Author Archives: dwilliams

Job opportunity: Native American Program Staff Attorney New Mexico Legal Aid

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Native American Program Staff Attorney New Mexico Legal Aid

 Albuquerque – NM (United States), Gallup – NM (United States), Las Cruces – NM (United States), Roswell – NM (United States), Santa Fe – NM (United States), Silver City – NM (United States), Taos – NM (United States), Santa Ana Pueblo – NM (United States)

Salary

$63,376.18 – $100,547.39 USD per year

Native American Program Staff Attorney

Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans to promote family and economic stability, helping clients access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. NMLA has locations throughout the state, including Santa Ana Pueblo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, and Taos.

NMLA’s Native American Program (NAP) provides free legal services – both civil and criminal – to eligible low-income Native Americans living on or near the 19 Pueblos and the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico. In addition to cases promoting family and economic stability, NAP prioritizes cases arising because of someone’s status as a Native American, including tribal and Indian law, estate planning involving tribal property, racial discrimination, and tribal criminal court cases. Much of NAP’s caseload is comprised of cases in Pueblo courts, but the program handles poverty law issues coming up in other fora as well.

NAP does creative, challenging, and complex work in diverse client communities. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping serve Native American communities, including developing effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy. The attorney shall be active in relevant bar and community activities. All NMLA staff attorney positions fall under a collective bargaining agreement. This position is based in NAP’s office on Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, and includes regular travel around the state.

We are seeking two NAP Staff Attorneys, whose responsibilities include but are not limited to the following tasks, under the supervision and direction of the NAP Litigation Specialist and NAP Director:

  • Provides legal services, from advice to full representation, to eligible clients within NAP’s priorities.
  • Participates in NAP’s outreach activities, which include developing community education presentations and pro se materials responsive to the needs of NAP’s client community members, meeting with tribal agency personnel regarding the legal issues of their communities, and staffing occasional NAP legal clinics.
  • Analyzes NAP applicants’ needs to highlight areas where systemic solutions or more dedicated focus would prove valuable.

Requirements:

  • Understanding of tribal law and federal and state Indian law, particularly in areas handled by NAP case workers, including court procedures;
  • Experience – lived or professional – in low-income Native communities, preferably Pueblo communities, is preferred;
  • Experience as an attorney, including experience in tribal courts, on matters concerning the unique status of Native persons;
  • Admission to practice in New Mexico required; or ability to become licensed to practice in New Mexico within three months of hire and admission to practice in another state’s jurisdiction;
  • Ability to work effectively in a diverse team, including adjusting communication for a variety of cultural backgrounds and learning styles;
  • Ability to take initiative to identify questions or barriers faced in their work, design and propose solutions, and proactively communicate with colleagues and supervisors who are working out of different offices;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Ability to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces and web meeting and videoconferencing software, to effectively work with staff located in multiple offices;
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, manage a caseload, and build collaborative relationships across different NMLA offices.
  • Bilingual is a plus (such as English/Keres, English/Navajo)

This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click here to view the salary scale).

Company Benefits:

  • 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
  • 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, liberal sick pay, and federal holidays off
  • Comp time for overtime
  • Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote – your choice!)
  • 37.5-hour work week
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Competitive salary
  • Click here for more information

Salary: $63,376.18 – $100,547.39 for licensed attorneys, DOE.

Application Deadline: March 5, 2026 or until filled. Resumes reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applicants must submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. To apply, visit: https://newmexicolegalaid.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1699778

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

NMLA is an EEO Employer.


Ellie Richardson
Human Resources Manager
jobs@nmlegalaid.org

5057686117
505 Marquette Ave NW Ste 700, Albuquerque – NM, United States (USA), 87102

 

Building practice through Tribal Courts

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To kick off the spring semester, Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Indian Legal Clinic students Jerimy Billy, Angel Nosie, Justice Oglesby, Crispin South and Monique Tsosie traveled to the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Court in Maricopa, Arizona, and the Gila River Indian Community Court in Sacaton on Jan. 30. The visit marked the beginning of the students’ hands-on legal training, where they will work directly with real clients through the clinic.

At the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court, students met with Prosecutor Raymond Vaca (’06) and pretrial officer Xavier Rojas, who provided an overview of court proceedings and shared insights from their legal careers.

Students also met with Chairman Gabriel Lopez of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Ammon Orr (’16) a prosecutor at Gila River. Chairman Lopez spoke about the Tribe’s history, leadership’s role in advancing community interests, the Tribe’s successes and the importance of preparing the next generation to protect its sovereignty and legacy. Orr shared his journey in the legal profession and his work as a prosecutor serving tribes.

