Job Opportunity – Prosecutor I – Deputy Community Prosecutor

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Gila River Indian Community
Sacaton, AZ

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Prosecutor I position involves representing the Community in the litigation of criminal complaints, civil petitions and juvenile offender matters in the Community courts as plaintiff or petitioner; legal research and writing; intimately familiar with professional responsibilities as an Attorney.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Conduct legal research, analysis and document production related to the litigation of criminal and civil cases in the Community courts.
  • Represents the Community in Court at arraignments/initial hearings, pretrial/status conferences, review and evidentiary hearings and trials/adjudications in which the Community is the plaintiff or petitioner, as assigned.
  • Draft legal pleadings for the Community courts.
  • Gather and analyze evidence in criminal and civil cases.
  • Maintain case files, calendars and database for criminal and civil cases.
  • Assist in the development, revision and codification of the Community’s laws, resolution and ordinances.
  • Assist in representing the Community at meetings, court proceedings and other functions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

  • Background and knowledge of criminal law, procedure and appellate process with some practical experience in criminal case preparation and litigation preferred.
  • Knowledge of and experience in application of the principles of jurisprudence and legal analysis, including a background in and knowledge of Federal Indian Law.
  • Ability to work independently and in intensive concert with others.
  • Ability to clearly and succinctly articulate ideas and logical analysis orally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited school of law with current membership in good standing with the Arizona State Bar.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Submission of an acceptable legal writing sample (5-10 pages).

Preference for attorney with specialized experience in Federal Indian Law.

Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment.

Required to obtain a Tribal Driving permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit.  Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.

Application Information

Application Method(s)

The Honorable Ken Salazar will give Introductory Keynote at Wiring the Rez 2019 / January 31

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Proudly hosted by the Indian Legal Program (ILP) and the Rosette LLP American Indian Economic Development Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

The Honorable Ken Salazar,  Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, LLP
Former Colorado Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of the Interior 

Click here for Conference Program

Online Conference Registration ends January 25 at 5 pm.  Walk-in Registration will be open on Thursday, Jan 31 at 7:45 am.  More conference info at: http://events.asucollegeoflaw.com/ilp-wiringtherez/

 

Job Opportunity – Water Resource Administrator

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Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Closing Date: January 31, 2019

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/EDUCATION:
1) Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited university or college in water resource management, natural resource management, environmental resources, engineering, planning, hydrology, geology, or related field and eight (8) years of work experience in one of these areas; OR Master’s degree from a U.S. accredited university or college in water resource management, natural resource management, environmental resources, engineering, planning, hydrology, geology, or related field and four (4) years of work experience in one of these areas;
2) A valid Arizona driver’s license and ability to meet FMYN insurance standards; AND
3) Ability and willingness to conduct field work under harsh weather conditions and during off-hours.

DEFINITION/ PURPOSE:
Under supervision and direction of the General Manager, the Water Resource Administrator will be responsible for developing and carrying out provisions of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (FMYN) water resource management program and water related projects. Emphasis will be on provisions of the Fort McDowell Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990 (Water Rights Settlement Act) and FMYN Water Resources Plan, and interaction and coordination with the FMYN Tribal Council, Water Committee, departments and enterprises will be expected.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/EDUCATION:
1) Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. accredited university or college in water resource management, natural resource management, environmental resources, engineering, planning, hydrology, geology, or related field and eight (8) years of work experience in one of these areas; OR Master’s degree from a U.S. accredited university or college in water resource management, natural resource management, environmental resources, engineering, planning, hydrology, geology, or related field and four (4) years of work experience in one of these areas;
2) A valid Arizona driver’s license and ability to meet FMYN insurance standards; AND
3) Ability and willingness to conduct field work under harsh weather conditions and during off-hours.

SUBMIT RESUME/APPLICATION TO:
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resources Dept.
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-816-7138
Fax: 480-816-0419
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

To download full job description, click here.

Job Opportunity – Judicial Clerkship

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Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court
One-Year Position (August 2019 through end July 2020)

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Under the supervision of the Chief Judge, the Law Clerk is required to:
• Conduct legal research on relevant statutes and cases; analyze legal issues presented by administrative records; communicate findings of research to tribal court judges either orally or by succinct memoranda.
• Review legal pleadings, motions, briefs, transcripts, and recordings.
• Draft memoranda of decision and orders for pending Tribal Court cases.
• Attend hearings as requested by the tribal judges.
• Prepare special projects such as editing decisions for publication and developing proposed amendments to Mashantucket Rules of Civil Procedure.

The annual salary is $50,000 plus benefits.

