Job opportunity: Attorney-Advisor

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Department of the Interior
Office of the Solicitor
Pacific Southwest Region
Sacramento, CA

Closing date: 06/18/2024

Salary: $96,148 – $175,645 per year

The selected attorney will serve as an Attorney-Adviser at the Sacramento Regional Off ice of the Pacific Southwest Region. Inparticular, you will provide quality legal research, analysis, advice, and representation to the Bureau of Indian Aff airs (BIA) andNational Park Service and other off icials of the Department of the Interior. Your specific duties will include:

  • A major focus of this position will be on Federal Indian law and other issues aff ecting the BIA Pacific Region, including land andenvironmental law issues, National Environmental Policy Act and permitting matters, contracting issues (primarily under theIndian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), leasing and right-of-way issues, trespass issues, forestry issues, andgrazing issues.
  • Representing BIA Pacific in administrative hearings or appeals, including possible appearances before the Interior Board ofIndian Appeals, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and state agencies in California. Responsibilities will also includeassisting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in representing BIA Pacific in federal, state or tribal judicial proceedings.
  • Requires cooperative and productive interactions with off icials and staff of BIA Pacific, off icials and staff of the National ParkService or other bureaus of DOI; other attorneys within the Solicitor’s Off ice; attorneys in DOJ, including attorneys in the off icesof the U.S. Attorneys; off icials and attorneys in other Federal agencies; and State, local, or tribal off icials and attorneys. Therewill also be interactions with attorneys and others representing non-governmental interests.
  • Requires detailed familiarity with Indian law and the possession or development of detailed familiarity with such laws as: theAdministrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Indian Self-Determination and Education AssistanceAct, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • The other focus of this position will be on legal issues aff ecting the National Park Service, on areas of practice that include, butare not limited to Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, cooperative agreements, right-of-way permitting, land use planning,environmental law, water law. Statutes that the incumbents must be familiar with include, but are not limited to, NationalEnvironmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Freedomof Information Act, and Privacy Act. The incumbent must also be able to interpret and provide advice related to the variousregulations implementing the above statutes, as well as regulations implementing bureau programs.

For full job description and to apply, go here

2023-2021 Indian Gaming and Tribal-Self Governance programs Year in Review

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Derrick Beetso (’10), Director Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU Law, and Theresa Beaulieu, assistant director, collaborated with ASU Law faculty and staff  for a “Take your kid to work day.” Children of all ages toured the law school, participated in a mock trial and received a behind-the-scenes look at the studios of the ICT Newscast, located at the ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

In October, the Programs hosted a conference at the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Event Center at ASU California Center.

Along with Rodina Cave Parnall (‘01), director of the American Indian Law Center, Inc., Beaulieu presented a workshop, “Law School and Careers in a Nutshell” at the National Indian Education Association’s annual convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This interactive workshop helped students understand pre-law preparation, types of legal degrees and career opportunities.

The Programs also represented at the Arizona Indian Gaming Association’s annual Expo at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. Beaulieu met with those interested in the Master of Legal Studies programs.

“Professor Beetso enjoys getting students involved in Federal Indian Law projects outside of law school that have been very valuable to me,” said Chelsi Tsosie, JD ’24. “Together, we worked on an amicus brief for Arizona v. Navajo Nation and I would not have had an opportunity like that if he hadn’t reached out to students like me. While working with Professor Beetso on the amicus brief, my Graduations Writing Requirement paper and my paper for his DC Traveling Class, I found it much easier to understand his teachings and feedback about Federal Indian Law topics because of the connection we have to the same Nation. Collaborating on a common goal for our people and land with someone as successful as Professor Beetso was always inspiring and brought a lot of comfort to me when thinking about the impact of my writing and future career.”

Beetso facilitated the opening tribal leaders’ discussion at the inaugural Arizona Indian Gaming Conference hosted by the Arizona Department of Gaming, and Beetso also presented on the Department of the Interior’s recently finalized Tribal-State Gaming Compact regulations at the Western Indian Gaming Conference hosted by the Pechanga Band of Indians.

The Programs were also well represented at the 2024 Tribal Self-Governance Conference at the Wild Horse Pass Resorts & Casino. Jay Spaan, executive director of the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium and ASU Law faculty associate, hosted tribes from across Indian Country at this event.

“Professor Spaan went deeper into the content of the policy and had us review and research the policy, and how tribes are benefiting by providing services to their community,” said Kee Allen Begay Jr. (MLS ’24). “Having a professor who had ‘hands-on’ experience about a subject matter makes all the difference rather than teaching what a textbook is illustrating. I believe any future students seeking to learn more about Tribal Self-Governance, taking Professor Spaan class would be very beneficial.” 

