Category Archives: Jobs

Job opportunity: Tribal Prosecutor

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Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
Kingston, WA

Salary: $106,752.07 – $122,002.37 Salary/year

Closes: 8/23/24

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is unwavering in its commitment to fully assert its sovereignty as it works to prevent and diminish criminal activity and victimization within the Reservation.  This commitment requires robust and efficient efforts in investigation and prosecuting crimes, complemented by meaningful utilization of traditional healing and cultural services for victims, along with suitable measures to address offenses appropriately. The Tribal prosecutor is a pivotal collaborator in advancing these objectives, concurrently identifying, and mitigating potential risks to the Tribe’s political, social, and cultural integrity relating to Tribal justice and victimization. 

The Tribal Prosecutor collaborates closely with and provides legal support to the Tribal Police Department, the Indian Child Welfare Program, Probation & Pretrial Services, the Natural Resources Department, Domestic Violence Program, Vulnerable Adult Program, and other Tribal departments and programs to assess Tribal interests and provide deliver vigorous and effective prosecution services across a spectrum of crimes; juvenile delinquency and status offenses, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and neglect, fish and wildlife offenses, civil exclusion matters, traffic offenses, and other relevant civil offenses with Tribal jurisdiction.  

Required Qualifications:

  • Must have a J.D. and be an active member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, or other State Bar Association, with ability to become member of Washington State Bar Association within one year of hire.
  • Knowledge of tribal, state, and federal law relevant to proceedings in the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.
  • Willingness to learn about and to respect the culture and traditions of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.
  • Ability to employ tact, courtesy, positivity, flexibility, and healthy perspective in the workplace.
  • Ability to maintain professionalism while interacting with a wide variety of people in a fast-paced, emotionally charged, crisis-oriented environment.
  • Ability to pass pre-employment UA drug/alcohol screening and comply with drug-free workplace policy thereafter, subject to random testing.
  • Ability to pass pre-employment background check demonstrating no felony conviction in tribal, state, or federal court, and no misdemeanor conviction within one year of hire.
  • Must be licensed driver with private, insured vehicle for use during workday.

See full job posting.

Job opportunities: Executive Director and Staff Attorney

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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.  For over 45 years, the Center has championed the cause of American Indian and indigenous peoples, demanding justice, equality, and respect for indigenous peoples’ human rights. Together with Indian and Alaska Native nations, we have not only defined but also created new human rights at the international level. We have many times confronted forces that threatened to undermine Indian sovereignty and emerged victorious in national and international legal and policy arenas. The Center’s work has raised awareness of systemic inequities and has transformed attitudes rooted in ignorance and racism.

The Center is headquartered in Helena, Montana, with a Washington, D.C. office and eight programs currently operating in the United States and five countries in Central and South America. The Center has a staff of ten and an annual operating budget of approximately $3.4M.  More information on the Center can be found at:  https://indianlaw.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Qualifications and responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and growth of the organization. This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader with exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills, a deep commitment to indigenous peoples’ rights, and the ability to inspire and mobilize staff, collaborators, funders, and those we serve.  We seek an Executive Director with these core skills and values and are open to organizing our team to best complement this person’s leadership style.

For example, an Executive Director focused on legal and public activism may opt to elevate operations and fund-raising professionals to play a larger role in their respective areas of expertise.  Conversely, an Executive Director with strong general management, executive leadership and fund-raising skills may want to encourage staff focused on legal work and public activism to play a more public role. These are ideas we are open to exploring in this process.

For full Executive Director job description and application, click here.

STAFF ATTORNEY

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.

For full Staff Attorney job announcement and application, click here.

 

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: 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

Job posting

Job opportunity: Trial Attorney

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Department of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division – Indian Resources Section
Washington, D.C.

Closing date: 07/12/2024
Salary: $139,395 – $191,900 per year

The Indian Resources Section litigates on behalf of federal agencies when they are protecting the rights and resources of federally recognized Indian tribes and their members. This includes defending against challenges to statutes and agency action designed to protect tribal interests and affirmative actions to protect tribal rights and natural resources. The rights at issue include water rights, the ability to acquire reservation land, hunting and fishing rights, and other natural resources.

Qualifications:
Successful applicants must have the following:

At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.
At least 5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.
In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must possess a J.D. degree; be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction); and be a U.S. citizen. Experience in litigation, administrative law, and/or environmental law is highly desirable.

Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is:

GS-14 ($139,395 – $181,216)
GS-15 ($163,964 – $191,900)

For application details, go to full job description.