TO APPLY:
1. Submit a cover letter addressed to “Chief Judge,” resume, law school transcript (official or unofficial), a brief legal writing sample, and a list of 2-3 references. Letters of recommendation are preferred, but not required. Transcripts and letters of recommendation may be included in the application packet or sent under separate cover. Applications are accepted via U.S. mail and/or e-mail.
2. Additionally, applicants must submit an online application via https://www.foxwoods.com/careers/. Click the Apply Now link, select Tribal Government and search for key words “law clerk.”
Applicants will be considered on such criteria as academic standing, law review or journal experience, moot court, other significant research or writing experience in the field of Native American law, prior employment, and faculty, employer or personal recommendations.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applications must be received by April 5, 2019, 4:30 PM EST. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by April 19, 2019.

Address application packet to:
Chief Judge
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court
P.O. Box 3126
101 Pequot Trail
Mashantucket, CT 06338-3126

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court practices Native American Preference in hiring as authorized by Public Law 93-638

Job Opportunity – Chief Judge

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Yavapai-Apache Nation
Camp Verde, AZ

Job Title: Chief Judge
Closing Date: 1/28/2019

Description: The Chief Judge presides over and ensures the proper operation for the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court. The Chief Judge is the primary judicial officer of the Tribal Court and administrator of the Nation’s Courts.

Qualifications:

  • AZ State License Attorney or eligible, in good standing required.
  • Three (3) years full-time and/or equivalent judicial experience required.
  • Two (2) years judicial administrative experience required.
  • Experience in Tribal Courts or other courts of limited jurisdiction, knowledge of U.S. laws regarding Indian Nations, Tribes and familiarity with Indian reservation communities desired.
  • Experience in court procedures.
  • Adhere to Judicial Ethics of the American Bar Association.
  • Possess a high level of competence, ability to carry out legal thinking reconciling the principles and the particular circumstances of the person and the issues.
  • Must have good verbal & writing skills. Excellent communication skills required.
  • Prior supervisory management experience required.
  • Must be able to use computers and have PC skills in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Microsoft Excel, Windows 95, Quicken and Access.
  • Ability to make effective presentations, explain the legal reasoning used on controversial or complex topics.
  • Have the capacity to remain open-minded, manage

How to apply: Please submit your resume and application to: hrfrontdesk@yan-tribe.org

Or you can 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

Download full job description here.

Lunch Lecture with Liz Medicine Crow (’05) – Recording

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Guest speaker and ILP alum, Liz Medicine Crow (‘05) was very insightful. Liz is Haida/Tlingit from Keex Kwaan (Kake), Alaska and as President/CEO of the Alaska Native Policy Center, she shared the Alaska Native governance and protocols. Liz also brought food from home for everyone to try. “Native Alaska people are people of the land. People of the water,” said Liz.

To listen to recording, click here.

Talking Stick Podcast – Spotlight on the Supreme Court

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The latest podcast! 🎧 This month’s episode of the Talking Stick, Spotlight on the Supreme Court featuring guest speaker Professor Robert J. Miller who discusses recent cases before the Supreme Court involving tribal interests. In particular, we discuss the Carpenter v. Murphy case pending before the Court and provide information on certain aspects of the case.

To listen, click here.

2019 ILP Alumni Awards – Call for Nominations

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The ILP alumni awards are now open. Nominate your classmates and friends! The ILP Awards include Professional Achievement, Alumni Service Award, and Emerging Leader Award. Nominations are due February 18, 2019! Nomination materials should be sent by email to: Kate.Rosier@asu.edu. Awards will be presented at the ILP alumni reception at Fed Bar on April 11th at Sandia Resort & Casino.

Nomination Guidelines

ILP Professional Achievement Award – This award recognizes outstanding achievement in Indian Law or Tribal Law throughout an individual’s career. The award honors ILP alumni whose achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law have brought distinction to themselves and real benefit to the Indian community. Nomination Package Requirements:

  • Describe the unique professional achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law that has brought distinction to the candidate. (maximum two pages)
  • Describe the recognized contributions made by this candidate that demonstrate a benefit to the larger community. (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways in which the candidate’s achievements are truly extraordinary or exceptional. (maximum one page)
  • Provide at least two letters of support from individuals that can speak to the candidate’s impact on his or her profession.
  • Letters of support should speak to the magnitude of the individual’s impact in the practice of Indian or tribal law or in the Indian community.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Kathy Bowman (’86), Rob Rosette (’96), Diane Enos (’92), Ben Hanley (’71), Herb Yazzie (’75).