Beetso was joined by Francisco Olea (’22) and Jeannie Hovland, Vice-Chair, National Indian Gaming Commission to present on the topic, “What’s New with Gaming? Self-Regulation and Other Hot Topics.”

Beetso also presented with Beaulieu and Joey Dormady, assistant dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives about the Master of Legal Studies options available at ASU Law, including: Federal Indian Law, Tribal Self-Governance, Indian Gaming and Master of Human Resources and Employment Law. Participants explored multiple work scenarios related to Tribal Self-Governance where it would be helpful to have a greater understanding of the law.

Jennifer Boehm, a Master of Legal Studies student with a focus in Tribal Self-Governance, moderated the panel, “Self-Governance Basics at the Department of Transportation,” which featured Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, Department of Transportation; Milo Booth, Tribal Affairs Director, Department of Transportation; and Eldridge Onco, Senior Tribal Affairs Advisor, Department of Transportation

We are proud of the 14 MLS students who graduated during the 2023-2024 academic year, specializing in Indian Gaming, Federal Indian Law, and Tribal Self-Governance. Congratulations to this year’s MLS graduates!

Kee Allen Begay, Jr, Navajo
Randy Bouchard, Cowlitz
Tracy Edwards
Elise-Alexandria Green
Ana Hernandez
Charles LaRoche, Lower Brule Sioux
Delban Leslie
Keely Marquez, Serrano
Rileyann Nallin
Jaylyn Parrent, Salish and Kootenai
Faron Scissons, Rosebud Sioux
Ashlee Swain Rios, Pomo
Maotheeker (Wealthy) Vue
Elizabeth Zingg, Ho-Chunk Nation

Twenty-six students are currently enrolled in these MLS programs. With the support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the ASU Law’s Indian Gaming and Tribal Self Governance programs were able to support externship experiences for six ILP students. Kaleb Lester (3L) and Maryam Gary Nez (3L) worked at Salt River’s Prosecutor’s Office, Sophie Staires (3L) worked in the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Elizabeth Zingg (MLS ’24) externed at for the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium. Sam Phillips (2L) and Colten Fredericks (2L) are working this summer at the Office of Indian Gaming in Washington, D.C.

“I admire and appreciate the attorneys at the Office of General Counsel for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC),” said Gary Nez. “Throughout my externship this Spring 2024, their support, strong mentorship, and invaluable feedback have been instrumental to my growth. I appreciate the inclusive environment, and how the attorneys have allowed me to work on projects aligned with my interests. I’ve gained valuable insights into Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) work, which will undoubtedly shape my future career in this field post-graduation. I’m so thankful for their guidance and encouragement.”

ILC 2023-2024 Year in Review

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During the 2023-2024 academic year, 10 student attorneys worked nearly 3,300 hours for the Indian Legal Clinic led by Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, ILC Director and the Charles M. Brewer Professor of Trial Advocacy at ASU Law. Student attorneys collectively handled 39 cases covering a variety of areas of tribal, state and federal law. The ILC worked with clients to support voting rights, advocate for guardianships, defend against criminal charges, restore civil rights, assist with federal recognition, among other issues.

In addition to casework, ILC students develop practical analytical and trial advocacy skills through numerous class simulations. The simulations culminate in a full Tribal court civil mock trial to prepare students to become effective advocates for justice in their future careers.

Notably, the ILC welcomed Joel Edman as Democracy Director for the ILC’s Native Vote Election Protection Project. Also, the ILC welcomed Jordan Garcia (‘23) as the new ILC Fellow.

This year, the Indian Legal Clinic began an initiative led by Democracy Director Joel Edman to restore disenfranchised individuals’ civil rights, including the right to vote. In Fall 2023, ILC partnered with the Phoenix Indian Center and the Hopi Tribe to host Rights Restoration Workshops to offer free legal assistance with restoring civil rights after a felony conviction. In November, Student attorneys Maryam Gary Nez (’24), Clayton Kinsey (’24) and Natalia Sells (’24) traveled with Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Democracy Director Joel Edman to Kykotsmovi Village, Arizona on the Hopi Reservation to meet with the Hopi Chairman, Timothy Nuvangyaoma, and other tribal members to present information on rights restoration. During the workshops, student attorneys – notably Sophie Staires (’24) – presented information on the rights restoration process for single and multiple felonies, marijuana expungement and the set aside process.

ILC students frequently made appearances in tribal and state courts in fall and spring semesters. Alexandra Trousdale (’24), Maryam Salazar (’24), Clayton Kinsey (‘24), Natalia Sells (’24), Keely Driscoll (3L), Chelsi Tsosie (’24), Samir Grover (’24) all defended clients in Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Court. Staires nearly appeared in Traffic Court on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community, however, she supported prosecutorial discretion. Trousdale also had success restoring several clients’ civil rights and obtaining guardianship for a client in Arizona courts.

