Impacts of Indian Gaming

The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs hosted a presentation “Indian Gaming in Texas: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo v. Texas & Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas v. Texas” on Nov.10. Ronnie Thomas, treasurer for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, and Fred Petti, attorney for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, joined the ILP to discuss the history of Indian gaming in Texas and how Ysleta del Sur Pueblo v. Texas ended up before the Supreme Court. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe submitted amicus briefs in support of the matter since the holding could result in ground-sweeping changes in how Indian gaming is conducted in Texas.

Lunch was provided at this in-person event, which was also livestreamed so the ILP’s MLS and LLM online students could participate as well. Derrick Beetso (’10), director of the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs, said, “I really enjoyed this event. The representatives from the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe shared important and interesting perspectives on how amici can help further collective litigation goals in Indian Country. I thought it was an important and practical discussion to have that is not always explained in law school courses.” 

“I’m inspired by the actions of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe because the purpose of pursuing legal action was not solely about Indian gaming, but how this activity could serve the tribe for the next seven generations,” said 3L Hilary Edwards . “Mr. Thomas shared how his tribal community has benefitted from the tribal gaming facility, like supporting tribal members to achieve higher education. I was encouraged when Mr. Thomas said, ‘We encourage our tribal students who achieve higher education to get off-reservation experience and then bring that experience back to work for the tribe.’ This is precisely what I strive to accomplish. I desire to be qualified with experience to be able to contribute and serve my tribal community. These events further validate my decision to attend law school and further encourages me to continue on with the fight.”

Celebrating NALSA

Twelve ASU Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) students received the Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ) Scholarship for their academic achievement at the “NABA-AZ Seven Generations Virtual Awards Event and Silent Auction.” Congratulations to all the recipients, especially our ILP students: Hilary Edwards (3L), Dallon Echo Hawk (3L), Brittany Habbart (2L), Michael LaValley (2L), Victorialyn McCarthy (1L), Brianna Minjarez (3L), Cierra Moore (3L), Lena Neuner (2L), Taylor Norman (2L), Autumn Shone (2L), Alexandra Trousdale (1L) and Ruben Zendejas (2L). 

“NABA-AZ is proud to support these talented law students,” said NABA-AZ President and ILP Executive Director Kate Rosier. “The future is bright!”

We appreciate the committed support of NABA-AZ.

ILP alumni make moves to D.C.

Two ILP female alumni recently assumed critical roles in Washington, D.C. As of three months ago, Breann Swann Nu’uhiwa (LLM ’09) began serving as senior counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs under the leadership of Senator Brian Schatz of Hawai’i. Stephanie Sfiridis (’16) serves as the senior counselor to the newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. From their experience, these duty-bound attorneys are attuned to the vision of their offices and the leadership who serve Indian Country. Ladies, congratulations on this amazing opportunity!

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Danielle Williams
Program Coordinator Sr, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law

Indian Law Representation

In the Arizona Attorney Magazine

In the recent edition of the Arizona Attorney Magazine, you’ll see the Special Focus on Indian Law that includes publications by our ILP family.

ILP advisory council member Judith M. Dworkin, Joe Keene (’12) and Candace French (’17) published an article “An Opportunity Arises: Prop 207 and Arizona Tribes’ New Beginnings for Marijuana Legalization.” 

Ed Hermes (’13) co-authored an article “Arizona—Tribal 2021 Gaming Compact Amendments: What you need to know” with Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier.

Glennas’ba Augborne (’16) and April Olson (’06) published an article “Bent, But Not Broken—ICWA Stands: A Summary of Brackeen v. Haaland.”

Simon Goldenberg (’17) and Hermes joined the Bar Leadership Institute of the State Bar of Arizona Bar.

In this collection, our ILP family, who reflect on history and what our ancestors endured, have a stronghold of treating knowledge as a community endeavor, something to be protected and shaped by Indian legal advocacy work. We are proud of the goodwill work that they produce and their committed service to Indian Country.

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Danielle Williams
Program Coordinator Sr, Indian Legal Program, ASU Law

Job Opportunity – Associate Judge

The Tulalip Tribes
Tribal Court
Job Description

Job Title: Associate Judge
Job Summary: To provide a full range of judicial services by hearing cases in the tribal court regarding, but not limited to such issues as, criminal, civil, fishing, hunting, youth dependency, traffic, housing, gaming, and employment.