Job opportunity: Attorney-Advisor

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Department of the Interior
Office of the Solicitor
Pacific Southwest Region
Sacramento, CA

Closing date: 06/18/2024

Salary: $96,148 – $175,645 per year

The selected attorney will serve as an Attorney-Adviser at the Sacramento Regional Off ice of the Pacific Southwest Region. Inparticular, you will provide quality legal research, analysis, advice, and representation to the Bureau of Indian Aff airs (BIA) andNational Park Service and other off icials of the Department of the Interior. Your specific duties will include:

  • A major focus of this position will be on Federal Indian law and other issues aff ecting the BIA Pacific Region, including land andenvironmental law issues, National Environmental Policy Act and permitting matters, contracting issues (primarily under theIndian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), leasing and right-of-way issues, trespass issues, forestry issues, andgrazing issues.
  • Representing BIA Pacific in administrative hearings or appeals, including possible appearances before the Interior Board ofIndian Appeals, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and state agencies in California. Responsibilities will also includeassisting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in representing BIA Pacific in federal, state or tribal judicial proceedings.
  • Requires cooperative and productive interactions with off icials and staff of BIA Pacific, off icials and staff of the National ParkService or other bureaus of DOI; other attorneys within the Solicitor’s Off ice; attorneys in DOJ, including attorneys in the off icesof the U.S. Attorneys; off icials and attorneys in other Federal agencies; and State, local, or tribal off icials and attorneys. Therewill also be interactions with attorneys and others representing non-governmental interests.
  • Requires detailed familiarity with Indian law and the possession or development of detailed familiarity with such laws as: theAdministrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Indian Self-Determination and Education AssistanceAct, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • The other focus of this position will be on legal issues aff ecting the National Park Service, on areas of practice that include, butare not limited to Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, cooperative agreements, right-of-way permitting, land use planning,environmental law, water law. Statutes that the incumbents must be familiar with include, but are not limited to, NationalEnvironmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Administrative Procedure Act, Freedomof Information Act, and Privacy Act. The incumbent must also be able to interpret and provide advice related to the variousregulations implementing the above statutes, as well as regulations implementing bureau programs.

For full job description and to apply, go here

Job opportunity: Civil litigation associate

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Galanda Broadman, PLLC, an Indigenous rights firm with seven lawyers and offices in
Seattle and Yakima, Washington, and Bend, Oregon, seeks to add an experienced civil
litigation associate who is also interested in practicing tribal law.

Galanda Broadman is an Indigenous owned firm dedicated to advancing tribal and tribal citizen legal rights and tribal business interests. The firm represents tribal governments, businesses, and citizens in critical litigation, business and regulatory matters, especially inthe areas of Treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, land rights, cultural property protection, taxation, commerce, gaming, serious/catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, disenrollment defense, and Indigenous human/civil rights.

The firm seeks a lawyer who are deeply committed to representing Indigenous interests, who is state bar licensed in Washington state or Oregon; and who has civil litigation or a judicial clerk experience. The lawyer would help bring federal Section 1983 civil rights claims against local governments, federal claims for tribal governments, as well as serve tribal governments as general outside counsel.

We prefer applicants with at least three years of experience but exceptions can be made for exceptional candidates. Proven motion and civil rules practice, if not trial, experience, and the ability to self-direct are critical. Impeccable writing and research skills; critical and audacious thinking; strong oral advocacy; tremendous work ethic; tenacity; and sound ethics are required.

Salary DOE.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter tailored to this announcement, as well as:

  • Résumé
  • Writing sample’
  • Transcript
  • List of at least three educational or professional references 

Send to Alice Hall, the firm’s Office Manager: alice@galandabroadman.com

Applications directed elsewhere will not be considered.

For more information about Galanda Broadman, visit galandabroadman.com.

Job opportunity: Tribal Policy Manager

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Washington State Office of the Attorney General

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for an exempt full time Tribal Policy Manager in the Policy Unit. This position may be located in Seattle or Olympia, Washington, and is not union-represented

Exempt Salary Range: $90,000 – $101,581.

This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated first review of application in mid-March, 2025. It is in the applicants’ best interest to submit applications as early as possible. This posting may be closed at any time without warning.

Required Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, political science, criminal justice, government, economics, or related field.

OR

  • Seven or more years of relevant work experience.

Skills & Abilities
The most competitive applicants will possess the following qualifications:

  • Tribal policy experience
  • Excellent, persuasive writing skills
  • Archival research experience
  • Trauma-informed approaches to community engagement
  • Racial equity analysis experience
  • Experience developing and executing community engagement plans for historically excluded communities

Review full job description: 02652 Emmett Till Sr. Policy Mgr #2897 

Submit your application, including a current resume and letter of interest at:

Emmett Till Tribal Policy Analyst

Or via email to Judith.Vandergeest@atg.wa.gov

Job opportunity: Gaming attorney

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The Hopi Tribe is seek experienced attorneys or law firms to provide the Hopi Tribe legal advice and representation on its behalf in matters involving Arizona Indian Gaming.

Proposal due date: March 29, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. (Arizona Time)

Contact: Office of General Counsel (928) 734-3141

Email proposals to: NPoneoma@hopi.nsn.us

Detailed scope of work:

The selected Contractor will provide the following services to the Hopi Tribe:

The Contractor will provide legal services to the Hopi Tribe in connection with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, matters under the Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compact (Compact) and applicable Hopi Tribe laws and policies. 

