Job Opportunity – Chief Legislative Counsel

The Navajo Nation
Office of Legislative Counsel/ Window Rock, AZ

Closing Date:6/10/2019 5:00 p.m.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under administrative direction of the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, performs work of unusual difficulty in serving as chief legal counsel to the Navajo Nation Council and the Navajo Nation Legislative Branch; directs all legal and administrative affairs of the Office of Legislative Counsel; provides comprehensive legal guidance and advice to the Navajo Nation Council, standing committees, boards, commissions, and the Legislative Branch; coordinates legal advice and opinions with the Department of Justice and other attorneys providing legal services to the Nation; provides advice and counsel, including interpretation of tribal, state and federal laws and regulations; performs complex legal research and analysis of laws, legal precedents and policies; provides legislative branch representation in mediation and administrative hearings; provides training and orientation in specific laws and their application. Drafts, reviews and prepares proposed legislation, reports, legal documents and correspondence for the Navajo Nation Council and entities of the Legislative Branch; codifies Navajo Nation laws, rules and regulations; develops an annual work plan and budget for the Office of Legislative Counsel; attends meetings, training and seminars in support of continuing legal education requirements; prepares and submits activity reports to the Office of the Speaker.

Qualification Requirements: (Education, Experience, and Training)

  • A Juris Doctorate; and twelve (12) years professional experience in practice of law which must include two (2) years working directly with or for a legislative body, four (4) years working with a tribal government, two (2) years working for the Navajo Nation government as an attorney or four (4) years providing legal representation to entities or individuals subject to the laws of the Navajo Nation; and four (4) years working in a supervisory capacity of which two (2) years must include supervising senior-level attorneys.
  • State licensed and current admission to the Navajo Nation Bar Association.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of: federal, state and Navajo Nation laws and regulations relating to administrative and regulatory functions; Navajo Nation, state and federal statutory laws and regulations affecting tribal governments and Navajo members; Fundamental Law; the procedures and rules required for administrative, legislative and judicial hearings; the methods and techniques of legal research and analysis, lobbying and presenting cases in court. Skill in: analyzing and organizing facts, evidence and precedents; developing an appropriate argument or defense and presenting supportive materials; verbal and written communication. Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relations with Navajo Nation Council delegates, executive staff, court officials, governmental officials, political figures and the general public; exercise initiative and good judgment in creating, interpreting and applying law, policies, regulations, procedures and administrative methods; objectively and analytically devise practical solutions quickly and effectively.

Knowledge of: federal, state and Navajo Nation laws and regulations relating to administrative and regulatory functions; Navajo Nation, state and federal statutory laws and regulations affecting tribal governments and Navajo members; Fundamental Law; the procedures and rules required for administrative, legislative and judicial hearings; the methods and techniques of legal research and analysis, lobbying and presenting cases in court. Skill in: analyzing and organizing facts, evidence and precedents; developing an appropriate argument or defense and presenting supportive materials; verbal and written communication. Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relations with Navajo Nation Council delegates, executive staff, court officials, governmental officials, political figures and the general public; exercise initiative and good judgment in creating, interpreting and applying law, policies, regulations, procedures and administrative methods; objectively and analytically devise practical solutions quickly and effectively.

For full job description, click here.

Job Opportunity – Associate Justice

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Scottsdale, AZ

Closing: 5/17/19 11:59 PM

Definition:
Participates and as required, may preside over criminal, civil and juvenile appeal hearings as part of the SRPMIC Appellate Court. Responsible for the 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 Associate Justice is appointed by the Council. 

Examples for Tasks:

1. The Associate Justice will sit on an appeals panel to hear cases brought before the Appellate Court. Facilitates and ensures all applicable rules of evidence and other judicial requirements are followed by all parties involved in the tribal court’s decision.

2. As required, monitors timelines for filings of briefs, motions and/or other steps and processes within the Appellate process. Schedules briefings and determines compliance to timelines and time frames of all court procedures.3. Grants or denies requests for extensions, issues an Opinion, Memorandum or Order within established timeframes.

4. Reviews processes, procedures, rulings and other activities including verdicts/final judgments from the trial court along with requests for non-final orders or judgments. Reviews record on appeal as prepared by trial court clerk.5. Reviews briefs, memoranda and other submitted documents to evaluate and determine if applicable rules of evidence and other judicial requirements were followed by all parties involved in the tribal court’s decision.

