Staff Attorney-Law Clerk
Ho-Chunk Nation (Black River Falls, WI)

NMLA staff attorney position available at Native American Program in Santa Ana

Chris Vigil will leave the Native American Program at New Mexico Legal Aid next month to accept a position working on water rights adjudications with the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts. It’s a great opportunity for Chris, but a loss for NMLA. We very much appreciate the great work Chris has done for our clients, and we wish him much success in his new position.

Chris’s decision means that NMLA is now seeking a staff attorney to join the Native American Program in Santa Ana. The NAP staff attorney will handle cases and matters involving federal Indian law and Indian tribal law issues, including representation of low income individuals in tribal and Pueblo courts.  In addition, the staff attorney may be required to handle poverty law issues involving consumer and family law issues in forums other than tribal court and to conduct outreach in tribal and Pueblo communities.  The attorney will also be active in relevant bar and community activities.

The Native American Program does creative, challenging and complex work in a context of rich cultures and diverse client communities. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our Native American communities, including development of effective team strategies to handle complex advocacy and extended representation cases.

Requirements:  Experience with Native American legal issues and communities, especially New Mexico tribal and Pueblo communities, will be highly preferred. At least two years’ experience in handling criminal defense cases, especially those arising in tribal or Pueblo courts, will be highly preferred. Must be willing to travel. Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and ability to manage a significant caseload and build collaborative relationships within the staff and the community.  Proficiency in relevant Native American languages is a plus.

Send a current resume and a letter of interest explaining what you would like to accomplish if you are selected for this position to:  jobs@nmlegalaid.org

Salary:  DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer.

Deadline:  August 14, 2015.

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.

 PUEBLO OF LAGUNA
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 2015-39A
OPEN TO IN-HOUSE AND EXTERNAL APPLICANTS

POSITION: Attorney
OPENING DATE: July 15, 2015
CLOSING DATE: August 14, 2015
DEPARTMENT: Governor/Government Affairs Department
SALARY RANGE: E-19; $67,692 – $101,537

Position Summary:
Under the direct administrative supervision of the Government Affairs Director, serves as an in-house legal advisor, representative, and counselor to the Pueblo of Laguna including programs and departments. Ensures that all applicable laws are followed to protect and enhance tribal sovereignty. Provides assistance to avoid or prevent expensive legal disputes and litigation and to protect the legal interests of the Pueblo government.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Advises and represents the Pueblo of Laguna in general legal matters as assigned by the Government Affairs Director, including contract matters, relations with the United States Government and federal agencies, relations with state and local governments and agencies.
• Appears before and responds to federal and state legislative committees, litigation in federal, state, municipal or tribal courts on behalf of the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Coordinates legal work and activities; keeps proper records of work performed or received.
• Attends Pueblo Council meetings, Staff Officers meetings, entities board meetings, and other meetings as directed by the Government Affairs Director in order to provide regular reports on legal issues relevant to the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Provides general legal services to the Pueblo’s programs and departments, routinely reviewing legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operations.
• Provides legal advice and representation on legal matters which include but are not limited to economic development, gaming, taxation, tribal lands, natural resources, environmental resources, cultural resources, civil and criminal law, administrative matters, health and welfare issues, and employment law that may have a potential impact on Pueblo employees and/or Pueblo operations.
• Maintains active communication with outside counsel to prevent duplication of effort and to assure an effective resolution of problems.
• Reviews legal documents, including but not limited to court decisions, proposed legislation, rules, regulations, and pending legislation to protect the Pueblo of Laguna’s interests.
• Drafts legal documents, ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, position papers, legal memoranda, correspondence, and executive summaries.
• May be assigned to work with various Pueblo Boards and Committees on issues of concern, attend meetings, or other external meetings as directed.
• Consistently applies Core Values supporting Workforce Excellence.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
Graduate of law school accredited by the ABA required; minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in at least three of the following areas: federal Indian law; commercial transactions; leasing; construction law; experience performing complex litigation for tribal governments; and code development required. Experience with executive, legislative, and judicial functions of tribal government is preferred. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of New Mexico or must be licensed within the first year of employment. Fluency in the Laguna language preferred.

