Indian Legal Program Partners with National Congress of American Indians to Produce Educational Podcast Press Release

Phoenix, Ariz. – May 17, 2018 – The Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University is pleased to announce its new partnership with the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) to produce a monthly podcast. ASU Law alum and Senior Counsel at NCAI Derrick Beetso, will work with the Indian Legal Program (ILP) team to produce a free and educational podcast on federal Indian law and policy. Titled “The Talking Stick: A Native American Law & Policy Podcast presented by NCAI,” the first podcast is scheduled to launch next month.

For full press release, click the following link: Press Release NCAI-ILP Partnership.

Job Opportunities: Applications Being Accepted for Two Vacancies on the Maricopa County Superior Court

Applications are being accepted for two vacancies on the Superior Court in Maricopa County created by the retirement of Judges Aimee L. Anderson and Peter C. Reinstein.

The Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants, and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Governor Doug Ducey, who will appoint the new judges.

The most current judicial application form (revised January 2017) can be downloaded at the Judicial Department website: www.azcourts.gov/jnc. Applications may also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, by calling (602) 452-3311, or by sending an electronic mail request to jnc@courts.az.gov.

Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in, and a resident of Arizona for the past five years, and a resident of Maricopa County for the past year. 

A signed original application with all attachments, and a searchable .pdf version of the application and attachments must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, by 3:00 p.m. on May 31, 2018. 

Applicants for the recent vacancy in Maricopa County DO NOT need to reapply to be considered for the new vacancies.

The Commission may, at its discretion, use the applications filed for these vacancies to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for these vacancies is held. 

All meetings of the Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments are open to the public.  Meeting dates will be announced.

The new judges will be paid $149,382.60 annually.

Call for Mock Jurors & Witness for Tribal Court Trial Skills College

We are currently seeking volunteers to role-play witnesses and jurors for a mock trial that takes place during Tribal Court Trial Skills College. This event is volunteer-driven, so your participation is highly valued.

  • Volunteer Jurors will be needed on Tuesday, June 12 (1:00-3:00pm). Jurors become familiar with a short description of the character they will role-play and then they participate in a jury selection simulation.
  • Volunteer Witnesses will be needed on Wednesday, June 13 (3:30-5:30pm) and Thursday, June 14 (10:15am-3:15pm). Witnesses become familiar with the facts of a case file and a description of the testimony they will be expected to give. They then role-play a witness during a mock-trial simulation.

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions about the requirements, please contact Helen Burtis at hburtis@asu.edu or 480-727-0420.

Want to learn more about the Tribal Court Trial Skills College? Check out the website at: law.asu.edu/tribalcourt2018

Job Opportunities: Attorney-Advisor and Project Attorney

Department of Interior

Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Solicitor, Phoenix. A.Z. The Office of the Solicitor is seeking an Attorney-Adviser to provide legal counsel and representation for the Western Region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, analyze complex legal issues and provide advice on a broad range of legal issues affecting bureaus within the department, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, handle all phases of administrative litigation, draft litigation reports and provide other legal support, and handle general law matters. This position pays $74,872 to $136,771 per year, and applications close on May 4, 2018.

National Congress of American Indians

Project Attorney, Washington, D.C. The National Congress of American Indians has an opening for a Project Attorney in the Washington, DC office. The Project Attorney will have responsibility for day to day management of NCAI’s VAWA implementation technical assistance project. This project is focused on supporting tribes as they implement Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act of 2013. The Project Attorney will work closely with senior NCAI staff assigned to the project, with an inter-tribal working group of tribal stakeholders, and with other project partners. Applications close on May 31, 2018. Please see the website for more information and how to apply.

Job Opportunity: Legal Aid Director

Colorado River Indian Tribles
26600 Mohave Road
Parker, AZ

Position: Director of Legal Aid (Exempt)
Reports To: Tribal Chairman
Salary: D.O.E.
Closing Date: May 2, 2018 @ 5:00PM

Duties & Functions:

1. The Legal Aid Department only serves C.R.I.T. enrolled community members in civil matters. Persons who are eligible for enrollment with C.R.I.T. are also eligible for services.

2. Client Contact Duties:

  • Ongoing contact with clients in all of the open files.
  • Client visitation with in-custody clients may be required; while the Legal Aid Department handles only civil cases, there may be civil matters to be completed on behalf of clients who may be in-custody in separate criminal cases.

