliation must be submitted with resume.

Resumes and tribal affiliation records should be emailed to clarkdeschene@att.net.
The Law Offices of Schaff & Clark Deschene, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Emails Only Please- we will call candidates who appear qualified for the position. Our firm resume available to you upon request. Thank you.

SISSETON-WAHPETON OYATE
OF THE LAKE TRAVERSE INDIAN RESERVATION
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

Job Description
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation is looking for a licensed full-time, on site, attorney to serve in the Office of General Counsel at Agency Village, South Dakota 57262.

Legal Representation Duties and Responsibilities
The attorney will provide attorney services to the Tribe and its entities in all legal matters including any necessary litigation in federal, state and tribal courts. The legal work involves employment, gaming, land, corporate, and contractual issues and other Indian law issues.

Education
Applicant must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school and must be currently admitted to practice law before any state court or obtain admittance to practice law in South Dakota by sitting for the next available examination by the South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners upon hire. If applicant’s graduated after June 1, 2005, applicant’s law school transcript must be submitted. Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year of experience in Indian law. The attorney must pass the South Dakota bar within 15 months and become a member of the Federal Bar in South Dakota within 15 months from date of hire.

Compensation and Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample. All applicants may submit their information by mail, facsimile, or electronic mail to the following person:

Karen Bianas, Human Resources Director
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
Box 509
Agency Village, SD 57262
605-698-3055 Facsimile
hrdept@swst.us

Please submit a copy of the application documents to Brenda J. Bellonger, via Tribal Attorney’s email: bellonger@gmail.com, or mailed to: Mrs. Bellonger, Esq., Office of General Counsel, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, P.O. Box 509, Agency Village, SD 57262.

All questions should be directed to Brenda J. Bellonger, Tribal Attorney at 605-698-3911 Ext. 206, Fax: 605-698-7844, Cell: 605-237-4101 or email: brendaj.bellonger@swst.us. Salary is negotiable and is based upon level of experience.

Open until January 25, 2007.

Contact: Nicole M. Homer
Employer: Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court
Address1: P.O. Box 70
CityStateZip: Black River Falls, WI 54615
Website: http://www.ho-chunknation.com/?PageId=28
Phone: 715-284-2722
Fax: 715-284-3136
AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Judicial Law Clerk
Salary: 50,000
Hours: 40/week

Description:
SubmitOther: 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.

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. Strong research and writing skills.
3. Strong word processing and computer research skills including familiarity with INTERNET access.
4. Demonstrated interest in and familiarity with Tribal and Federal Indian Law.
5. Fluency in Ho-Chunk Language desired but not required.
6. Preference to members of the Ho-Chunk Nation, other Native Americans.
7. Valid driver’s license, dependable transportation and proper insurance, is required.

SendBy: Mail
Deadline: 12/31/2007

Job Title: PRESIDING JUDGE
Dept: Kalispel Tribal Court
Appointed By: Tribal Council — 3 Year Term
Grade: S
Average hours per week: 32
FLSA status: Exempt
Approved by:
Approval date:

