Category Archives: uncategorized

Navigating Career Growth with Sarah Hipolito and MLS Career Services

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MLS students come from a variety of professional backgrounds—some are seeking promotions, others are transitioning into new careers, and some are even launching their own businesses. No matter the path, Sarah Hipolito and the MLS Career Services team provide the guidance and support students need to turn their education into real-world opportunities.

With a passion for helping students shape their professional narratives, Sarah works closely with MLS students to refine résumés, craft compelling cover letters, and prepare for interviews. She also helps them identify strategies for career success—whether that means advancing in their current role or entering a new field.

As both a career services advisor and an academic advisor, Sarah assists students in choosing courses that align with their professional aspirations. This holistic approach ensures that students not only meet degree requirements but also gain the skills and knowledge that will support their long-term career goals.

Beyond career planning, Sarah helps MLS students confidently communicate the value of their degree to employers. She emphasizes: “It’s important that students don’t undersell themselves.”

By applying their career development skills, MLS graduates have advanced into leadership roles across diverse industries. Sarah and the MLS Career Services team are honored to have supported students along their journey, providing resources and guidance as they navigated their career paths.

Connect with Sarah and take the next step in promoting your excellence.

Interested students can contact Sarah at: Sarah.Hipolito@asu.edu

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Damian Shapes Padilla

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Damian Shapes Padilla
Pueblo of Isleta & Turtle Mountain Chippewa
University of New Mexico School of Law, JD ’22
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’19
Pathway to Law participant ’18

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
My experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop was incredibly enriching and truly helped provide a pipeline for me in my pursuit to work in this field I’m so passionate about. PTL provided me with an understanding of the law school application process, which ultimately led me to pursue my legal education and eventually a career in Tribal law and advocacy. One of the most lasting impacts of the workshop was the connections I built—not only with legal professionals at the time but also with my cohort of peers, who went on to pursue careers in law and policy advocating on behalf of Indian Country. Many of them remain some of my dearest friends today, shoutout to the PTL 2018 fam!

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
The most valuable part of the workshop for me was learning about the factors that admissions councils consider in applications: the LSAT, undergraduate GPAs, applying to a range of law schools, and the importance of a personal statement. That was the first LSAT I had ever taken, and I’m forever grateful I’ll never have to take one again! While I applied to as many law schools as I could, the most impactful session for me was the one on personal statements. I remember them emphasizing how much weight a meaningful statement can carry on a law school application. If there’s one thing I took away from PTL, it was knowing that my strength was in drafting a personal statement about why I wanted to pursue law and why it was important to me. I wasn’t generic, and I really believe my personal statement was a significant factor in being offered a seat at UNMSOL.

Looking back, the Pathway to Law Workshop not only gave me the tools to navigate the law school application process but also the confidence to tell my story authentically. That personal statement became more than just part of an application—it was a reflection of my passion, my purpose, and my commitment to advocating for Indian Country. I’m so grateful for the foundation PTL provided, and I’ll always credit it as a key step in my journey to UNMSOL and beyond.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
Absolutely, I’ve already recommended PTL to folks who have expressed interest in pursuing a legal career. I think it was such a great opportunity to gain insights, build connections, and prepare for the challenges of law school. The workshop not only equips students with the knowledge they need to navigate the application process but also empowers them to approach the journey with confidence.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
My advice is this: go to the PTL with curiosity, step out of your comfort zone, and be ready to learn and grow—carry eagerness in your step, but also the understanding that the path ahead is long and demanding. Remember, every challenge you face will shape you into the advocate you are meant to be. The road to and through law school is not just about earning a seat in a classroom; it’s about finding your voice, honing your purpose, and stepping into the role you are destined to fulfill.

Read more success stories: From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Submit your application by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

ASU Law student receives prestigious Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Externship

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The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU Law are pleased to announce the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Externship Program winner for Spring 2025. Congratulations to second-year law student Sam Phillips!