3. Attorney Duties:

  • Client representation consistent with the ethical rules governing attorneys,
  • Type out routine pleadings, letters, contracts, agreements, and other legal documents,
  • Legal Research & Writing; familiarity with Westlaw.
  • Photocopying, faxing, and scanning documents.
  • Filing of pleadings and appearance in Tribal Court, Superior Court, Justice Courts, City Courts, as required; some State-court appearances may be necessary, which is why admission to the State Bar of Arizona is preferable,
  • Appearing in Court on behalf of a client; conducting evidentiary hearings; conducting trials; conducting appeals,
  • Advising clients on the best course of action to take in order to accomplish client goals.
  • Being mindful that sometimes litigation is not the best first course to take and that negotiating a mutually-agreeable outcome between our clients and the opposition may yield better results.
  • Making final determinations on whether a conflict of interest exists in the representation of a prospective client,
  • Case assignment to other attorneys or advocates employed by the Legal Aid Department.

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Litigation experience is desired, particularly jury trial experience.

2. The ideal candidate should have desires for helping all C.R.I.T. Enrolled community

members resolve civil legal issues; and desire to assist indigent persons.

3. The ideal candidate should have the following skills:

  • Familiarity with Word Perfect and Microsoft Office software,
  • Excellent typing skills, including spelling and grammar,
  • Excellent computer skills,
  • Excellent online research skills,
  • Westlaw legal research skills.
  • The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with clients,
  • The ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with staff,
  • Familiarity with legal pleadings and documents,
  • Basic accounting skills,
  • Knowledge of office procedures,
  • The ability to work as a team or on an individual basis,
  • Strong self-motivation and the ability to motivate others.

For Employment Application visit: http://crit-nsn.gov
Submit completed application to: CRIT Human Resource Department
26600 Mohave Road
Parker, Arizona 85344

For full job announcement, click here: #85-18 Director of Legal Aid – Legal Aid (1)

ASU Navajo Nation Law CLE: Call for Presentations

The Indian Legal Program at ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is proud to host the 2018 Navajo Nation Law CLE Conference on Friday, October 19, 2018.

The Navajo Nation Law CLE Conference will offer a one day survey of Navajo law and ethics. This conference is ideal training for attorneys practicing on and near the Navajo Nation, tribal court advocates, tribal court practitioners, tribal court prosecutors, tribal court defenders, tribal council members, Indian law attorneys, tribal liaisons, government legislators, Navajo Nation Bar members, law students, as well as teachers/professors and students of American Indian studies.

The Conference Planning Committee welcomes proposals for 30-minute, 60-minute or 90-minute conference presentations or panel discussions. To submit a presentation proposal, please send the following information by June 22, 2018:

  • Presenter(s) name, title, contact information, bio
  • Title of the proposed presentation
  • A brief (one paragraph) description of the presentation, how the presentation relates to Navajo Law, and a description of the presentation format (example: lecture with Q&A, panel discussion, etc.)
  • A brief description of what will be or could be distributed to attendees as materials
  • A two-sentence summary of the presentation for the conference program, if accepted
  • Length of presentation
  • Would this session qualify for Navajo Ethics?

Participants will be notified of their selection by July 23, 2018.

Please submit your abstract here: ilp@asu.edu Subject: Navajo Law CLE Proposal

For more information, contact Kate.Rosier@asu.edu or (480) 965-6204.

Job Opportunity: Associate General Counsel

Pechanga Indian Reservation
Temecula Band of Luiseno Mission Indians

SUMMARY: The Associate General Counsel will work in the Pechanga Office of the General Counsel under the direct supervision of the General Counsel for the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians. The Associate General Counsel will work with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel to provide legal services, representation and advice on legal issues confronting the Tribal Government, its entities and enterprises; provide guidance and assistance to Tribal Government departments; and provide limited service to tribal members in matters relating to tribal status.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide legal advice and assistance to the Tribal Council on legal issues as needed.
  • Enhance and protect the Tribes sovereignty, jurisdiction, and authority.
  • Provide a broad range of legal services such as, but not limited to contract law, employment law, administrative law, tribal jurisdiction, environmental law, cultural resource preservation, and child welfare.
  • Representation in administrative proceedings.
  • Work with the General Counsel and Tribal Council, to draft Tribal legislation, ordinances, resolutions, administrative rules and regulations and other documents and instruments.
  • Advise tribal government environmental, finance, fire, law enforcement, water departments and other governmental departments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Must possess Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
  • Must be a Member of the California state Bar and licensed to practice law in the state of California.
  • Must have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in all aspects of American Indian law, with knowledge and experience in employment law, Intellectual Property, Indian Child Welfare Act, gaming law, contracts and litigation. Knowledge and experience in environmental and natural resources law.
  • Tribal, State and Federal experience dealing with Tribal Cultural/Sacred Site protection issues.
  • Strong written and oral advocacy skills required.
  • This position must comply with the Pechanga Tribal Government’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy. This includes: pre-employment testing, post-accident or injury, and random testing.
  • Must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation.

