Category Archives: Alumni

Job opportunity: Executive Director

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The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Board of Directors is launching a nationwide search for the next NIEA Executive Director to lead the dynamic, compassionate, and committed NIEA staff as we continue to work toward a thriving future for our Native students.

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was founded in 1969, in Minneapolis, MN, by Native educators who were eager to find solutions to improve the education systems for Native students. NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles: 1) to bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the schooling of Native students; 2) to promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures; and 3) to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and policymakers.

Reporting to a Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) provides overall strategic and operational direction for NIEA. The ED ensures the mission of the NIEA and the NIEA Board of Directors is carried out effectively and efficiently.

The position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements

  1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
  2. CV or Resume
  3. Three (3) Reference Letters, with at least one related to work/experience in a culturally-relevant area

Salary/Compensation

  • Salary Range: $170,000-$180,000

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, Short-term and Long-term Disability, and Life Insurance

See full job description.

Job Opportunity: Staff Attorney

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Employer: The Indian Law Resource Center
Position Title: Staff Attorney
Salary: $70,000 to $105,000
Location: Helena, Montana, Washington, D.C., or remote
Department:
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Job Overview: The Indian Law Resource Center seeks a Staff Attorney with a demonstrated, serious commitment to protecting and advancing indigenous peoples’ rights, including particularly indigenous women’s rights. The attorney must be licensed to practice law in at least one state within the United States. Knowledge and experience in United States federal Indian law and experience in working with indigenous peoples’ rights are required. Ideally, the attorney will have the ability to work in both Spanish and English or Portuguese and English, but this is not required.
The Indian Law Resource Center is an American Indian nonprofit organization providing legal help without charge to indigenous peoples in the United States and throughout the Americas. The Center is known for its leadership in winning the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Center recently received an eight-year, $20 million grant from the Kellogg Foundation to support our new project to expand and strengthen indigenous collective land ownership in Mexico and Central and South America. Further information about the Center is on our website, www.indianlaw.org.

Key Responsibilities:

The attorney’s job will include work on our project for ending violence against indigenous women and girls. In our Safe Women, Strong Nations project, we:

  • Raise public awareness to gain strong federal action to end violence against Native women and children;
  • Provide legal advice to Native women’s organizations and Indian and Alaska Native nations on ways to restore tribal criminal authority, to preserve tribal civil authority, and to prevent violense against Native women and girls;
  • Advocate at the United Nations and the Organization of American States to attack violence against indigenous women as a human rights violation; and
  • Build alliances with indigenous and indigenous women’s organizations and indigenous communities and peoples in the United States and in Mexico and Central South America to help them address all forms of violence and discrimination against indigenous women and children.

The attorney will also participate in carrying out other legal work of the Center including providing legal assistance to Indian and Alaska Native nations and indigenous organizations in the United States and Canada in matters relating to self-determination, lands and resources, international human rights, and environmental protection and providing assistance to indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central and South America to title or secure legal ownership of their lands.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated commitment to indigenous rights;
  • Superior speaking, reading, and writing skills in English, and, ideally, Spanish or Portuguese as well;
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate both with Center staff and with our partner organizations;
  • Familiarity with indigenous communities and cultures and with the rights of indigenous peoples;
  • Ability to travel regularly in the United States and to indigenous communities in other countries;
  • Understanding of international human rights and advocacy before the United Nations and Organization of American States;
  • At least three years of experience practicing law;

The position is open immediately. Interested attorneys should apply or contact the Center as soon as possible. There is no closing date for applications. Applications will be considered as soon as they are received.
This is a full-time, salaried position. The attorney will work in the Center’s headquarters in Helena, Montana or in the Center’s Washington, D.C. office. Working remotely will be considered but is not favored. The salary range is between $70,000 to $105,000, depending on location, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other factors. The Center provides generous benefits including health insurance and retirement. All employees enjoy 120 hours of paid vacation annually, paid holidays, paid sick and personal leave, and other benefits.

To apply:
submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (or multiple samples to demonstrate ability to work in Spanish or Portuguese), and two professional references combined in one PDF document to: Melanie Dayton, mt@indianlaw.org

Job Opportunity: Superior Court Commissioner

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Employer: Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County
Position Title: Superior Court Commissioner
Salary:$171,000 per year
Location:  Maricopa County, Arizona
Department:
Application Deadline: October 11, 2024.                   