Clayton Kinsey
Clayton Kinsey
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Alexandra Trousdale
Alexandra Trousdale
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In February 2024, Grover and Kinsey traveled with Professor Ferguson-Bohnee to Louisiana to meet and update clients on their cases in-person. 

More on the Indian Legal Clinic's work in the community:

+ Arizona Native Election Protection Project recap

+ Wills & Probate recap

2023-2024 ILC Wills and Probate recap

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The Indian Legal Clinic Wills and Probate continued estate planning for tribal citizens led by Professor Helen Burtis (’07) for the Fall 2023 semester. Clinic students Abigail Dood, Isabel Ramos, Kyle Bycroft, Michael Cunningham, Peyton Liang and Tori Stoldorf, plus returning students Christina Bustamante and Sierra Porritt assisted clients with the preparation of Indian wills and powers of attorney that conform to the requirements of federal, tribal and state law. The ILC students offered Wills and Estate Planning clinics for three Tribes: the Gila River Indian Community, the Pechanga Band of Indians and the Quechan Indian Tribe. The ILC partnered with Native Health Phoenix and hosted two seminars about estate planning and probate basics.

Two ILP students made a difference in Indian Country during Spring Break by participating in the Gila River Indian Community Estate Planning Event. First-year law students Sam Phillips (1L) and Colten Fredericks (1L) spent the week learning about estate planning and the American Indian Probate Reform Act before working with tribal citizens on wills and health care powers of attorney.

“I chose ASU specifically because it was important to me to have opportunities to serve Native communities while I was still in school,” said Phillips. “Even then, I thought I’d have to wait until my second year for experiential learning and providing legal services. The estate planning program gave me that opportunity much sooner than expected and gave me a better understanding of how overlooked some basic needs are in our communities. Being welcomed by the local Tribe and trusted with helping to protect an elder’s wishes was a very meaningful experience that taught me more than I expected. I’m very thankful to the Indian Legal Program for creating these opportunities and I look forward to serving with the estate planning program again in the future.”

In May, Burtis addressed tribal sovereignty as a panelist at the Arizona State Bar’s annual Advanced Probate seminar on Arizona and Tribal Probate law. ILP alums Chief Judge Anthony Hill (‘06) and Colin Bradley (‘14) were co-panelists.

This spring, Burtis presented on sessions on Advanced Care Planning for the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona’s Area Agency on Aging and the Gila River Indian Community’s Community Development Department. These sessions train caregivers and staff who work with caregivers about how health care powers of attorneys, advanced directives, financial powers of attorneys and last wills and testaments can help their clientele. Professor Burtis will present to both organizations again this summer.

2023-2024 Native Vote recap

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This year, Arizona Native Vote Election Protect Project prepped for the 2024 Elections. ILC students worked on many different voting rights and election issues: ballot collection, election protection, voter access, tribal authority and collecting spatial data used in our polling locator tool.

During the ABA Annual Meeting, Indian Legal Clinic Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee led a discussion Perfecting Democracy: Pro Bono Opportunities and the State of Native American Voting Rights to encourage lawyers to volunteer during the 2024 election cycle. Ferguson-Bohnee and the new ILC Democracy Director Joel Edman participated in the Native American Voting Rights Coalition meeting in Washington, D.C., where Ferguson-Bohnee presented on case updates. The Indian Legal Clinic Native Vote Election Protection Team also submitted comments to the Arizona Secretary of State regarding Tribal provisions in the Election Procedures Manual, which was mentioned in The Arizona Republic article “Arizona Elections Procedures Manual criticized by Dems, GOP.”

On Sept. 19, ILC student attorneys celebrated National Voter Registration Day providing voter registration services to the ASU community at both the law school and the downtown ASU American Indian Student Support Services office.

In October, the ILC co-sponsored a convening focused on partnerships between Tribes and County elections officials, many of whom are were in their roles going into 2024. Ferguson-Bohnee provided an overview of tribal voting statistics and barriers documented in recent elections by Arizona Native Vote. ILC student attorneys Maryam Gary Nez (3L), and Natalia Sells (3L) and Edman helped the facilitation team to keep notes during regional breakout sessions. Our Arizona Native Vote team met with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, as well as Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, member of the Tohono O’Odham Nation, who shared her experiences as an elected official.