Sam will build on past experiences in policy development and Tribal self-governance by working with the of Office of Indian Gaming as well as externing with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community in the Office of General Counsel.

In thanking the San Manuel Nation for investing in Indian Law students, Sam said, “In my culture, we believe in the teaching of “Gadugi,” or coming together as one and working to help one another. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Externship Program is an embodiment of this teaching. By investing in Indian Law students, regardless of enrollment in the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, a network of future lawyers is being supported that will strengthen Indian Country as a whole.”

We also thank the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their support, which allows us to offer this opportunity and supports the students’ goals of understanding legal issues and positively impacting Tribal interests.

Job opportunity: Chief Judge

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Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court

The Chief Judge presides over and ensures proper operation of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court. The Chief Judge is the primary Judicial Officer of the Tribal Court and is the administrator of the Nation’s Tribal Court.

Download full job description: Chief Judge 4-22-2024

How to apply: Please submit your resume and application to:
Yavapai-Apache Nation / Human Resources
2400 W. Datsi / Camp Verde, AZ 86322
P: 928-567-1062 / Fax: 928-567-1064
www.yavapai-apache.org

Job opportunities: Yavapai Nation

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Chief Prosecutor

Description: The Chief Prosecutor is responsible for the executive and administrative control/supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office within the Office of Attorney General. The Chief Prosecutor represents the Yavapai-Apache Nation in criminal, juvenile and child welfare proceedings in the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court. The Chief Prosecutor will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in an ethical manner and assure that justice is upheld according to the laws and customs of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

See full job description: Chief Prosecutor – Yavapai-Apache Nation 

Attorney

Description: The Attorney position represents the Yavapai-Apache Nation on a wide range of legal issues including drafting of codes and policies, negotiation and review of contracts and other agreements, advising the Tribal Council and its departments and entities, and representing the Nation before the Tribal Courts of the Nation and other tribal, federal, and state courts and administrative tribunals under the direction of the Attorney General

See full job description: Yavapai-Apache Nation Attorney-Job-Posting

National NALSA Moot Court Competition

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In March, ILP students Samir Grover (3L), Clayton Kinsey (3L), Sadie Red Eagle (2L) and Natalia Sells (3L) competed in the annual National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA) Moot Court Competition hosted at the University of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law. This year’s teams were coached by the Indian Legal Clinic Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Native Vote Democracy Director Joel Edman.

Congratulations to Clayton Kinsey (3L) and Samir Grover (3L) for advancing to the elite 8.

Participating in the NNALSA Moot Court for a second time, Kinsey built on his skills and approached each round with confidence. “It pushes the competitors to expand their advocacy skills beyond the traditional law school curriculum,” said Kinsey. “Second, the competition and skills are preparing Native law students for the real-world of appellate advocacy – a space that is, unfortunately, lacking in diversity and rarely includes Native representation despite the many cases focused on Native issues. Finally, the competition is fun and a great opportunity to meet other students and practitioners interested in Indian Law from across the country. This year included 51 teams! It was awesome to be involved.”

Additionally, a few ILP alumni served as judges at the national moot court competition. Sarah Crawford (’19), Kim Dutcher (’01),  Doreen Nanibaa McPaul (’01), James Mowdy (’19) and Rodina Cave Parnall (’01).

We extend our appreciation to all who served as volunteer judges during practice rounds leading up to the competition: Honorable David B. Gass (JD ’94), judge of Arizona Court of Appeals, Steve Heeley, of counsel at Rothstein Donatelli, and Mikel Steinfeld, Appeals Unit Supervisor, Maricopa County Public Defender.