BENEFITS: The Pechanga Band offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package for all full-time employees. Benefits include the following:

  • Retirement – 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match
  • Health & Wellness Coverage – Medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Life and Long Term Disability – $25,000 employer paid life and Long Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare and Dependent care reimbursement accounts
  • Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Supplemental Coverage – Disability, Accident, Cancer, Life, and Hospital Confinement
  • Legal Shield and Identity Shield
  • Pet Insurance
  • Education Reimbursement Opportunities – For pre-approved specific, job related education
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Face-to-face counseling, Legal assistance, Financial assistance, ID recovery, Tobacco cessation, Dependent care and Daily living resources, and Crisis consultation

Download PDF job announcement: Associate General Counsel JA 2-16-2018

COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
PECHANGA GOVERNMENT CENTER
12705 PECHANGA ROAD TEMECULA, CA 92592
www.pechanga-nsn.gov

Job Opportunity: Chief Judge Exempt

Colorado River Indian Tribes
Human Resources
26600 Mohave Road
Parker, Arizona   85344
Telephone (928) 669-1320 * Fax (928) 669-5263

Closing date: May 11, 2018

Duties & Functions:

  1. Must be capable of overseeing both criminal litigations for serious offenses and complex civil litigations.
  2. Must have administrative skills to oversee the Court’s budget and daily operation.
  3. Must present monthly report to the Tribal Council.
  4. Must adhere to the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.
  5. Follow established Tribal policies and those outlined in the Colorado River Indian Tribes Employee Handbook.

Required Skills and Abilities:
(Applicant must meet all of the following requirements).

Must be a current member in good standing of a state bar; and

  1. Must have a minimum of five (5) years of judicial experience; and
  2. Must have knowledge of federal Indian law (criminal and civil); and
  3. Must pass federal, state and tribal background check (credit, criminal history, civil litigations, psychological evaluation, and sex offender registration, driving records).

To download full job announcement, click here: #88-18 Chief Judge-Judicial

For Employment Application visit: http://crit-nsn.gov

Submit completed application to:
CRIT Human Resource Department
26600 Mohave Road
Parker, Arizona 85344

Job Opportunity: Staff Attorney

Yavapai-Apache Nation
Camp Verde, AZ

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Staff Attorney investigates, evaluates and defends juveniles and adults accused of violating the criminal laws of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The Staff Attorney also represents parents in dependency and neglect proceedings, including Indian Child Welfare proceedings, before tribal and state courts. The Staff Attorney will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in an ethical manner and assure that justice is upheld according to the laws and custom of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must possess a Law Degree from an ABA accredited law school within 30 days.
  • Must be licensed to practice law in Arizona and in good standing within 3 months.
  • Relevant experience in Criminal Law preferred.
  • High level of written and oral communication skills and superior ability to advocate and persuade.
  • Superior organizational skills and ability to handle significant number of active matters simultaneously
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a supportive and professional matter with other attorneys, support staff and other agencies
  • Enthusiasm for the law and for public service
  • Comfortable interviewing and working with individuals who have experienced trauma, are in crisis, or who struggle with mental illness and/or substance abuse or addiction
  • Ability to interact constructively with individuals in highly emotional and adversarial situations
  • Comfortable speaking in public to judges or juries and with various segments of the public
  • Thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence, Constitutional law and Criminal law and Procedure and ability to competently apply those rules.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and to handle unexpected problems efficiently.
  • Strong work ethic
  • Outgoing, compassionate and helpful personality
  • Must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license and be insurable with the Nation’s insurance carrier, and maintain insurability of the same.

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

For full job description and application information, click the following link: http://www.yavapai-apache.org/administration/employment/