At the Gila River Indian Community Court, student attorneys took an important step in their legal careers as they were sworn in by Chief Judge Anthony Hill (’06). Judge Charles Aragon led a tour of the court, introducing students to judges and staff and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the court’s operations.

“I’m excited for the clinic and the opportunity to gain practical experience,” said third-year law student Nosie. “Taking the oath and being sworn in is especially meaningful — it’s something I’ve never been exposed to before. Experiencing it firsthand and beginning to practice like a lawyer makes me excited for the future.”

The Indian Legal Program extends its appreciation to the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community for their continued support and partnership in educating the next generation of Tribal advocates.

MLS students receive spring 2026 scholarships

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Congratulations to MLS students Yvette Alvarez, Anthony Dahkoshay, Jeannie Duncan and Brian Forkum, who were awarded scholarships for the spring 2026 semester.

Alvarez works for the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Court and is a certified lay advocate. Dahkoshay is a licensing and compliance specialist with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation. Duncan serves as a project coordinator and acting manager in the Land Title and Records Office for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Forkum is a public archaeology intern with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office.

“I am very honored to have been selected for this scholarship,” said Duncan. “It is truly amazing how donors’ contributions can make an impact on a person’s educational journey. Thank you to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for being part of my success and for the generosity you have given me as well as other students you have helped!”

The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs join the students in thanking the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for its continued support, which makes these scholarships possible and promotes students’ understanding of legal issues impacting Tribal Nations.

2026 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 deadline: March 6, 2026

Send nomination and materials to: ilp@asu.edu. Awards will be presented at the ILP Alumni & Friends Awards Ceremony at Fed Bar on Thursday, April 9, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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: Claudeen Bates Arthur (’74) (Posthumous), Gloria Kindig (’89), Kathy Bowman (’86), Rob Rosette (’96), Diane Enos (’92), Ben Hanley (’71) and 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: Brian Garcia (’20), Rebecca Ross (’10), Rodina Cave Parnall (’01), Peter Larson (’02), Verrin Kewenvoyouma (’04), Ann Marie Downes (’94), Mary Shirley (’92), Jeff Harmon (’05) and Chris Love (’045).

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: Krystalyn Kinsel (’15), Stephanie Sfiridis (’16), Jacob Schellinger (’12), Derrick Beetso (’10), Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle (’09), Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09), Steve Bodmer (’06), Elizabeth Medicine Crow (’05), Charles Galbraith (’07), Matthew Campbell (’08), Michael Corey Hinton (’11) and Candace French (’17).

Job opportunities: Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court

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Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court

Chief Judge
Department: Tribal Court
Job Vacancy: YAN-26-20
Starting Wage: DOE
Opening Date: 01-26-26
Closing Date: Until Filled

POSITION DESCRIPTION:.
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.

Review full job announcement: Chief Judge

Associate Judge
Job Vacancy: YAN-26-21
Starting Wage: DOE
Opening Date: 01-26-26
Closing Date: Until Filled

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Associate Judge presides over cases before the Tribal Court and helps ensure the proper operation of Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court under the supervision of the Chief Judge.

Review full job announcement: Associate Judge

2026 National NALSA Moot Court Competition: Volunteers needed

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On Feb. 13-14, 2026, eight ILP students will compete in the 34th National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA) Moot Court Competition hosted by the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s problem concerns treaty rights.

Our moot court teams need your help judging their practice sessions!

Most practices will be held at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, 111 E. Taylor St., Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Practice schedule beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026:
Monday: Noon-1:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 5:30-7 p.m.
Wednesday: Noon-1:30 p.m.
Thursday: 5:30-7 p.m.
Other times: TBD

Sign up

Job opportunity: Director for Native American Program

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Director for Native American Program
Santa Ana, New Mexico

New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low-income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana.

The Native American Program (NAP) of NMLA provides free legal services to low-income Native Americans living on or near the 19 Pueblos and outreach services to the Mescalero Apache community in New Mexico. The majority of NAP’s civil and criminal misdemeanor cases are in Pueblo Courts.

The NAP Director is responsible for administration and management of the overall operations of NAP, including:

  • Ensuring that the civil legal needs of its client community are met, including initiating and completing period needs assessments.
  • Partnering and collaborating with tribal entities within the service area.
  • Developing projects and programs to leverage NAP resources, including funding opportunities.
  • Integrating NAP’s technology and communications needs into NMLA’s statewide system.
  • Overseeing the NAP’s legal advocacy, including supervising the Litigation Specialist.
  • Organizing and participating in community education and outreach activities to the various Pueblo communities.
  • Working in close collaboration with other members of NMLA’s management team; and
  • Being active in local bar associations and community activities.