Job Overview: The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is accepting applications for appointment as a Superior Court Commissioner. The selected Commissioners may be assigned and/or assist with work or hear matters in all Court departments to include Civil, Family, Juvenile, Criminal, Probate, Mental Health, Tax or Justice Courts. The selected Commissioners may be assigned to Initial Appearance Court which may require evenings and weekends and may be for a year or more. One or more appointments may be made from this recruitment. A list of qualified applicants from which vacancies may be filled without additional announcements or recruitment will be made. As Judicial employees of the Court, Commissioners are not permitted to practice law.

Applications will be screened and selected candidates will be interviewed by a special Commissioner Nominating Committee and referred to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. The Presiding Judge will make the final appointment(s).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND TIMETABLE

Applicants must apply at https://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/commissionerrecruitment during the open recruitment period. Registration in the application portal is required and an extensive personal history will also be obtained using this portal during this period. For more information about the position visit superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/commissioners

All application material must be submitted electronically to Judicial Branch Human Resources no later than 11:59 PM on Friday, October 11, 2024.

The Court will publish the names of applicants for the position of Commissioner to solicit public comment.

QUALIFICATIONS
A candidate for this position must be a United States citizen, a duly licensed member of the State Bar of Arizona, and a resident of the State of Arizona, for not less than five years immediately preceding his or her appointment. Applicants need not be a Maricopa County resident at the time of their application, however, under A.R.S. 12-211 (B) must be a resident of Maricopa County when appointed.
Achievement or distinction in various areas of the law and litigation consistent with the duties of this Commissioner position is desirable.

Commissioners serve from time to time as judges pro tempore in the course of their regular duties. The Arizona Constitution, Article VI, §22 requires that judicial nominees must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, and admitted to the practice of law in and a resident of the State for five years immediately preceding appointment.
Note: Commissioners are required to file an annual financial disclosure statement.

COMPENSATION, TENURE, AND LOCATION
The salary for the position is established by the Presiding Judge and is currently set at ninety percent of the salary of a Superior Court Judge. As of 1/1/2025, the Court Commissioner salary will be $171,000 per year. Fringe benefits include medical and dental insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time, ten paid holidays, and participation in a state-sponsored retirement program. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Presiding Judge and are subject to periodic assessment through a judicial performance review program administered by the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. The Superior Court operates from several locations throughout Maricopa County.

Commissioners are subject to assignments in various departments and for various periods to one or more locations based on the needs of the Court.

Commissioners share the supervision of their Judicial Assistants with Court Administration. For additional information, please contact Jennifer Fish at 602-506-4473 or at Jennifer.Fish@jbazmc.maricopa.gov

Apply: Click Here To Apply

Job opportunities: Tulalip Tribes of Washington

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The Tulalip Tribes of Washington is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located on the Tulalip Reservation in the Puget Sound, approximately 30 miles north of Seattle. The Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid (TOCLA) is a tribal civil legal aid office that provides free legal assistance to low-income tribal members with general civil legal issues including those that affect safety, family integrity, health, access to public benefits, and education. Collectively, TOCLA assists clients in identifying legal and non-legal needs, then works with them holistically to address barriers to accessing services. TOCLA currently houses four legal divisions: Civil Legal Aid Victim Advocacy, Parent Dependency Representation, and Children Dependency Representation. The Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid has a rare opening for a children/youth attorney, and a youth attorney fellow in their dependencies unit.

YOUTH ATTORNEY POSITION

TOCLA is looking for an attorney with a passion and commitment to representing children and youth in dependency cases.  We follow Washington State’s Children’s Representation Practice, Caseload, and Training Standards, but we hold a smaller caseload to ensure that we spend the appropriate amount of time with each client, and on every case. TOCLA has an excellent dependency division of four other experienced dependency practitioners, including a NACC Child Welfare Law Specialist, and over 37 years of combined dependency practice experience across various tribal and state jurisdictions. We are a fun, supportive office who loves our work helping others through holistic and zealous legal advocacy. Our clients are amazing, and the legal community at Tulalip is supportive and innovative.

The Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid offers a generous compensation package that exceeds most public defender/legal aid salaries. Benefits include up to six weeks of annual leave per year depending on experience, extensive annual training and professional development opportunities, excellent health insurance, a 401K contribution, and PLSF eligibility.  Salaries depend on experience, but they start at $115,000 per year. This is an exempt, salaried 40 hour per week position.  TOCLA is a community-based tribal law office that provides weekly remote work opportunities and some schedule flexibility.  

