The First Thirteen Native Americans to Argue Before the U.S. Supreme Court

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Symposium:
The First Thirteen / Personal Reflections of the Argument
Friday,  March 16, 2012 – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
University of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, NM

The First Thirteen Native attorneys who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court will be coming together to discuss their experiences in this history-making symposium.  Dale White will interview them about their preparations, the day itself, and the impact on their careers and on Federal Indian Law. This is a rare opportunity that may never be repeated, so you don’t want to miss it! Proceeds will go to fund the Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives (PLSI).

Registration form available online at www.ailc-inc.org.
or Contact:  Valerie S. Begay at (505) 277-5462    Email:  begay@law.unm.edu

Sponsored by American Indian Law Center, Inc., New Mexico Indian Bar Association, Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, and the Law & Indigenous Peoples Program at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

 

 

Calling all PLSI Alumni from the Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, & 2002

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Good morning!  I am Heidi Macdonald from the American Indian Law Center.  I am working with our beloved Heidi Nesbitt on a Four-Year Reunion Dinner for the PLSI Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, and 2002.  Can you believe how quickly the time has passed since you first began your legal education with PLSI?  We are very excited to offer such a momentous occasion.  We hope you can join us for your PLSI class reunion dinner!  The PLSI Four-Year Reunion Dinner will be the night before the Federal Bar Association’s 37th Annual Indian Law Conference on April 18, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Gabriel’s Restaurant.  This PLSI class reunion dinner will give you the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones! 

The American Indian Law Center is also pleased to announce the creation of the “PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund.”  During the PLSI Reunion Dinner this year, the alumni of each of the four classes will have the opportunity to contribute to the PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund.  Any contributions for the PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund will ensure future generations of Native students are able to experience PLSI as we did.  As alumni, we know the importance PLSI has played in our lives and the foundation it has created for our legal careers.  During PLSI, we have accomplished our dreams, met some of our best friends, and learned where passion and perseverance can take us.  If you are a member of one of the PLSI classes (1972, 1982, 1992, and 2002) and have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is HeidiLMacdonald@gmail.com or (505) 277-5462. Thank you for your continued support!”

Job Postings!

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Gila River Indian Community Open Positions (Both are part-time positions)

Court of Appeals judge announcement – http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/2434-court-of-appeals-judge

Hearing Officer announcement – http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/2438-hearing-officer-contracted-with-no-benefits

Job Posting!

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Licensed Associate Judge

Scottsdale, AZ www.srpmic-nsn.gov/employment

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY seeks Licensed Associate Judge for immediate hire. Salary $96,610 – $140,084. Under the administrative direction of the Chief Judge, presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned. Responsible for fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and in ensuring SRPMIC adherence to applicable Federal, Tribal and other relevant laws and ordinances. The Licensed Associate Judge is appointed by the Council. Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate. Must be a member for at least three (3) years and in good standing with a state bar association. Please apply at: www.srpmic-nsn.gov/employment

 

Job Posting July 2, 2010

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: KEWENVOYOUMA LAW, PLLC

Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC is seeking a motivated, self-driven, and ambitious full-time associate.Kewenvoyouma law, PLLC is a small 100% Indian owned law firm providing legal services exclusively to Tribes, tribal entities, tribal agencies, and Individual Indian business owners.Our firm provides services in the area of Indian law, business transactions, economic development, finance, commercial transactions, business formations, government relations, gaming, water rights, and day-to-day general counsel services to Tribe and corporate counsel services to Indian owned businesses.

Requirements:

·J.D. degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school with Bar License in California and/or Arizona (or pending License)

·0-6 Years of experience

·Demonstrated education or experience in federal Indian law

·Willing to travel

·Strong research, analytical and writing skills

·Strong organizational and communication skills

·transactional law, business law, economic development and gaming experience.

Applicants should submit the following information:

1.Cover Letter

2.Resume

3.Writing Sample

4.Transcripts (if graduated within 0-4 years)

5.Three references

Please submit information via email to debbie@vtklaw.com.Please contact Debbie Kewenvoyouma at 480-705-7550 with any questions.Experience and/or education in transactional work preferred.Native American hiring preference will be provided to qualified attorneys.