The Native American Program handles creative, challenging, and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities, including developing effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.

The position is based in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico but requires statewide travel.

Requirements:

  • License to practice law in New Mexico or become licensed within six months of employment.
  • Indian and Tribal law experience working in tribal communities, preferably Pueblo communities.
  • At least five (5) years of experience as an attorney, some of which should include practice in tribal courts.
  • Prior experience in administrative and supervisory roles is preferred.
  • Experience in supervising legal advocacy in Federal, State and/or Tribal Court.
  • Cultural knowledge and sensitivity to work with sovereign nations, including tribal courts and tribal governments and agencies.
  • Sensitivity to and ability to work with diverse low-income populations.
  • Excellent communication, writing and analytical skills.
  • Self-motivated individuals with strong interpersonal and managerial skills.
  • Be willing to travel.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and build collaborative relationships within the NMLA staff and the legal services community.
  • Proficiency in Keres or other relevant Native American language is a plus.

Applicant’s life experience, as well as academic and professional experience, will be considered.

Company Benefits:

  • 100% employer-paid BCBS medical, plus dental and vision for employees; generous contributions for dependents
  • 3 weeks vacation time, 6 days personal time, liberal sick pay, and federal holidays off
  • Comp time for overtime
  • Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote – your choice!)
  • 37.5-hour work week
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Competitive salary
  • Click herefor more information

Salary: depending on experience.

Deadline to apply: January 10, 2026

Applicants must submit a current resume, three references, and a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. To apply, visit: https://newmexicolegalaid.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1665294

Applicants will be subject to a background search. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

Job Opportunity: Native American and Tribal Affairs Attorney

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Job Description and Duties

The Native American and Tribal Affairs Section (NATA) advises and represents the Governor and the State on Native American and tribal issues, including tribal-state gaming compact negotiations, civil and criminal jurisdiction on tribal lands, cultural resource protection, government-to-government consultation, litigation, and other matters involving legal relationships between Native American organizations and the State.

NATA is housed in the Division of Public Rights (PRD). The Public Rights Division serves Californians by safeguarding the State’s environment and natural resources, protecting state lands, maintaining competitive markets, preventing fraudulent business practices, protecting consumers against misleading advertising claims, preserving charitable assets and protecting civil rights. NATA collaborates with other sections in the PRD along with the Office of Native American Affairs to provide legal expertise across diverse legal topics and tasks. NATA Deputies litigate complex legal matters, negotiate and draft government to government agreements with tribes, ensure compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to gambling, and provide support and insight on policy matters as requested.

See full job posting and apply at: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=498199

Election procedures manual Tribal leader listening session 

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On Aug. 28, Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Indian Legal Clinic director and associate dean for Inclusive Excellence, and Maya Araujo, Native Vote Management Intern, attended a Tribal Leader Listening Session on the Arizona Election Procedures Manual (EPM). Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes in partnership with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona held the session to gather feedback specifically from Tribal leaders on the draft of the 2025 EPM. Arizona law requires the Secretary of State to draft an EPM that brings “the maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, uniformity and efficiency” to elections. The EPM must be updated on odd-numbered years and submitted to the Attorney General and Governor for their approval. 

At the Tribal Leader Listening Session, Fontes and Lisa Marra, State Election director from the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State, provided an overview of the EPM. Ferguson-Bohnee presented on the Tribal provisions and relevant topics from the EPM that impact Tribal voting rights. The ILC engages in the EPM comment process closely as, once approved, the EPM has the force of law and is a binding document that ensures the election process is consistent, efficient and legally sound for every voter.

Review the full 2025 Elections Procedures Manual.

Democracy Reform Summit

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On Oct. 3, the Indian Legal Clinic cohosted the “Democracy Reform Summit: Removing Barriers to Native Political Participation” in partnership with the Native American Rights Fund and the Brennan Center for Justice. The summit brought together over 150 people working together to uncover both the challenges to equitable political engagement for tribal voters and the opportunities to cultivate it. Participants included experts in civic engagement, legal advocates and leading researchers to discuss strategies for expanding Native American political representation. Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Indian Legal Clinic director and associate dean for Inclusive Excellence, hosted a roundtable discussion on the State of Play of Native Voting Rights at the Federal Level, which explored threats to the Voting Rights Act and prospects for strengthening it, the need to pass the Native American Voting Rights Act and the efforts to build a grassroots movement in support of federal Native voting rights legislation.

If you missed the event, review the recording