6. May issue ancillary orders and approve/disapprove Amicus Curiae briefs requested to be filed.7. Performs other job related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance Community Appellate Court operations.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience: The applicant shall meet all the qualifications as set for in Chapter 4, Article 2, 4-32 (2) (a), (b), (d), (e), (h), (i) and (k), as well as Section 4-88(2) of the SRPMIC Code of Ordinances as amended.  Such qualifications include:

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

2. Possessing a two (2) year degree (Associate of Arts, certificate, etc.) or higher preferably in a law related field (e.g., law degree, criminal justice, administration of justice, police science, paralegal) OR having at least three (3) years consecutive bench experience within the past five (5) years of appointment to the bench;3. Must have at least five (5) years of judicial or law-related experience;

4. Preference will be given to candidates who are members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community or the Tohono O’odham Nation, or other federal recognized tribe.

5. Preference will also be given to candidate with prior tribal court judicial experience.6. Having never been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction, and having not been convicted of a misdemeanor within five (5) years of the date of the judicial application filed with the SRPMIC Council.  A misdemeanor shall be conviction of the type of behavior proscribed in Chapters 6 and 10 and 16-231 through 16-236 of Chapter 16 (Dealing with DWI and Reckless Driving) of the SRPMIC’s Code of Ordinances, whether committed on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community or in another jurisdiction;

7. Be of good moral character, and in determining character, the SRPMIC Council shall consider, among other things, the laws, customs and traditions of the SRPMIC;8. Familiar with the customs and traditions of the Akimel O’odham and Xalychidom Piipaash people and how those customs and traditions can be applied to the matters pending before the Community Court;

9. Serving a one (1) year probationary period;10. Having never been removed for good cause from a judge position in any jurisdiction;

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. 

“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 application2)  fax (480) 362-58603) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Applications may be filed online at: http://www.srpmic-nsn.gov/employment

To download full job description, click here.

Applications Being Accepted for Arizona Court of Appeals-Division I Vacancy

AApplications are being accepted for a vacancy on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals created by the appointment of Judge James P. Beene to the Arizona Supreme Court.

The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants, and recommend at least three nominees for the vacancy to Governor Doug Ducey, who will appoint the new judge.

The most current judicial application form (revised January 2017) can be downloaded at the Judicial Department website: www.azcourts.gov/jnc. Applications may also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, by calling (602) 452-3311, or by sending an electronic mail request to jnc@courts.az.gov.

Applicants must be of good moral character and admitted to the practice of law in, and a resident of the state of Arizona for the past five years, and a resident of Maricopa County for the past three years.

A signed original application with all attachments, and a searchable .pdf version of the application and attachments must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, by 3:00 p.m. on May 31, 2019. 

Eligible applicants who wish to be considered for this vacancy and the vacancy on the Arizona Supreme Court DO NOT need to submit two separate applications.

The Commission may, at its discretion, use the applications filed for this vacancy to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for this vacancy is held. 

All meetings of the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments are open to the public. Meeting dates will be announced. 

The new judge will be paid $154,533.75 annually.

Job Opportunity – Associate Judge

Puyallup Tribe of Indians
Closes: 5/17/2019

Serves as hearing judge for the Puyallup Tribal Court in accordance with the tribal Judicial Administrative Code. The term of the Associate Judge shall be three (3) years from the date of appointment by the Tribal Council. A judge may be reappointed at the expiration of a term in the discretion of the Tribal Council.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Hears cases brought before the court or jury, including, but not limited to criminal, civil, fishing, hunting, youth dependency, traffic, housing, gaming, employment and all domestic violence related cases.
  2. Determines the meaning, interpretation, and application of the Tribal Constitution and laws and, where appropriate, other authorities.
  3. Issues subpoenas compelling the attendance of witnesses at proceedings.
  4. Issues search warrants and warrants to apprehend pursuant to the Tribe’s rules governing criminal procedure.
  5. Determines the amount of bail to be posted.
  6. Issues any order or writ necessary and proper to the complete exercise of the powers and the general authority of the court, including those necessary to compel compliance with orders of the court and to punish persons for failure to comply.
  7. Conducts legal research and writing.
  8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience
Juris Doctorate degree and three years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in writing a variety of court related documents. Must have knowledge and understanding of courtroom procedures.

