Legal Futures

Posted on March 30, 2024 by dwilliams

On March 28, Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Kate Rosier traveled to Tuba City, Arizona on the Navajo Nation to present “Legal Futures – the Impact to You” to Tuba City High School students. They were joined by Kris Beecher (’20), deputy chief of staff for the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, and Verrin Kewenvoyouma (’04), majority owner and managing partner of Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC.

Ferguson-Bohnee serves as a member of the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Diversity, Equality and Justice. This event was held in coordination with the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Diversity, Equality, and Justice.

Tribal Justice

Posted on March 22, 2024 by dwilliams

ASU Native American Law Students Association and Law Journal for Social Justice joined forces to host a symposium on March 15. The Symposium of Tribal Justice informed the audience on Federal Indian law and Tribal Law and how Tribal Nations form and regulate their justice systems in alignment with both cultural values and protecting their communities.

Natalia Sells, a third-year law student, helped organize the event and explains the difference between Federal Indian law and Tribal law: Federal Indian law is the federal government constraining or relaxing the constrictions they have placed on a tribe’s inherent sovereign authority, whereas tribal law is the tribe exercising their inherent authority. Tribal law is important because it’s the tribe exercising their sovereignty and power for the benefit and protection of their people and could be aligned with cultural values.

Derrick Beetso (’10), professor of practice and director of Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs, presented on Jurisdiction in Indian Country, and Alfred Urbina, attorney general for the Pascua Yaqui Nation, presented on the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Presenters on the Tribal Judges panel included April Olson (’06), chief judge for Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, appellate judge for Hualapai Nation and appellate judge for Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Honorable Anthony Hill (’06), chief judge of the Gila River Indian Community Court.

“What I loved best was all the speakers are Indigenous attorneys working towards the mission of strengthening tribes,” said Sells. “The presenters are truly our role models about the good work our law degrees can accomplish in Indian Country. I had never considered it before until I had the opportunity to work for a tribal court and upon meeting Judge Hill. Judge Hill always spoke highly about the role a tribal court judge had in the community, especially when one is from the community. I see serving as a tribal court judge as a great way to help one’s community in providing a stable judicial system that upholds tribal law that was enacted with the people and culture in mind.”

We appreciate ASU NALSA, LJSJ and the Academy for Justice for organizing a great event!

Growing Native businesses

Posted on March 22, 2024 by dwilliams

Earlier this semester, Professor Robert Miller worked with an advisory group organized by the National Congress of American Indians on a three-part “Why Native Small Business Matter and How to Grow Them” animated video series. The video series concentrates on reservation economic development over the long-term.

Watch each video in the series!

Traditional Knowledge Economies

Colonial Disruption and Enduring Legacies

Reclaiming Native Economies

Job opportunity: Civil litigation associate

Posted on March 19, 2024 by dwilliams

Galanda Broadman, PLLC, an Indigenous rights firm with seven lawyers and offices in
Seattle and Yakima, Washington, and Bend, Oregon, seeks to add an experienced civil
litigation associate who is also interested in practicing tribal law.

Galanda Broadman is an Indigenous owned firm dedicated to advancing tribal and tribal citizen legal rights and tribal business interests. The firm represents tribal governments, businesses, and citizens in critical litigation, business and regulatory matters, especially inthe areas of Treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, land rights, cultural property protection, taxation, commerce, gaming, serious/catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, disenrollment defense, and Indigenous human/civil rights.

The firm seeks a lawyer who are deeply committed to representing Indigenous interests, who is state bar licensed in Washington state or Oregon; and who has civil litigation or a judicial clerk experience. The lawyer would help bring federal Section 1983 civil rights claims against local governments, federal claims for tribal governments, as well as serve tribal governments as general outside counsel.

We prefer applicants with at least three years of experience but exceptions can be made for exceptional candidates. Proven motion and civil rules practice, if not trial, experience, and the ability to self-direct are critical. Impeccable writing and research skills; critical and audacious thinking; strong oral advocacy; tremendous work ethic; tenacity; and sound ethics are required.

Salary DOE.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter tailored to this announcement, as well as:

Résumé
Writing sample’
Transcript
List of at least three educational or professional references

Send to Alice Hall, the firm’s Office Manager: alice@galandabroadman.com

Applications directed elsewhere will not be considered.

For more information about Galanda Broadman, visit galandabroadman.com.

Job opportunity: Tribal Policy Manager

Posted on March 19, 2024 by dwilliams

Washington State Office of the Attorney General

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for an exempt full time Tribal Policy Manager in the Policy Unit. This position may be located in Seattle or Olympia, Washington, and is not union-represented

Exempt Salary Range: $90,000 – $101,581.

This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated first review of application in mid-March, 2025. It is in the applicants’ best interest to submit applications as early as possible. This posting may be closed at any time without warning.

Required Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, political science, criminal justice, government, economics, or related field.

Seven or more years of relevant work experience.

Skills & Abilities
The most competitive applicants will possess the following qualifications:

Tribal policy experience
Excellent, persuasive writing skills
Archival research experience
Trauma-informed approaches to community engagement
Racial equity analysis experience
Experience developing and executing community engagement plans for historically excluded communities

Review full job description: 02652 Emmett Till Sr. Policy Mgr #2897

Submit your application, including a current resume and letter of interest at:

Emmett Till Tribal Policy Analyst

Or via email to Judith.Vandergeest@atg.wa.gov

ASU Law students sworn into local Tribal Court

Posted on March 18, 2024 by dwilliams

On Jan. 29, Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Indian Legal Clinic students Keely Driscoll (2L), Samir Grover (3L) and Chelsi Tsosie (3L) traveled to the Gila River Indian Community Courthouse in Sacaton, Arizona. Students were sworn into the Gila River Community Court by Chief Judge Anthony Hill (’06). Judge Charles Aragon led an informative tour during which the students met other judges and staff.