Specifically, the Attorney will work on amendments, negotiations and implementations of the Tribal State Compact. The Contractor will assist the Office of General Counsel with transactional services which includes, but not limited to review and drafting Hopi Tribe laws and policies with respect to gaming regulatory, drafting of contracts, review of licensing issues, amendments, negotiations and implementation of the Compacts and any ancillary issues related to the aforementioned.

Experience in the field of Gaming, Indian is essential.  Experience in Hopi tribal law is preferred. Demonstration of these qualifications should include information indicating the depth of experience and the nature of legal services in which you or your firm has been involved over time.

See job announcement: gaming attorney (2024)

Job opportunity: Equal Justice Works Fellowship

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Job Description: Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation will host an Equal Justice Works Fellow for up to 2 years in this fellowship program, to start as soon as possible and end January 23, 2026. The Fellow will work as a part of the Equal Justice Works Disaster Resilience Program, a national, professional Fellowship program for attorneys designed to mobilize legal aid in areas that have suffered disaster, including immigration and humanitarian crises, to ensure vital legal services are accessible, comprehensive, and responsive to the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities to rebuild more resilient communities.

Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is committed to contributing legal services and advocacy needed for the pono recovery of West Maui following the tragic wildfires of August 2023, and is honored to collaborate with Equal Justice Works as a host organization in the Disaster Resilience Program. This partnership will allow a fellow in the program to work at NHLC as a staff attorney dedicated to legal work in scope of this program.

What We Do: Equal Justice Works is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. We facilitate Fellowships at legal services organizations to help fulfill our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.

As a Disaster Resilience Fellow, you will be part of a prestigious group of attorneys hosted by legal services organizations across the United States. During the Fellowship term, Fellows work collaboratively to:

  • provide legal advice, referrals, and full representation to underserved Maui wildfire survivors;
  • identify areas for policy change and reform;
  • engage in outreach and education activities, such as Know-Your-Rights presentations;
  • and work with community partners to increase disaster preparedness and resilience.

Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation is a non-profit legal service organization and the only law firm in the world dedicated to the practice of Native Hawaiian rights law. For 49 years, NHLC has steadfastly served the lāhui and people of Hawaiʻi to realize our vision for a just Hawaiʻi guided by Hawaiian values, customs, and ways of knowing. As a fellow at NHLC, you will join a firm with long history providing civil legal aid to Native Hawaiian families, Hawaiian Homes Commision Act beneficiaries, cultural practitioners, and stewards of Hawaiian lands, waters, cultural properties, and the natural environment. Our matters include work to protect constitutionally protected traditional and customary practice rights, hold government accountable to its trust duties, uphold Native Hawaiian entitlements, and ensure Native Hawaiian families have the legal counsel necessary to maintain homes and Hawaiian lifeways in Hawaii.

Fellowship Benefits: Equal Justice Works Fellows are part of a network of over 2,500 current and former Fellows dedicated to improving access to equal justice for all. As a member of the network, each Fellow has access to:

  • Equal Justice Works’ annual Leadership Development Training, which is attended by ~300 current Fellows each year. The conference will be in-person in DC in the fall of 2024 and 2025.
  • Responsive training and technical assistance from Equal Justice Work’s immigration TTA provider.
  • Regular substantive and skills-based webinars throughout the Fellowship.
  • Monthly networking and collaboration sessions with other Disaster Resilience Fellows.
  • Additional networking opportunities with all Equal Justice Works Fellows throughout the year.

How to Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to sharla.manley@nhlchi.org

Required Qualifications

  • A passion for NHLC’s mission.
  • Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
  • License in good standing to practice law, preferably in HI
  • Demonstrate commitment to social justice, with a desire to increase access to justice for disaster survivors and achieve results
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • An ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting to facilitate a coordinated community response and provide holistic services to clients.
  • The desire and ability to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team, and to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous legal services experience, including civil legal aid, law school clinics, and/or internships.
  • Prior disaster related legal experience.
  • Experience with delivering training and presentations.
  • Knowledge of and/or interest in Native Hawaiian communities, culture, language, lands, and waters.
  • Experience practicing Native Hawaiian and/or indigenous law and human rights.
  • Experience serving Native Hawaiian and/or indigenous communities.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily indoors. Employee will be in contact with chemicals and materials normally found in office environments. Employee will be exposed to low to moderate levels of noise and distraction. Employee may be required to walk to various agencies to conduct research and may be exposed to city pollution, sunlight, heat, humidity, and inclement weather. As needed, employee may conduct outdoor site visits to locations relevant to client matters. Access to some outdoor sites may require employee to follow established federal, state, and/or county government recommendations regarding donning proper personal protective equipment (PPE) due to potential air quality and hazardous materials in the area. Employees must comply with all recommendations and minimize visits to those areas.

Benefits

  • Medical and dental insurance.
  • Generous combined leave and holiday policy.
  • Flexible hybrid-work policy.
  • After 1 year of employment, 401(k) contribution plan with employer matching.