How to apply:
Apply online at https://usr55.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/ptoiad
or follow the link on the Puyallup Tribe’s employment page: http://puyallup-tribe.com/employment/.

If you have any questions about the online application, call (253) 573-7863 or email
jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov

To download full job announcement, click here.

Job Opportunities – Yavapai-Apache Nation

Yavapai-Apache Nation

Prosecutor II

Closes: 5/10/2019
The Prosecutor investigates, evaluates and prosecutes juveniles and adults accused of violating the criminal laws of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The Prosecutor also represents the Nation in dependency and neglect proceedings, including Indian Child Welfare proceedings, before tribal and state courts. The Prosecutor will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in an ethical manner and assure that justice is upheld according to the laws and custom of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Download full job description here.

Associate Justice of the Appellate Court
Closes: 5/10/2019
The Court System of the Yavapai-Apache Nation is a two-tiered court system consisting of trial and appellate courts. The government of the Nation is operated in accordance with a Constitution and Laws. The Associate Justice will be appointed to a two-year term of office and may be re-appointed upon re-application. Download full job description here.

How to apply:
Please submit your resume and application to:
Yavapai-Apache Nation / Human Resources
2400 W. Datsi / Camp Verde, AZ 86322
P: 928-567-1062 / Fax: 928-567-1064
www.yavapai-apache.org

Job Opportunities – Navajo Nation

Staff Attorney, Chinle Judicial District, Chinle AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.

Associate Attorney, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position provides a variety of legal advice, research and related legal services in support of the overall operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; assists with judicial administrative functions, such as researching and recommending policy changes and improvements for overall Judicial Branch. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

Court Solicitor, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ.  This position provides a variety of legal advice, counseling, research and related legal services in support of the overall operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; assists with judicial administrative functions, such as recommending policy changes and improvements for overall Judicial Branch; shall supervise and oversee all licensed attorneys, law clerk, hearing officers, supreme court clerk, and law clerk interns of the Judicial Branch.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. The District Court Judge is responsible in presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases; provides policy direction and guidance in the operation of the Judicial District.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position shall perform work of unusual difficulty, hear arguments, read briefs and conduct research necessary to pass judgment and issue rulings on cases brought before the Navajo Nation Supreme Court.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

Job Opportunity – General Counsel

Havasupai Tribe
Flagstaff, AZ


Application closes: May 15, 2019

Job Summary:
The General Counsel is the principal legal counsel of the Havasupai Tribe and reports directly to the Havasupai Tribal Council. The General Counsel provides professional legal counsel and representation to the Havasupai Tribal government as indicated by the Tribal Council. The General Counsel works closely and independently with the Tribal Council and the Tribal Government staff. Finally, the General Counsel assists the Tribal Council in managing the work of the Tribe’s outside legal counsel.
The Havasupai Tribe has a remote office in Flagstaff, Arizona for professional staff.

  1. The General Counsel shall focus legal representation and work for the Havasupai Tribe on the following priority areas and issues:
    • Tribal Council procedures and day-to-day management of the tribal governmental affairs and operation of tribal enterprises including personnel matters.
    • Legal assistance to managers of tribal programs including housing, health care services, education, social services, elderly services, environmental programs, natural resources, facilities management, and other programs funded by the Tribe and by federal and state
  2. Advises and represents the Tribe in civil liability matters that the Havasupai may become a party to in Tribal and Federal Court.
  3. Supervises the Tribe’s outside/contract attorneys, to help achieve successful completion of their assigned work.

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Knowledge of the Havasupai Tribe.
  2. Must have at least three years of experience working with Tribal Governments.
  3. Must be an attorney in good standing with a state bar association in the United States without any disbarments.
  4. Must possess knowledge of Tribal, State, and Federal law, including administrative procedures.
  5. Must be able to effectively represent the Tribe in tribal court.
  6. Must pass pre-employment drug and health screening.
  7. Must have demonstrated ability to maintain satisfactory working record in any prior or current employment and the ability to work independently with self-direction and effective time management.
  8. Ability to reach

Application Procedures:
Submit a letter of interest and resume or curriculum vitae to Zach Stevens. zstevens@mvicklaw.com

  1. Provide at least 3 professional references and contact information for each.
  2. Provide law school transcripts.
  3. Provide a writing sample of at least 1,000 words from a document prepared in the course of regular work in the past year with confidential information redacted.
  4. Be available for an in-person interview in Supai on the Havasupai Reservation.