Closing date: July 31, 2015

For full description, please click here – Tulalip Associate Judge Job Announcement

Job Opportunity – Assistant Prosecutor

Ak-Chin Indian Community

Job Title:                                Assistant Prosecutor
Pay Range:                            $67,028 – $80,433.50
Reports to:                            Prosecutor
Supervises:                           Not a Supervisory position.

Summary:      Under general direction of the Prosecutor, prosecutes cases on behalf of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.  This is treated as an exempt position.

Minimum Qualifications:     Experience equivalent to two years of full time work providing legal counsel in a tribal, local government, or corporate setting, at least one year of trial work is preferred.  Federal Indian Law course work or clinical experience in an Indian legal clinic or law school setting will be considered toward the required experience.  Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona and possess a Juris Doctorate.  Must posses a valid Arizona Driver’s License and be able to meet the Community’s insurance carrier requirements. (see list attached to application or on the website).

Hiring Preference:  The Community affords Indian Preference and Veterans’ preference.  In applying Indian Preference, preference will be given to qualified Community members, then to qualified Native Americans, and then other qualified candidates. Except as otherwise stated herein, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or other non-merit factor.  Applicants wishing to claim Indian Preference must submit a Certificate of Indian Blood or proof of tribal enrollment at the time of application.  All applicants wishing to claim Veterans’ Preference must submit a copy of a certified Department of Defense DD Form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.”

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Reviews/investigates cases involving violation of Community Code, signing charges when case is prosecutable.
  2. Prepares cases for prosecution in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
  3. Meets with defense attorneys/other representatives to discuss resolution of cases.
  4. Interviews witnesses, including officers, to prepare an effective prosecution case.
  5. Prosecutes Code violations in Court.
  6. Assists in training tribal law enforcement staff.
  7. Drafts additions/revisions to the Community Code.
  8. Attends a variety of meetings with Community Council/management to discuss issues/problems and report on office activities and related issues.
  9. Conducts legal research to prepare motions and other pleadings.
  10. Assists in implementing proactive programs for both juveniles and adults
  11. Oversees office when Prosecutor is away from office
  12. Other job related duties as assigned.

 

Other Requirements:

  • Knowledge of and skill in interpreting Tribal, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations impacting tribal governments in the State of Arizona.
  • Knowledge of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Code/Ordinances.
  • Knowledge of the practices, procedures, and techniques for effectively representing a tribal government in court and administrative proceedings.
  • Knowledge of legal reference resources and techniques used to prepare and present an effective defense of tribal programs, functions, and activities in court and administrative proceedings.
  • Knowledge of and skill in the practices, procedures, and techniques for effectively prosecuting violations in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
  • Knowledge of legal reference resources and research techniques used to prepare and present an effective prosecution of violations in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
  • Knowledge of word processing computer software.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Community Council members, other Department heads, attorneys, and the public.
  • Skill in representing a tribal government in court/administrative proceedings.
  • Skill in prosecuting cases in tribal Court.
  • Skill in negotiating plea agreements.

Closing Date:   Friday, July 31, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.   To be considered for this position, please submit a signed and complete Ak-Chin Indian Community application (additional resume optional), 39-month driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, a copy of CIB or proof of tribal enrollment if claiming Indian Preference, and a copy of DD214 if claiming Veteran’s preference to:

Ak-Chin Indian Community
Attn:  HR Department 15-37
42507 W. Peters and Nall Rd.
Maricopa, AZ 85138

Fax:  520-568-1051
Email:  resumes@ak-chin.nsn.us
Website: 
www.ak-chin.nsn.us

Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

 

 

 

Job Opportunity – Staff Attorney

Karuk Tribe

Title: Staff Attorney
Reports to: Tribal Chairman
Location: Happy Camp, California
Salary: Depending on Experience

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Tribal Chairman the Staff Attorney will assist the Tribal Council and Tribal Departments in the legal matters related to the business of the Tribe. Staff Attorney completes a variety of professional assignments on behalf of the Council and departments as assigned by the Tribal Chairman. The Staff Attorney will be primarily responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the Tribal Council and various departments of the Tribe on a wide range of issues affecting the government and its citizens. Staff Attorney works closely with Self-Governance Coordinator, Chief Financial Officer and Contract Compliance Specialist.
Classification: Full Time, Exempt Non-Entry Level

Download full details here – Karuk_attorney_position