Summary of Functions

The Presiding Judge serves as the head of the Tribal Court, overseeing court operations and the disposition of cases. The Presiding Judge ensures the impartial administration of justice and discharges duties in accordance with the Kalispel Tribal Constitution, laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. Chairs internal judges’ meetings and serves as liaison to the Tribal Business Committee (KBC) on judicial concerns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fairly and impartially hears and decides judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Kalispel Tribal Court (Court), pursuant to the Kalispel Tribal Constitution, Tribal Codes and the policies and procedures of the Court.
Supervises and oversees Court operations, including the assignment of cases to traditional or associate judges as appropriate, case management and the timeliness of decisions.
Hears and decides all type of cases filed in the Court, including but not limited to, criminal, traffic, civil, juvenile and child welfare cases.
Reviews case files and pleadings; presides at pre-conferences, hearings and trials; conducts legal research and writes decisions; issues search and seizure warrants, arrest warrants and court orders, including orders of protection.
Assists the Court Administrator to set the Court docket, to develop and manage the Court budget, and to develop and manage Court programs and grants.
Ensures the availability of judges by phone; 24 hours per day / 365 days per year, to hear requests for extradition warrants, search warrants, bench warrants and other orders of an immediate nature.
Applies fair concepts and procedures of justice, including working closely with the Chief (traditional) Judge, and Associate Judge to incorporate the principles of Kalispel Tribal traditions and culture.
Assists with the development of alternate dispositions for juvenile cases, with the development of alternative dispute resolution procedures and the development of Kalispel Tribal common law.
Oversees the development of rules of evidence, bench book, and civil and criminal procedures.
Ensures the establishment of contracts for jail and detention facilities, and the establishment of full faith and credit agreements with state and tribal courts.
Ensures the maintenance of a court record system and oversees maintenance of the Court library.
Keeps current on laws and issues that impact the Court, to include continuing legal and judicial education, and makes recommendations to the Kalispel Business Committee for amendments or adoption of laws to improve the tribal legal & judicial system.
Serves as an advocate and educator for the Kalispel Tribal Court System within the Tribe as well as locally, regionally and nationally.
Professionally represents the Tribe in negotiation or mediation sessions, public and private meetings, and at consultations or conferences.
Participates in local, regional and national professional associations.

Additional Functions
Additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The incumbent directly supervises the Court Administrator (may also supervise other Court staff) in accordance with the Tribe’s policies, procedures and applicable law. Other responsibilities included are interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school is required.
A minimum of ten years experience as a practicing attorney and a minimum of five years of judicial experience or a combination thereof is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal, Federal, and State laws, of the Tribal Court legal process and working knowledge of tribal codes, traditions and customs is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of legal practices and standards, and court procedures.
Must be fully conversant in the complexities of criminal and civil law in general; and in the complexities of both statutory and case law of federal Indian law in particular.
Experience as a tribal judge and/or practice in the field of Indian Law and sovereignty is preferred.
Possess strong management, supervisory and administrative skills.
Have experience that demonstrates the ability to make judgments in an independent, responsible and impartial manner.
Possess excellent decision-making capabilities and dispute resolution skills, including the ability to deal well with emotionally charged and/or adversarial situations.
Have excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Must possess a good understanding of the needs and vision of the Kalispel Tribe.
Ability to of tactfully handle culturally sensitive issues.
Must be able to work effectively with elected Tribal leaders, officials and the general public.
No convictions of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
Must pass pre-employment background check and drug and alcohol screening.

Certificates, Licenses, Regulatory Requirements

Must be licensed in the state of Washington to practice law.
Valid WA or ID Driver’s License and insurability under the Tribe’s auto policy.

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily in an office environment. Significant portions of the job require extended sedentary periods; regular work with computers and repetitive motion of hands and wrists.

This position requires the ability to bend, stoop, lift, carry, and move items weighting up to _25__ pounds and requires occasional standing or walking.

This position requires occasional local and out of town travel.
This position occasionally requires work to be performed outside general business hours, including evening or weekend sessions, meetings/travel.

Contact: Eric Shepard (Attorney General)
Employer: Colorado River Indian Tribes
Address1: 26600 Mojave Road
Address2:
CityStateZip: Parker, AZ 85344
Website:
Phone: 928-669-1271
Fax: 928-669-5675
AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Tribal Prosecutor
Salary: D.O.E. with Benefits
Hours: 8 am – 5 pm

Description: Tribal Prosecutor to investigate violations of Tribal Law through Tribal Police Department, prepare and present criminal cases in Tribal and Appellate Courts, and enforce child support judgments. Works under direct supervision of Attorney General. Requires graduation from ABA accredited law school, 3 years practice of law, knowledge/experience in Federal Indian Law, and admission to Arizona or California State Bar. Annual salary D.O.E. with benefits.

Experience: Current Bar Members
Submit: Resume,Cover Letter,Writing Sample
SubmitOther:
SendBy: Mail,Fax,Email
Deadline: when filled