If you have questions about the position, please contact TOCLA’s supervising attorney Chori Folkman at: cfolkman@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.  Applicants should go to this website to apply:  https://employment.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/job/300/child_advocate_attorney_open_until_filled    Applicants who are Native American or other people of color, members of the LGBTIA+ community, people with disabilities, members of other underrepresented or marginalized groups, or those with lived experienced are especially encouraged to apply.  This position will be open until filled.

POST GRADUATE YOUTH ATTORNEY FELLOW POSITION:

TOCLA is looking for a qualified and passionate candidate to fill their Post Graduate Children’s Attorney Fellow position. 

TOCLA and the Tulalip Tribal Court received a grant to fund a post graduate fellowship opportunity for recent law grads to gain experience as a youth attorney in a tribal dependency court system in efforts to expand the interest and commitment of new attorneys into the field of youth representation in tribal dependency matters.  Fellows will gain an understanding of tribal and state dependency and child welfare practice, while obtaining experience working directly with children and youth clients under the supervision of experienced child welfare attorneys. Fellows do not need to have passed the WA State Bar exam, but can practice as a Rule 9 intern under attorney supervision. The fellowship lasts for eight months, and the fellow will be paid a competitive salary for a 32 hour a week position.

If you have questions about the position, please contact TOCLA’s supervising attorney Chori Folkman at: cfolkman@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.  Applicants should go to this website to apply:  https://employment.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/job/298/attorney_childrens_fellow_open_until_filled   Applicants who are Native American or other people of color, members of the LGBTIA+ community, people with disabilities, members of other underrepresented or marginalized groups, or those with lived experienced are especially encouraged to apply.  This position will be open until filled.

ILP voices elevate Indian law discourse in Arizona Attorney Magazine

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The ILP family is well represented in this month’s “Special Focus on Indian Law” in the Arizona Attorney Magazine. Crispin South (2L) was highlighted in the “Editor’s Letter: A healthy constitution” for his contributions to the Model Constitutional Convention hosted at ASU Law. Edward Hermes (’13) co-authored an article with Kelsey Haake “Promoting Economic Development and Exercising Sovereignty” and Alexander Mallory (’19) wrote an article “SCOTUS and Native Student College Admissions.”

Indian Legal Clinic files amicus brief

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On June 17, the Indian Legal Clinic filed an amicus curiae brief with the Arizona Court of Appeals in a case regarding guardianship and ICWA. Written by Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Jordan Garcia (’23) and Honore Callingham (’18), on behalf of the Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ), the amicus brief supported the appellees, including the Gila River Indian Community. The Arizona Court of Appeals – Division One directly invited interested parties or organizations, including the Indian Legal Clinic, to file an amicus brief setting forth their respective positions on any issue presented in the case. NABA-AZ includes members who teach, publish scholarship, and practice in the areas of Indian law and Tribal law, including members of the Arizona Bar who represent Tribes in ICWA proceedings. In addition, NABA-AZ has provided educational programs on ICWA and has commented on the rules surrounding it.

April Olson (’06), attorney at Rothstein Donatelli LLP, argued on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community during the July 18 Oral Arguments at the Arizona Court of Appeals. Gila River Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Councilmember Jennifer Allison, Attorney Sunshine Manuel and others from Gila River attended the arguments

Job opportunity: Legal Fellow

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National Indian Gaming Commission
Office of General Counsel

Salary: $72,553 – $94,317 per year

Closing date: 07/17/2024

The National Indian Gaming Commission’s primary mission is to work within the framework created by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) for the regulation of gaming activities conducted by tribes on Indian lands to fully realize IGRA’s goals: (1) promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments; (2) maintaining the integrity of the Indian gaming industry; and (3) ensuring that tribes are the primary beneficiaries of their gaming activities.

Duties:

This position is located in the Office of General Counsel. The Office of General Counsel provides legal advice and counsel to the Commission on all matters relating to IGRA and its compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Office represents the Chair in enforcement actions and, as needed, coordinates with the U.S. Department of Justice to implement the Commission’s enforcement actions. The Office also plays a role in handling appeals before the full Commission. When Commission action results in litigation, the Office works directly with the Department of Justice.

