Author Archives: dwilliams

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

Governing for the Future

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The Indian Legal Program and Tribal Self-Governance Program brought together Tribal leaders, federal officials, practitioners and scholars from across Indian Country for the webinar, “Governing for the Future: Building the Next 50 Years of Tribal Self-Governance,” on Dec. 11. The event commemorated the legacy of Tribal self-governance while exploring the opportunities and challenges that will shape its future.

Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94), distinguished public service fellow and professor of practice at ASU Law, opened the webinar with a thoughtful reflection on the history and evolution of Tribal self-governance, setting the stage for a forward-looking discussion. Derrick Beetso (’10), executive director of the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs and professor of practice, moderated a distinguished panel featuring W. Ron Allen, chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe; Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah; Jason Bruno, director of the Office of Self-Governance at the U.S. Department of the Interior; Benjamin Smith, deputy director of the Indian Health Service; and Jay Spaan, executive director of Tribal Self-Governance and adjunct faculty at ASU Law.

Together, the panelists shared insights drawn from decades of experience in Tribal governance, federal policy and self-determination. The discussion highlighted the progress achieved under Tribal self-governance, reflected on lessons learned over the past five decades and examined strategies for strengthening Tribal sovereignty and nation-building for generations to come.

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

Exploring Capitol Hill

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ILP Traveling Class in DC

Students in the Indian Legal Program (ILP) traded their campus classrooms for Capitol Hill this fall break, immersing themselves in federal Indian Law and advocacy during the annual “Federal Advocacy for the Tribal Client” course led by Professors Derrick Beetso (’10) and Anne Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94).

Throughout the week, students met with practitioners shaping Indian law and policy in Washington, D.C. Site visits included the Native American Rights Fund, the United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund, Jenner & Block, Hobbs Straus Dean & Walker, Big Fire Law, Dentons and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, among others.

For many students, the experience offered a new perspective on how advocacy plays out at the federal level. 

“That class was honestly one of the most eye-opening experiences of my law school journey so far because it exposed me to a side of the legal profession and advocacy that we just don’t see on campus,” said Grant Schoen, second-year law student. “I’ve generally been drawn more toward transactional practice, but this experience opened my eyes to how meaningful and impactful the policy side of the legal world can be. I can see myself being drawn back to it at some point, especially when the issues hit close to home.”

Visiting third-year student Tyanne Benallie echoed that sense of purpose: “A traveling class like this is a pathway for aspiring Native attorneys, and taking a class with other intelligent, well-rounded Native individuals is inspiring because in the end, we are all in this for the same reason — to better our Indigenous peoples and communities. Despite the shutdown and what is currently going on in D.C., there is always work to do to advance our Native peoples. We, Natives, have been through many presidential administrations and have always survived. We have our sovereignty that keeps us fighting the good fight.”

We extend our appreciation to the many colleagues, alumni and supporters who help make this class possible each year.

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

Native Voting Rights Coalition annual convening

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2025 Native Voting Rights Coalition annual convening

On Oct. 2, members of the Native Voting Rights Coalition (NAVRC) gathered for their annual convening at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass.

NAVRC is a nonpartisan alliance of national and grassroots organizations, scholars and activists advocating for equal access to the political process for Native Americans. The Native American Rights Fund founded the coalition in 2015 to foster collaboration among members and coordinate efforts to overcome barriers Native voters face in registering to vote, casting their ballots and having an equal voice in elections.

While NAVRC members meet virtually each month to discuss voting issues in Indian Country and develop solutions to address unique challenges, the annual convening provides an opportunity for members to meet face-to-face, reflect on ongoing projects and plan for the 2026 election and beyond.

Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee presented on behalf of the NAVRC’s Voter Discrimination Subcommittee at the convening, discussing the upcoming projects and ongoing national litigation. Following the subcommittee presentation, Ferguson-Bohnee, Native Vote Fellow Sadie Red Eagle (’25), Torey Dolan (’19) and Native Vote Management Intern Maya Araujo participated in breakout group discussions regarding concerns and potential solutions for the upcoming 2026 election cycle.

Indian Legal Clinic files amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on voting rights

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On Sept. 3, the Indian Legal Clinic filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Navajo Nation in Louisiana v. Phillip Callais, et al., regarding voting rights. Written by Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Torey Dolan (’19) and attorneys from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, the brief addresses Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the creation of majority-minority congressional districts consistent with the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, supporting neither party.
 
ILC students Mikaela Bledsoe Downes (3L), Hunter Mallinger (3L), Sam Phillips (3L) and Ronnie Strode III (3L) assisted in research and drafting the brief.
 
Honore Callingham (’18) and Jordan Garcia (’23) are greatly appreciated for their assistance in reviewing and preparing the brief for filing.
 
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday, Oct. 15.