Background Investigation Requirements:
Every position within the Pueblo of Laguna governmental operations must be designated at a position risk level commensurate with public trust responsibilities and attributes of the position. Each applicant will be subject to suitability determination by using a background investigation process. The level of review is based on the level of public trust associated with the job duties of the position. This position is considered a High Risk Public Trust (HRT) position. To obtain a copy of the Pueblo’s Suitability policy, please see a POL Human Resources Representative.

Type of Background Check Required
-Pre-Employment Drug Screening
-Background Investigation (Criminal Check, Sex Offender Check, Social Security Trace,
-Driving Record, Civil Court Check – if applicable, Tribal Criminal Check – if applicable)
-Employment Verification, Education/License Verification, Personal Reference Verification
-Fingerprint Verification
-Must Be Able to Drive a Pueblo Issued Vehicle
Other

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
• Knowledge of traditional form of government and pueblo customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of the functions and structure of the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, Indian law, regulations, and requirements including US, Part 25; the Pueblo of Laguna Constitution; all existing and applicable codes; Executive Orders, and Council directives; and applicable Federal and State laws regarding tribal operations and its’ sovereigns, reservation boundaries, and jurisdictions.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to interpret applicable laws, regulations, requirements, ordinances, and legislation.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.
• Ability to create and present effective speeches and presentations.
• Ability to identify and secure alternative funding or revenue sources.
• Skill in computer use, including Westlaw, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and software specific to field.
• Skill in reviewing and interpreting complex technical documents, manual, journals, and instructions, financial reports.
• Skill in offering differing opinion in discussion for like objectives in multi-governmental or intra-governmental situations to enhance acceptance of opposing or conflicting views.
• Skill in budget preparation and administration.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.

Application Instructions:
• Go to www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov and click on Employment Opportunities for application instructions and application form. Read instructions prior to completing application form; incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes are encouraged but not in lieu of a complete application form.
• All hand delivered documents must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than 4:30 pm (MDT) on the closing date. All electronically mailed documents must be received by the Human Resources Office no later than 11:59pm (MDT) on the closing date.
• Application packets may be submitted by one of the following methods:
1. E-mail to POLemployment@lagunapueblo-nsn.gov;
2. Mail to Pueblo of Laguna Human Resources; P.O. Box 194; Laguna, NM 87026
3. Deliver to the Human Resources Office, 22 Capital Drive; Laguna, NM
4. Fax to (505) 552-9675
For more information, contact Karen Chino, at (505) 552-5778 or by e-mail at the above address.

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY invites applications for the position of:
Licensed Associate Judge

SALARY: $103,491.00 – $150,061.00 Annually
OPENING DATE: 07/09/15
CLOSING DATE:  08/07/15 11:59 PM

DEFINITION:
Position Summary: Under the administrative direction of the Chief Judge, presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned. Responsible for fair and impartial administration of justice pursuant to the judicial powers granted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and  in ensuring SRPMIC adherence to applicable Federal, Tribal and other relevant laws and ordinances.The Licensed Associate Judge is appointed by the Council. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

EXAMPLES OF TASKS:
Distinguishing Features: The Licensed Associate Judge is an integral member of the judicial system and as such serves to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.  The Licensed Associate Judge must thoroughly understand the legal system, administration of justice, interpersonal relationships, and dispute resolution as well as appropriate decision making techniques, public safety, and governmental methods of reporting.  Responsible for complex and sensitive legal decisions and judicial rulings on criminal and civil cases as assigned.  The Licensed Associate Judge’s work is reviewed by the Chief Judge through an annual performance review, reports, conferences and meetings.  Judicial conduct is governed by Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinances and the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Sec 2, Judicial Rules of Professional Conduct.

Essential Functions:  Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Tasks:

1.Manages and oversees criminal, civil and juvenile cases as assigned by the Chief Judge.    Facilitates and ensures all applicable rules of evidence and other judicial requirements are followed by parties that are in court.

2.If the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) is adopted by the Community, the Licensed Associated Judge would adjudicate TLOA cases.

3.If the Commercial Court is implemented, the Licensed Associate Judge would adjudicate complex commercial transactions that would be pending before the Commercial Court.

4.Assists in the development of court rules of procedure, court policies,and goals and objective to improve operation efficiencies.   At the direction of the Chief Judge,may be asked to assume the duties of the Chief Judge in an “Acting” capacity during the absence of the elected Chief Judge.