Job opportunity: Tribal Legal Fellow

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Environmental Policy Innovation Center

Deadline: February 26, 2024

About EPIC

The Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) builds policies that deliver spectacular improvement in the speed and scale of environmental progress. A nonprofit start-up, EPIC is committed to finding and highlighting the best approaches to scaling up results quickly. EPIC focuses on clean water, endangered species, environmental markets and the use of data and technology in producing environmental and public health outcomes. Our largest program is focused on delivering better, safer and more affordable water infrastructure to disadvantaged and historically underinvested communities. For more information on the restoration program at EPIC, see this link.

Position Description

EPIC seeks a Tribal Legal Fellow who will work closely with the Western Restoration Program Manager and the new Tribal Partnerships Manager to build expertise on the issues surrounding applications for federal restoration funding that is most relevant to tribes in the west, and who will have the opportunity to potentially transition into a role as a federal agency detailee. The fellow will preferably come with a legal background, or perhaps a master’s degree in public policy or public administration and demonstrated understanding of how federal funding programs work, and be able to quickly connect with several tribes throughout the west to understand the needs and gaps that might be addressed through improving the flow of federal funds. They should also understand federal grant administration, permitting and procurement policy. As a result of this one-year fellowship, the fellow should be well-positioned to work on detail with a federal agency, such as the Department of Interior.

For full job description and to apply, see Job Posting.

Applying

Qualified candidates, who are also authorized to work lawfully in the United States, can apply by sending an email by February 26, 2024 to Garrett Altmann, Western Restoration Program Manager at garrett@policyinnovation.org with an email subject of “Tribal Partnerships Manager”. Please include a resume and a cover letter labeled with your last name, followed by the document type (e.g. “[Last Name]_Resume”). You may also provide any supporting documents we should consider in evaluating your candidacy (e.g., writing samples, references).

Job opportunity: Attorney-Advisor

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Office of the Solicitor
U.S. Department of the Interior, Division of Water Resources  

Attorney-Advisor. Phoenix, Arizona (Telework eligible). The Solicitor’s Office performs a wide variety of the legal work for the United States Department of the Interior. The selected Attorney-Advisor will report to the Division of Water Resources, Branch of Water and Power and provide legal advice on and legal services for matters pertaining to various federal agencies but primarily to the Bureau of Reclamation, including guidance related to federal water-related contracts with Reclamation water users in the western states, including municipalities, water and irrigation districts, and Native American tribes, and interpretation of western water law, laws and regulations of general applicability to Federal agencies, such as the Federal Land Management and Policy Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and other relevant federal laws. Applicants should have the ability to interact and negotiate with Tribes, States, and local governmental entities, regarding contracts, agreements, and other matters.

In addition, SOL attorneys perform the legal work of the Interior and represent the Interior in administrative hearings. SOL works in conjunction with the Department of Justice in representing the Interior in judicial proceedings throughout the United States.  SOL also provides legal assistance in drafting and reviewing proposed legislation, regulations, contracts, title documents, and other legal instruments. Closing date: Friday, October 27, 2023.

More information
Position Title:  Attorney-Advisor
Series/Grade:  GS-0905-12/13/14 (FPL 14)
Duty Station:  Phoenix, AZ
Open Period:  10/13/2023 to 10/27/2023 

Announcement #:  SOL-DWR-24-VN-003 (EXC)

USAJOBS Posting: USAJOBS – Job Announcement

Job opportunity: MMIP Regional Coordinator

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Applications are now being accepted for an MMIP Regional Coordinator GS-12, in the Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff offices.

Deadline: 10/4/23

$86,343 – $112,246 per year

At the full performance level, as a Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Coordinator in the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) and designated MMIP Regional Outreach Program Region, you will join a team responsible for carrying out the public safety mission of the Department of Justice, the Program Region, and USAOs in the District of Alaska, Oregon, Arizona, Western Michigan, or Northern Oklahoma. In this role, you will perform a variety of duties to promote the effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among federal, state, Tribal and local law enforcement, and non-governmental resources to prevent and resolve Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) related cases and issues.

Announcement link open to the public: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/750069000

Announcement link for federal employees and individuals eligible for special hiring authorities: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/750067900