Governor Katie Hobbs approved a new Election Procedures Manual (EPM) on Dec. 29, 2023. The ILC provided analysis and recommendations to Tribal leaders throughout the EPM process. Successful advocacy from Tribal leadership led to new, robust EPM policies regarding Tribal consultation and language assistance, as well as guidance on poll worker training related to key issues impacting Native voters. At the January Native Vote Strategy Session, Ferguson-Bohnee updated Tribal leaders on the EPM and Edman gave a legislative update.

During Spring Break, the ILC welcomed Professor Marcy Karin from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) School of Law, along with her law students to gain insights into the voting landscape within Indian Country in Arizona. Additionally, they contributed to updating voting data presentations tailored to specific tribes in the state.

For Presidential Preference Election Day, the Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project set up its command center in the ASU Indian Legal Clinic. Ferguson-Bohnee, Edman and student attorneys Keely Driscoll (2L), Samir Grover (3L), Clayton Kinsey (3L), Natalia Sells (3L), Alexandra Trousdale (3L) and Chelsi Tsosie (3L) were joined by Project partners to assist Native voters.

Preparing for 2024 election

Native Vote is now gearing up for the July primary and November general elections. We continue to share legislative updates and present on other voting-related topics during monthly Native Vote Strategy Sessions.

Arizona Native Vote Election Protect Project is calling for volunteers for Election Day, November 5, 2024.

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

Annual Celebration

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The Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference provides a distinctive opportunity for legal practitioners and advocates to convene and engage in comprehensive discussions concerning the future of Indian Country. It’s also a moment when we gather to recognize and honor Indigenous achievements.

The ILP community met at Sandia Resort for its 23rd annual Alumni & Friends Awards Ceremony & Reception. The evening was brimming with heartfelt messages and inspiring success stories as attendees celebrated this year’s award recipients. Brian Garcia (’20) was honored with the Alumni Service Award and Krystalyn Kinsel (’15) received the Emerging Leader Award. The reception also provided an opportunity for past participants of the Native American Pathway to Law program to connect and explore new opportunities.

At this year’s Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference, three members of the ILP family delivered insightful presentations. Matthew Campbell (’08) spoke on a panel “Protecting Sacred Places– Shortcomings and Available Tools;” Rebecca Ross (’10) addressed “Case Law Developments in Tribal Nations’ Ability to Protect Their Interests Through Sovereign Immunity;” and Michael-Corey Hinton (’11) delved into “Representation Matters: Ethical Considerations in Representing Your Tribe.”

The National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) also held its annual meeting, followed by the Justice is Medicine Celebration and Awards Dinner. The first part of the meeting included a Voting Rights Summit coordinated by Blair Tarman-Toner (’21) and Torey Dolan (’19).  During the summit, ILC Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee presented on the Arizona Native Vote Election Protection administered by the ILC. Ferguson-Bohnee, Campbell, Garcia and Professor Paul Spruhan presented on a panel “Preparing for 2024 Native Voting Rights Summit.” During the afternoon portion of the meeting, the Honorable Diane Humetewa (’93) spoke on “Pathways to the Federal Bench.” During the reception, Kate Rosier , assistant dean of community engagement at ASU Law and executive director of ILP, was honored with the inaugural Community Keeper Award.

It was a pleasure to reunite with everyone and celebrate our mighty Indian Law community, which is filled with remarkable advocates who are committed to public service, advancing opportunities for Indigenous law students and strengthening Native American representation in the legal field.

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.

Assisting Native voters on Preference Presidential Election day

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On March 19, the Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project set up its command center in the ASU Indian Legal Clinic. Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Democracy Director Joel Edman and student attorneys Keely Driscoll (2L), Samir Grover (3L), Clayton Kinsey (3L), Natalia Sells (3L), Alexandra Trousdale (3L) and Chelsi Tsosie (3L) were joined by Project partners to help Native voters on Preference Presidential Election day. 

The Arizona Native Vote Election Protection hotline was fully staffed and we appreciate our partners from All Voting Is Local, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Arizona Faith Network and League of Women Voters for the continued support.

We are also updating the polling locator tool. Most Arizona counties make changes to their precinct lines and/or voting locations between elections. Tsosie has obtained the new precinct shape files, allowing the tool to be updated for the 2024 election.

Edman recently provided an update on the use of vote centers vs. precinct-based polling places across Arizona. Besides determining precinct boundaries, Arizona counties also have the power to decide whether to offer precinct-based voting or vote centers. This decision point is critical to determining whether a ballot will be counted. At vote centers, any voter in the county can cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. Under Arizona’s precinct-based voting system, if a voter casts a ballot out of precinct, the whole ballot is discarded. 

The newly updated Election Procedures Manual, in effect beginning December 30, 2023, includes a requirement that counties using precinct-based polling places must offer out-of-precinct voters the opportunity to vote their correct ballot using an accessible voting device. This is a big win!