5.Manages and maintains regular court case load of non-TLOA cases and fills in as necessary to help avoid court proceeding delays or backlog in court cases.

6.Determines trial procedures and conducts trials, examines evidence, determines validity of allegations, rules on admissibility of evidence, and prepares and issues rulings.

7.Researches legal issues and prepares appropriate legal memoranda, interprets applicable SRPMIC, other tribal jurisdictions, city, state and federal laws and regulations.

8.Drafts and issues court orders and opinions.

9.Directs the preparation and maintenance of records and dockets of actions and courts proceedings in accordance with accepted standards of court procedures.

10.Conducts arraignments, advisement of rights, and sets appearance dates.

11.Presides in jury trials and assists with jury management.  Gives jury instructions on application of facts to law.

12.Executes and issues court processes including, but not limited to, writs, judgments, decrees, arrest warrants, search warrants, subpoenas, summons, long form complaints and civil injunctions.

13.Drafts and issues orders compelling attendance at court proceedings.

14.Determines plea, motion and sentencing issues and authorizes collection procedures.

15.Decides restitution awards, revocation of probation status and bond forfeitures.

16.Sentences defendants in criminal cases in accordance with applicable laws.

17.Sits on appellate panels, if appropriate.

18.Assists in the development and implementation of plans, goals and objectives to ensure the effective and efficient administration of justice.

19.Coordinates with other tribes, federal, state, county and city authorities on court-related and juvenile matters.

20.Attends ongoing training as required by the SRPMIC and pursuant to Chapter 4, Art. 2, 4-22 of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances.

21.Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Chief Judge to maintain and enhance judicial operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the SRPMIC ordinances, laws, rules, customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and Tribal statutes, codes, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of general law, court procedures, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of principles of civil and criminal law and appeals problems and procedures and methods of legal research.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of judicial administration, program planning and development, employee supervision and training.
• Knowledge of court operations, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of the history and culture of the SRPMIC.

• Skill in oral and written communications to conduct court proceedings and elicit pertinent information from all parties.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other judicial entities, regulatory agencies, staff, government officials, SRPMIC members and the general public.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, laws, acts, regulations and standards.
• Skill in understanding and applying complex policies, procedures, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Skill in determining alternative approaches to problem solving.

• Ability to hear and decide cases and perform judicial duties in a fair and impartial manner while upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
• Ability to research, interpret, analyze and apply legal principles to pending cases.
• Ability to regulate extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of neglecting or creating a conflict with judicial duties.

Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with other members of the judiciary, other governmental entities, parties before the Court, and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:  The applicant shall meet all the qualifications as set for in Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-22 (D) of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances as amended.  Such qualifications include:

1.Being thirty (30) years of age or older;

2. Must have graduated from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctorate;

3.Must be a member for at least three (3) years and in good standing with a state bar association;

4.Of good moral character and any assessment of moral character shall be consistent with the customs and traditions of the Akimel O’odham and Xalychidom Piiipaash peoples;

5.Has never been removed for good cause as a judge in jurisdiction;

6.Has never been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction and has not been convicted of a misdemeanor (not including violations that are generally considered civil  traffic violations) within the past 5 years; and

7.Preference will be given to enrolled members of the Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Tohono O’odham Nation.

8.Serving a one (1) year probationary period;

9.Having never been removed for good cause from a judge position in any jurisdiction;

10.Being subject to SRPMIC administrative policies regarding employees except when such policies are inconsistent with the status and duties of a judge including, but not limited to, employee grievance, recruitment and selection, and underfill policies.  Notwithstanding the administrative policies, Section 4-25 of the SRPMIC Code of ordinance shall apply to all removal or suspension of judges;

11.Being subject to the SRPMIC Court Rules of Professional Conduct, Section 2 Judicial Rules of Professional conduct and as these rules may be amended.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

“SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer” Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain consideration for Community member/Native American preference, applicant must submit a copy of Tribal Enrollment card or CIB which indicates enrollment in a Federally Recognized Native American Tribe by one of the following methods:
1) attach to application
2)  fax (480) 362-5860
3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.
The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted.
Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.