ILP Alumni Service Award – This award is given for outstanding service to the Indian Legal Program, and is awarded for extended, extraordinary service to the Indian Legal Program. Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the ways in which the candidate has served or supported the ILP and the ILP alumni. Examples can include serving on committees, boards, CLEs, mentoring ILP students, or other volunteer or fundraising efforts or funding commitments. (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways this service been truly extraordinary. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has benefited the ILP. (maximum one page)
  • Please provide at least two letters of support from ILP alumni as part of the nomination package.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Ann Marie Downes (’94), Mary Shirley (’92) and Jeff Harmon (’05)

ILP Emerging Leader Award – This award acknowledges and encourages service to Indian Country and the ILP by alumni who are less than ten years out of law school. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in their professional career, volunteer work, and promotion or support of the ILP and/or ASU NALSA. Nomination Package Requirements.

  • Describe how the candidate has achieved professional success in their legal career.
  • Describe the candidate’s volunteer work.
  • Describe how the candidate achieved an exceptional level of service while balancing the demands of being a recent graduate. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate was proactive in efforts to become involved in ILP and/or ILP alumni activities. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has been sustained over a long period of time or how the service has been innovative or beneficial. (maximum one page)
  • Provide two letters of support from fellow ILP alumni.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Steve Bodmer (’06), Elizabeth Medicine Crow (’05), Charles Galbraith (’07), Matthew Campbell (’08) and Michael Corey Hinton (’11)

Alum Advice: Ken Truitt

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ILP Alum Ken Truitt has had experience in various legal positions since he graduated from ASU Law in 1992. Now working as the chief operating officer of Tribal Operations for the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska, he oversees most of the Tribe’s programs. The ILP asked Ken to share some advice to current students as an insight into what helped lead him on his journey after graduation.


Q: What is your advice for current students?

A: “Several things come to mind.  First, and not necessarily legally related but it could really help you map out your career after school:  The Gallup organization has done decades worth of deep research into what makes good leaders good.  The research has led to several books, perhaps the best known is “Strengths Based Leadership.”  Along with the book is an online assessment tool that you get access to for buying the book.  The tool is a leadership strength diagnostic survey and is remarkably accurate at assessing your particular leadership and vocational strengths.  I wished I had come across this as a young professional starting out.  It would have helped me understand why some courses and areas in the law seem to come easy to me and why some did not.  Having a keen sense of your unique strengths early will help you in every job interview you get called for and it will help you analyze job announcements and see that some of them are not for you.

Second, recognize that law school primarily teaches you to be a life-long learner.  The law changes every day and when you are out practicing it will not be the same as it was when you were in school.  Again, this is a strategic advantage because not all other professional disciplines teach life-long learning as a component of the pedagogy.  This absolute need to staying fresh and sharp is a competitive advantage lawyers have over other professionals especially if you find yourself transitioning into non-legal executive roles.

Third, learn how to transition.  I mentioned life-long learning, here’s another way it can really help you throughout your career.  Sometimes when you get into other non-legal roles, like management, what makes you a good lawyer is not automatically going to make you great in your new non-legal role.  You will need to have an awareness of this, analyze the new role’s demands and commit to learning the new required skills and learning what parts of being a lawyer will hamper your performance there (here’s a hint, nobody likes being cross-examined, not on the stand and especially not in the workplace, ever).

Finally, learn how to network and network relentlessly.  Some of the bumps I mentioned earlier could have been much more smooth had I recognized the need to network.  Networking used to seem to me a smarmy exercise that overly ambitious and insincere people did to put themselves first in all circumstances. And as an introvert by nature I recoiled from it as well.  But networking is as simple as taking an interest in people, and then staying in touch and connected with them.  Sadly, I came to this realization late and I am working on improving in this area.”

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned after graduating that you wished you learned in class?

A: “When I was working in the state Attorney General’s Office I was lucky enough to attend one of the regional trial training programs from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA).  The NITA program is an 11 – 14 day trial and lecture program where you get intense trial advocacy classroom lectures for the first few days along with mock opening statements and closing arguments.  And then given material to prepare and present a case before a live jury in a real courtroom with a real judge.  Early on, the mock statements are videoed and your peers and instructors, who are all trial lawyers, critique your video performance.  Being forced to watch yourself and listen to your peers’ critique is an amazingly effective way to detect vocal and body language faults and correct them.

Being forced to prepare for a trial brings home all the law school work like nothing I had experienced prior.  The rules of evidence and civil/criminal procedure, discovery review all come into focus in that 11-14 day time frame.   I was surprised as I moved into the [general counsel] role how much the NITA training increased my competency in a non-trial role.  I was able to see almost immediately evidentiary priorities as issues presented themselves that could potentially lead to litigation.  There was something to having to go through discovery and find evidence to meet the burden of proof on every element of the case, and then present that case convincingly that brought all disciplines of law into sharp focus. Having had that, I could spot issues and prioritize them much more quickly than before I had the training.

I didn’t participate in any clinical programs while at school and I don’t recall how robust the trial clinic programs were when I was at ASU, but I wished I had availed myself of whatever was available.”