Category Archives: Alumni

Job Opportunity – Tohono O’odham Nation

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Tohono O’odham Nation
Office of Attorney General

 The Office of Attorney General represents the interests of the Tohono O’odham Nation in tribal, state, and federal venues.  Attorneys in the office enjoy a diverse practice and challenging jurisdictional issues while protecting tribal sovereignty.

 The Office of Attorney General is now hiring an Assistant Attorney General III, with at least six years of relevant Indian law experience.  The Nation offers generous benefits including paid holidays, sick and annual leave, and low cost medical, dental, and vision insurance.

 Minimum requirements include an active Arizona State Bar license, or a license in another state and Arizona licensing within 18 months of employment.  A valid Arizona driver’s license is also required, along with consent to have your driving record checked periodically.  Applicants must also pass a background check.

Send a letter of interest, resume, legal writing sample, and three references to Attorney General Jonathan Jantzen by email to jonathan.jantzen@tonation-nsn.gov. 

Job Opportunity – Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP

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ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY 

Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP is a nationwide law firm dedicated to the representation of American Indian tribes and organizations. We represent tribes and tribal entities in a wide spectrum of services including business transactions, litigation and governmental affairs, in many forums, including state, federal, and tribal courts.

 

We are seeking an experienced Associate Attorney with 1 – 5 years of tribal and federal Indian law practice for our Rapid City, South Dakota office.

 

Minimum qualifications include:

  •  Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school
  •  Status as an active member in good standing of the bar with any state jurisdiction
  • One to five years of experience working with Indian tribes or tribal entities on a wide array of legal issues such as business transitions, housing, education, finance, gaming, government affairs, litigation, energy, natural resources and taxation
  • Familiarity with tribal and federal Indian law
  • Excellent analytical, research and writing abilities
  •  Ability to work well independently and as a team in a fast paced environment
  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently to attend client meetings and court or administrative hearings at locations throughout North Dakota and South Dakota
  • Proven skills in effectively communicating with Tribal clients, opposing co-counsel and federal/state/tribal agency representatives

Your contributions are rewarded with a “Total Compensation” Package including a competitive salary, bonus potential and excellent benefits.

 

Send your resume today with a cover letter, salary requirements, writing sample, professional references and law school transcripts, if graduated within the last 5 years to:

 

Ann Hacker, Director of Human Resources
ahacker@ndnlaw.com
3610 N 163rd Plaza
Omaha, NE 68116

Position is open until November 30, 2013

 

Alumni News

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Congratulations to Mary Modrich-Alvarado (Class of 2008) who has been selected as an American Bar Association (ABA) Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Scholar.  Mary is a tribal attorney in the Tax & Finance Unit at the Navajo Nation Department of Justice in Window Rock, Arizona.  She advises and works with the Navajo Nation’s departments, programs, and committees on legal issues focusing on tax, finance, and litigation.

Call for Nominations

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Call for Nominations

The Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law has created three awards to be given annually to recognize the ILP’s distinguished alumni.  The inaugural awards will be presented at the ILP 25th Anniversary Dinner on November 22, 2013.  Awards will be given in the following categories: the Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award, the Indian Legal Program Alumni Service Award, and the Indian Legal Program Emerging Leader Award.

Nomination materials are due by October 18, 2013.  Nomination materials should be sent by email or mail to:

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee
Indian Legal Program
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
PO Box 877906
Tempe, AZ  85287
pafergus@asu.edu

2014 Indian Legal Program Awards Nomination Guidelines

Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement Award

The Indian Legal Program Professional Achievement 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.

Indian Legal Program Alumni Service Award

The ILP Alumni Service 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.

Indian Legal Program Emerging Leader Award

The ILP Emerging Leader Award acknowledges and encourages service to the ILP by alumni who are less than ten years out of law school.  The award recognizes outstanding achievements in promoting or supporting the ILP through volunteer support of ILP and/or ASU NALSA.  Such activities could include support of the ASU NALSA Golf Tournament, mentoring, fundraising, volunteering for ASU NALSA moot court, volunteering at ILP events, and student recruitment.

Nomination Package Requirements

  • 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.