While touring the facility, students met GRIC prosecutors Ammon Orr (’16) and Carleton Giff.

As a first-time student attorney, Grover and Driscoll recently appeared before the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court in Maricopa, Arizona for hearings on behalf of clients.

“It gives me an opportunity to apply skills I have learned and engage in meaningful work that helps real people,” said Grover. “It also gives me an advantage once I actually become a lawyer. I am glad I got my first time representing a client at arraignment over with. Also, meeting with the client in-person prior to the arraignment and going over plea options was surreal. I felt like I’m finally engaging in the type of work I envisioned myself doing, especially by representing a client in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.”

“Practicing in a tribal courtroom during law school has brought so much meaning to the concepts, rules and advice I’ve learned in classes so far,” said Tsosie. “I think because of that, I’m going to enter my future career as a more effective advocate than I would have without it. Not only that, the experience of observing Ak-Chin Indian Community implement its sovereignty through its court system was insightful. I’m thankful the Indian Legal Clinic has provided this opportunity to work with clients in a real impactful way.”

We appreciate the Gila River Indian Community Courthouse and Ak-Chin Indian Community Court for providing our law students with practical training to become effective advocates for justice.

Job opportunity: Gaming attorney

Posted on March 14, 2024 by dwilliams

The Hopi Tribe is seek experienced attorneys or law firms to provide the Hopi Tribe legal advice and representation on its behalf in matters involving Arizona Indian Gaming.

Proposal due date: March 29, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. (Arizona Time)

Contact: Office of General Counsel (928) 734-3141

Email proposals to: NPoneoma@hopi.nsn.us

Detailed scope of work:

The selected Contractor will provide the following services to the Hopi Tribe:

The Contractor will provide legal services to the Hopi Tribe in connection with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, matters under the Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compact (Compact) and applicable Hopi Tribe laws and policies.

Specifically, the Attorney will work on amendments, negotiations and implementations of the Tribal State Compact. The Contractor will assist the Office of General Counsel with transactional services which includes, but not limited to review and drafting Hopi Tribe laws and policies with respect to gaming regulatory, drafting of contracts, review of licensing issues, amendments, negotiations and implementation of the Compacts and any ancillary issues related to the aforementioned.

Experience in the field of Gaming, Indian is essential. Experience in Hopi tribal law is preferred. Demonstration of these qualifications should include information indicating the depth of experience and the nature of legal services in which you or your firm has been involved over time.

See job announcement: gaming attorney (2024)

Pathway to Law alum: Morgan Oakes

Posted on March 8, 2024 by dwilliams

Morgan Oakes
Saint Regis Mohawk
Pathway to Law Workshop ’21
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’22
JD candidate ’25, Indian Legal Program, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
Kate was very informative during the workshop and it provided me with pertinent information about the law school application process.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
I would recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop, especially because it provides reimbursement for LSAT prep classes.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
My tip for incoming law students is to start studying for the LSAT early, a year out was ideal for me.

Pathway to Law alum: Robin Bilagody

Posted on March 8, 2024 by dwilliams

Robin Bilagody
Gila River Indian Community
Pathway to Law Workshop ’19
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’21
JD candidate ’24, Michigan State University College of Law

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
Overall, Pathway to Law is an amazing experience that provides valuable advice to Native students on how to prepare and approach the law school application cycle. Additionally, the law professors, deans and attorneys share their advice on everything from choosing the right law school to helpful tips on ways to succeed in law school, especially during the first year. Moreover, the PTL staff and volunteers are all extremely supportive and encouraging.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
I found the LSAT prep and personal statement building the most helpful. The LSAT prep portion introduced me to the actual LSAT and how challenging it can be, as well as the various prep programs that can be very useful in helping to increase my score. The personal statement building guided me on ways to begin my statement that would be useful for the application cycle. During the personal statement building, we received one-on-one feedback on our statement from admissions staff. Even after the workshop, I was fortunate to receive assistance from a law professor who provided me with endless support and feedback on my personal statement and the application process.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
Yes, I would highly recommend students interested in law to attend the workshop, especially Native students. This workshop is such a valuable resource in educating and guiding prospective students on the daunting law school application process.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Attend the workshop and see if this is something you would like to pursue. If so, I highly recommend the Pre-Law Summer Institute, which is another amazing program for Native students interested in law school. These two programs are useful resources that are specifically structured to help Native law students succeed in law school and once we all enter the legal field. Remember your reasons for pursuing a law degree and stay motivated in the face of challenges, especially as Native people because we all deserve to be in these spaces.

Native American Pathway to Law Initiative: Student Success Stories

Posted on March 7, 2024 by dwilliams

The Native American Pathway to Law team is excited to host a five-day Pathway to Law Workshop from June 5–9 at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in Berkeley, California. This workshop offers resources, application review, LSAT preparation, financing information and more—all in a non-recruitment environment. We encourage aspiring law students to participate in this free workshop.

Five law students share their experiences of how the Pathway Way to Law Workshop solidified their decision to go to law school and provided the tools necessary to strengthen their admissions application.

Eldred D. Lesansee, Pathway to Law Workshop ’19
Ashlee Fox, Pathway to Law Workshop ’20
Geoffrey Bacon, Pathway to Law Workshop ’19
Robin Bilagody, Pathway to Law Workshop ’19
Morgan Oakes, Pathway to Law Workshop ’21

Their success ensures that future Native American students can grow up seeing someone who looks like them and embody the power of possibility for the future of Indian Country.

We welcome any aspiring law students to apply at: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Application deadline is March 15.