The Office of the General Counsel also manages the day-to-day legal affairs of the NIGC, providing counsel and legal support to each division. The Office reviews tribal gaming ordinances and proposed management contracts; provides legal advisory opinions on the classification of games played in tribal gaming facilities, on Indian land issues, on contract issues, and on general law questions. The Office also coordinates opinions and other matters with the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor, and other federal agencies as necessary. The Office is committed to the professional development of new attorneys in the field of federal Indian law.

For full job description and apply, click here.

Job opportunity: Assistant General Counsel

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Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Assistant General Counsel
Scottsdale, AZ

Salary: $152,342.00 – $224,710.00 Annually
Department: General Counsel
Deadline: 07/06/2024, 11:59 PM Arizona Time

Job Overview: The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is seeking a highly qualified Assistant General Counsel to join their legal team. Under the supervision of the General Counsel, this role involves providing legal review and advice to SRPMIC’s government, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, and safeguarding tribal sovereignty. The Assistant General Counsel will work on legal matters across various departments, including Public Safety, and represent the Community in legal proceedings.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Offer legal counsel to SRPMIC departments and the Community Council.
  • Conduct legal research and draft legal documents, ordinances, and policies.
  • Represent SRPMIC in internal, external, and intergovernmental meetings.
  • Supervise tribal court advocates and oversee civil litigation.

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
  • Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed attorney representing Native American tribes.
  • Membership in good standing with a state bar association (must pass the Arizona Bar within one year if not already a member).
  • Knowledge of Federal Indian law and the legal framework of tribal governments.

Special Requirements:

  • Ability to practice in Federal District Court.
  • Subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing and background check.
  • Must complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing legal education annually.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Preference will be given to qualified Community Members, Veterans, Spouses of Community Members, and Native Americans.

Join SRPMIC in protecting and enhancing tribal sovereignty. Apply by July 6, 2024, to make a meaningful impact within their Community.

To apply: Click here

Job opportunity: Associate Attorney

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Mshkawzi Law, LLP
Grand Rapids, MI

Job Description and Responsibilities
Mshkawzi Law, LLP is a 100% women-owned and majority Native-owned law firm that provides legal services exclusively to Indian tribes, First Nations, and their business enterprises throughout the United States and Canada. We have a reputation for representing indigenous clients to achieve success both inside the courtroom and out. Our experience and approach are unmatched for a firm our size.

The candidate will be responsible for providing all legal services as assigned by partners, lead attorneys, and clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Provide counsel and legal services to clients as well as represent clients in a professional manner while maintaining express confidentiality;
• Participate in business development functions (trade shows, seminars, etc.) to maintain and build client relationships as well as expand business;
• Travel to off-site meetings with prospective and current clients as needed;
• Apply knowledge of business issues, legal procedures, cases, statutes, and other regulatory authority to effectively counsel clients;
• Communicate with opposing attorneys through personal contact, telephone/email and facsimile to expedite cases to closure;
• Conduct legal research by preparing legal memoranda and necessary pleadings required in all aspects of state, federal and tribal litigation matters on an as needed basis;
• Appear at hearings and trials as needed and/or assigned;
• Draft tribal codes, regulations, agreements, analyze and review legal documents as needed;
• Interface with clients on a continuous basis;
• Comply with all court and state bar licensure obligations;
• Comply with firm employee handbook and other processes; and
• Performa other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
We are currently seeking as associate attorney for Mshkawzi’s Grand Rapids, Michigan office with 0 to 3 years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills and must be self-motivated, self-starting, and willing to work in a dynamic atmosphere with remote interaction with our offices, clients and staff across the United States and Canada. Strong writing, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills are required. Candidates must have the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and must be willing to travel for work on client matters. Experience in federal Indian law is preferred but not required. The candidate must be a member in good standing of the Michigan Bar. Preference will be given to attorneys who demonstrate an established commitment to Indian Country and a keen interest in federal Indian law.

Compensation
We offer competitive salary and benefits, including health care (including dental and vision), 401k, and paid vacation time.

Contact
Pleaser respond to this job posting with your cover letter, resume, certificate of good standing from the State Bar of Michigan, and writing sample via email to Sara Budde at sbudde@mshkawzilaw.com.

44 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Suite 250, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Office: (616) 719-2823 | Fax: (517) 913-6443
www.mshkawzilaw.com

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