Job Opportunity – Navajo Nation Attorney General-Department of Justice Employment Advertisement

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Navajo Nation Attorney General–Department of Justice Employment Advertisement

The Navajo Nation Attorney General seeks an Attorney-Candidate, Tribal Court Advocate, or Attorney to join the Navajo Nation Department of Justice’s Economic and Community Development Unit. The individual who is selected for this position will primarily handle the Division of Community Development’s matters. Although an Attorney-Candidate or Tribal Court Advocate is preferred; Attorney-Candidate, Tribal Court Advocate, and Attorney applications will be considered.

As the Navajo Nation’s Chief Legal Officer, the Attorney General has charge of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, which advises and represents the Navajo Nation government in all legal matters. The Economic and Community Development Unit provides legal services to the Navajo Nation’s several political subdivisions; including the Division of Community Development, which is tasked with promoting and facilitating the Navajo Nation’s physical and legal infrastructural development. In consultation with the Division of Community Development, the Economic and Community Development Unit will interview and select an individual for this position. The Attorney General is charged with the final approval of the individual selected for this position.

The Attorney-Candidate, Tribal Court Advocate, or Attorney who is selected and approved will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Attorney General for the Economic and Community Development Unit. The selected and approved individual will perform legal research, and through a licensed Department of Justice Attorney, will provide guidance and assistance to the Division of Community Development. Moreover, the selected and approved individual’s work will primarily concern the Navajo Nation’s Chapter governments’ matters. Although not strict a requirement, the individual selected and approved for this position is preferred to possess at least a minimal understanding of Navajo language.

The selected and approved Attorney-Candidate will be required to:

  • Possess a Juris Doctor degree;
  • Become a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association within one year of hire;
  •  Become licensed to practice in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah within one year of hire;
  • Possess basic knowledge and competency of Federal Indian Law and Navajo Nation Law that impacts the Division of Community Development;
  • Possess a basic understanding of Navajo culture and customs;
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Possess working knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
  • Possess experience interfacing with government officials.

The selected and approved Tribal Court Advocate will be required to:

  • Be a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association;
  • Possess basic knowledge and competency of Federal Indian Law and Navajo Nation Law that impacts the Division of Community Development;
  • Possess a basic understanding of Navajo culture and customs;
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Possess working knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
  • Possess experience interfacing with government officials.

The selected and approved Attorney will be required to:

  • Possess a Juris Doctor degree;
  • Be licensed to practice in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah;
  • Become a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association within one year of hire;
  • Possess basic knowledge and competency of Federal Indian Law and Navajo Nation Law that impacts the Division of Community Development;
  • Possess a basic understanding of Navajo culture and customs;
  • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Possess working knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct; and
  • Possess experience interfacing with government officials.

Salary will be based upon experience and the Navajo Nation Department of Justice’s Personnel and Compensation Plan. The Navajo Nation Department of Justice also offers a competitive Benefits package. To apply, send electronic copies of your letter of interest (no more than two pages), resume (no more than two pages), transcripts (official or unofficial), and one writing sample (no more than three pages) to: blewis@nndoj.org before 5:00 p.m. MST on January 6, 2012. You may call the Economic and Community Development Unit at: (928) 871-6933 with questions.

 

Ferguson-Bohnee appointed Faculty Director of the Indian Legal Program

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Patty Ferguson-Bohnee

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee has been appointed Faculty Director of the Indian Legal Program. Ferguson-Bohnee, who also serves as Director of the Indian Legal Clinic and as Associate Clinical Professor of Law, has substantial experience in Indian law, election law and policy matters, voting rights, and status clarification of tribes.

She recently was featured in a cover story in ‘MultiCultural Law’ magazine.

She has testified before the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Louisiana State Legislature regarding tribal recognition, and has successfully assisted four Louisiana tribes in obtaining state recognition. She has represented tribal clients in administrative, state, federal, and tribal courts, as well as before state and local governing bodies and proposed revisions to the Real Estate Disclosure Reports to include tribal provisions. She has assisted in complex voting rights litigation on behalf of tribes, and she has drafted state legislative and congressional testimony on behalf of tribes with respect to voting rights’ issues.

Before joining the College in 2008, Professor Ferguson-Bohnee clerked for Judge Betty Binns Fletcher of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and was an associate in the Indian Law and Tribal Relations Practice Group at Sacks Tierney P.A. in Phoenix. As a Fulbright Scholar to France, she researched French colonial relations with Louisiana Indians in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Professor Ferguson-Bohnee, a member of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian tribe, serves as the Native Vote Election Protection Coordinator for the State of Arizona.