Job Opening – SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY -Assistant General Counsel (Government)

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SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
invites applications for the position of:
Assistant General Counsel (Government)

An Equal Opportunity Employer
SALARY: $106,539.00 – $157,148.00 Annually

 

OPENING DATE: 09/25/13
CLOSING DATE: 10/25/13 11:59 PM
DEFINITION:
Definition:  Under general supervision of the General Counsel, provides legal review and advice to the SaltRiver Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC or Community) government.  Ensures that applicable laws are followed so that tribal sovereignty is protected and enhanced.  Provides assistance to avoid or prevent expensive legal disputes and litigation and protects the Community’s legal interests.  This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.
EXAMPLES OF TASKS:
Essential Functions:  (Essential functions, may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).Tasks:

 

  1. Reviews legal documents and provides legal advice, to protect SRPMIC interests; may be assigned as counsel for civil litigation involving the Community and its departments.    Advises supervisor, Community departments, divisions and enterprises and the Community Council.  Reviews law, rules, regulations, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, grant documents and related legal documents.

 

  1. Provides legal guidance on personnel, program and other related issues to various departments of the SRPMIC.  Drafts legal documents, ordinances and policies.  May provide functional, project specific supervision to support staff.

 

  1. Works with a broad range of clients such as Council members, government employees, boards, and committees and other officials, many of whom are Community members.  Interacts with Community members and the public on a day-to-day basis.

 

  1. Represents SRPMIC at internal, external or intergovernmental meetings related to the various interests of the Community.  Attendances at after-hour meetings maybe required.

 

  1. Conducts legal research and provides advice related to Community interests, tribal sovereignty, tribal jurisdiction, taxation, membership, health and human resources, law enforcement, human resources/personnel matters, civil litigation, commercial transactions, business law and/or other areas.

 

  1. Assists in the preparation of legal and technical correspondence for the President, Vice President, Community Manager, and General Counsel.

 

  1. Keeps abreast of federal law, regulations, administrative and court decisions in Indian law and interacts with other tribal, federal, state or local agencies on behalf of the Community.

 

  1. May supervise non-attorneys, law clerks, interns, and/or externs.

 

  1. Performs other job related duties that enhance and/or facilitate department operations.

 

                                                                                    

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

 

  • Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
  • Knowledge of representing clients as legal counsel.
  • Knowledge of Federal Indian law.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of the legal profession.
  • Knowledge of case law appropriate to the issues and cases assigned.
  • Knowledge of legal research methods, legal research software, and use of data bases.
  • Skill in interpreting and applying statues, ordinances and other laws.
  • Skill in interpreting and applying rules, regulations, and policies.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with SRPMIC Administration,  Community Council members, Community members officials  and appropriate outside entities.
  • Skill in communicating and instructing others, using both technical and non-technical language as appropriate to provide legal counsel and explanation to those for whom the subject matter is unfamiliar and/or difficult to understand.

 

  • Ability to get along well and cooperate with others.
  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing with administrative staff, community member officials, outside entities and co-workers.
  • Ability to perform legal research.
  • Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal issues and apply legal principles.
  • Ability to adapt to changing work situations and assignments.
  • Ability to exercise resourcefulness in addressing new problems.
  • Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically, in both written and oral form.
  • Ability to produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts, using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
  • Ability to set priorities and be organized in order to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to analyze and aid in drafting and commenting on proposed legislation.
  • Ability to appear as counsel of record in litigation or other adjudicatory proceedings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:  Graduation from an American Bar Associated accredited college or university with a Law Degree (Juris Doctor) and at least three (3) years of experience as a licensed attorney representing Native American tribes in legal affairs.  Experience that has provided knowledge of social, political, and legal framework of tribal governments is essential.
Equivalency:  Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling this position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Special Requirements:  Must be a member in good standing with a state bar association or if currently not a member of the Arizona Bar must take and pass the Arizona Bar Exam and be admitted to the Arizona Bar within one (1) year from the date of hire.  In addition, candidates must have the ability to practice in Federal District Court if required.  Must attend a minimum of 15 hours annual continuing legal education as related to job and approved by supervisor.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 CIB form is not accepted.
Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:
http://www.srpmic-nsn.gov/employmentOUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
10005 E Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
480-362-7935
480-362-7925
employment@srpmic-nsn.govPreference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate.

Job #100067-130925
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL (GOVERNMENT)
KT

Congrats to ILP’s Alum & Faculty member Diane Humetewa who has been nominated for U.S. District Court Judge

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President Obama Nominates Eight to Serve on the United States District Courts 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Cynthia Ann Bashant, Stanley Allen Bastian, Diane J. Humetewa, Justice Jon David Levy, Judge Steven Paul Logan, Judge Douglas L. Rayes, Manish S. Shah, and John Joseph Tuchi for District Court judgeships.

“These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench,” said President Obama. “They will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice.”

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is honored to have 3 SDOC alums in the 8 nominees!

See full release at:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/09/19/president-obama-nominates-eight-serve-united-states-district-courts