Associate Job Announcement

The Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tempe, Arizona offices of Rothstein Donatelli, LLP are each seeking an associate for their Indian law practice. Rothstein Donatelli has offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tempe, Arizona. The Indian law practice in Santa Fe specializes in federal Indian law, including gaming, economic development, water rights, land rights, civillitigation, and transactional matters. Tempe specializes in federal Indian law, including gaming, economic development, Indian Child Welfare Act, Indian health law, labor and employment law, and transactional matters. Rothstein Donatelli is committed to advancing the sovereign rights of Native American tribes. More information about the firm is available at www.rothsteinlaw.com.
The ideal candidate will have three or more years of experience with a demonstrated commitment to the highest quality of legal practice, excellent research and writing skills, and an interest in representing tribal Nations. Experience in Indian law is not required. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to Manya Snyder at info@rothsteinlaw.com. The positions will remain open until filled. Salary competitive in the Santa Fe and Tempe markets and depending on experience.
Rothstein Donatelli LLP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, sex or gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence,compensation, and training. The Firm expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination based on any of the characteristics mentioned above. Improperinterference with the ability of other employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. The Firm is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment.

NALSA recognition

Students awarded NABA-AZ scholarships

On Oct. 8, twelve ASU Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) students received the Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ) Scholarship for their academic achievement at the “NABA-AZ 13th Annual Seven Generations Awards Event and Silent Auction.” 

Congratulations to ILP students: Rachel Carroll (2L), Keely Driscoll (1L), Chad Edwards (3L), Autumn Shone (3L), Alexandra Trousdale (2L), Sadie Red Eagle (1L), Natalia Sells (2L), Sophie Staires (2L), Shandiin Herrera (1L), Maryam Salazar (2L), Brittany Habbart (3L) and Kaleb Lester (2L).

We appreciate the continued support from our partners at NABA-AZ.

Building Communication between Tribal & Federal Courts & the Agencies Administrating Justice in Indian Country

Friday, October 21, 2022
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room
401 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ, and via Zoom

There is no charge for this event. Space is limited and registration is required.  CLE may be available.

Registration for In Person: rsvp.inperson@azd.uscourts.gov

Registration for Virtualrsvp.virtual@azd.uscourts.gov

Link to More Information

Questions: humetewa_chambers@azd.uscourts.gov

In Memory of Rob Rosette (’96)

The Indian Legal Program (ILP) and Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University mourn the loss of Robert “Rob” Rosette, JD/MBA class of 1996. On Saturday morning, we lost a friend, an alumnus and a champion for the ILP.

Rob Rosette was a prominent figure in the Indian law community. In addition to advancing the careers of other Native professionals, he was dedicated to improving the legal landscape for tribal communities across the country.  Early in his career, he founded a law firm to provide essential federal Indian law and other legal services exclusively to tribal clients. Rosette LLP began as a solo practice and grew into a national firm, supported by 24 attorneys, paralegals and support staff, including a large representation of ASU ILP alumni, with offices in Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Washington D.C. and Michigan

Rob, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was a proud ASU ILP alum who regularly supported law students through scholarships, job opportunities and mentorship. He served on the ILP advisory council since 2012, to help the Program grow and recruit top Indian Law students. He also established a large endowment to fund and create the Rosette American Indian Economic Development Program in 2014. The endowment supports work and research in tribal economic development and was established to encourage more students to practice in this important area of law. The Rosette American Indian Economic Development Program’s annual “Wiring the Rez” conference has generated over $330,000 in funding for student scholarships and program operations since its inception.

Rob’s dedication to tribal sovereignty and tribal people will always be remembered, and his friendship, mentorship and laughter will be missed by all of us. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Sharon, his children Wyatt (ASU Law ’17), Thane, Keturah and their spouses.

Service for Rob Rosette:

Service on Friday (9/23) at 9 – 11 a.m.  Gravesite visit at 12 p.m.  

Location: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care – 400 S. Power Rd Mesa AZ 85206.

You can learn more about Rob Rosette’s impact on and involvement with the Indian Legal Program in the ASU News article Rosette law firm founder thankful for family environment he found at ASU.

Firm seeks 2L for 2023 Summer Law Clerk

Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP is a well-established law firm in Indian country, with a particular focus on the California region and the more than 100 federally recognized Indian tribes located there. Our partners offer decades of experience representing tribal interests on all matters affecting tribal government and reservation communities. We provide general and special counsel services on a wide range of matters including tribal gaming, governance, employment, administrative, business transactions and economic development, environmental compliance, Indian Housing/NAHASDA, ICWA, tribal TANF, state and federal taxation and land-into-trust acquisitions. In furtherance of tribal sovereignty, we work closely with tribal leaders on strengthening tribal legal systems by updating core governance documents including tribal constitutions, membership and election statutes, and a wide range of other tribal laws and administrative policies and protocols. We have successfully advised tribal governments on establishing new or expanded tribal institutions and businesses as both an exercise of sovereignty and self-determination.

MPKGC is seeking applications from second-year law students for a 2023 Summer Law Clerk for its office in Oakland, California. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school. Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred. Applicants must also possess excellent analytical, research and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced and fun environment. MPKGC offers a competitive salary for a 10-week summer position (exact length negotiable).

To apply: interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and unofficial law school transcript to Ms. Bethany Sullivan at bsullivan@jmandmplaw.com by November 4, 2022.

Pivotal gaming case

Indian Gaming in Texas: Discussing a Supreme Court Victory

On Aug. 23, the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs hosted the webinar “Indian Gaming in Texas: A Discussion About a Recent Supreme Court Victory.” During the Supreme Court’s October 2021 term, the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo argued a pivotal gaming case challenging the State of Texas and was victorious in a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch . The Court’s decision affirms the Tribes’ right to operate Class II gaming in Texas under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and their own tribal laws. The webinar discussed the case, the recent decision from the Supreme Court and what’s next for the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas with attorneys Brant Martin, counsel for Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, and Fred Petti, counsel for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Martin and Petti shared valuable insight about practicing law on behalf of a tribal client, their experiences arguing before the Supreme Court and participating as amici before the Supreme Court respectively. 

If you missed the webinar, you may watch the recording.

We look forward to inviting both attorneys and their tribal clients to the law school in Spring 2023. Keep a lookout for this announcement in the coming months.

Indian Legal Clinic tour Gila River

On Sept. 9, the Indian Legal Clinic students were sworn in to the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) Court by Judge Anthony Hill (’06). “I had a great experience and was honored to meet Judge Anthony Hill,” said Chad Edwards (3L). “Being sworn in made me feel the most like an attorney since going to law school.”

“I am extremely grateful to have been sworn into the Gila River Indian Community Court by Judge Hill, who is a true role model for Indian Country judiciary success,” said Michael LaValley (3L). 

 

Student attorneys toured the facility and observed several hearings. GRIC prosecutor Ammon Orr (’16) explained the mechanics of a bail hearing they watched and gave the students some insight on practicing in tribal courts. The students also observed Charlie Giff in arraignments and met with the Chief Prosecutor Lando Voyles.

“Before this visit, I was not particularly excited about trials or criminal proceedings,” said LaValley. “After having the opportunity to observe the court chambers and visit with Gila River prosecutors, it sparked an interest as to the effective advocacy that can occur for Tribes from inside the courtroom.”

We appreciate the Gila River Community Court for the continued support.