To download job announcement, click here.

Job Opportunity – Deputy Chief Prosecutor

Navajo Nation
Office of the Prosecutor
Window Rock, AZ


Requisition No: DOJ01017394
Closing Date: 4/30/19 (5 p.m.)

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under administrative direction of the Chief Prosecutor, provides administrative and managerial support to the Chief Prosecutor and the Offices of the Prosecutor. Fully participates and shares in the overall management of the administrative office and district offices and exercises full prosecutorial authority; supervises provisional staff. Assures that the success of specific functions are consistent with program plans and objectives by monitoring and evaluating program progress. Makes recommendations with the Chief Prosecutor in changing program plans, goals, work plans, schedules, procedures, and etc. as necessary; assists with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and budgetary functions. Accomplishes functions through supervisors and prosecutors at the administrative and district offices. Coordinates all central administrative office activities with various governmental agencies engaged in the investigation and prosecution of criminal and civil matter related issues.

Provides technical guidance to administrative and district staff and related law enforcement agencies, government, and state agencies. Assist in research and gathering of physical evidence with law enforcement and related agencies. Review and assign cases to supervisors and/or Senior Prosecutors. Determine importance of case(s) warranting prosecution. Assist prosecutorial staff in the development of case plans, calendaring, strategies, evidence, and other investigative matters of significant importance. Attends arraignments and brings cases before the courts of law within the purview of the Navajo Nation. Represents the office and serves on various committees, organizations, state and federal agencies. Maintain effective work relationships with officials from all levels of government and the general public. Address oversight committee on related prosecutorial administrative matters. Assist and provide recommendations on annual budgetary functions and reporting. Address personnel matters in colorization with the Chief Prosecutor. Serves at the Pleasure of the Chief Prosecutor.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A juris Doctorate; and eight (8) years professional experience as a state licensed attorney with progressive experience as a trial lawyer in criminal/civil law, administrative law, employment or related fields; two (2) years of which must have been managing and supervising a law office (private or government legal department). Current admission to any state bar with the intention of seeking and securing admission to the Navajo Nation Bar Association and either the Arizona, New Mexico or Utah State Bar within one year of date of hire.

Special Requirements:

  • Depending upon the needs of the Nation, some incumbents of the class may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Navajo and English languages as a condition of employment.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledgeable in Navajo Nation Laws and applicable state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations; Federal Indian Law, prosecution, juvenile justice and white collar crime; principles of management, administration, supervision, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.; principles and practices of methods of legal research, principles of criminal law and appeal procedures related to violations of Navajo Nation laws and applicable state and federal statues, rules and regulation; court processes, administrative law processes and legal terminology; legal strategies, their development and presentation and supervisory methods and techniques. Skilled in legal research, effectively assessing, interpreting and applying complex laws; assessing analyzing and assessing financial and other records to make recommendations and decision on prosecution; in communicating effectively and overseeing the effective prosecution of violation of Tribal law; in establishing and maintaining an effective and cooperative working relationship with numerous officials of the Navajo Nation, attorneys, litigants, witnesses, interested parties and others; and in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software, programs, applications, and software.

For full job description, click here.
For job listing, click here.

Job Opportunity – Attorney

Navajo Nation
Office of the Prosecutor
Kayenta, AZ

Closing Date: 5/30/19 (5 p.m.)
Requisition No: DOJ01017514

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under supervision of the Chief Prosecutor/Deputy Chief Prosecutor represents the interest of the Navajo Nation government. Provides and assists several district prosecutor offices in prosecution of criminal and civil cases representing the interests of the Navajo Nation government. Will attend arraignments, as needed; trials, adjudications, child dependency adjudications, motion hearings, sentencing/disposition hearings, pretrial conferences, preliminary hearings, and other related issues to court attendance; prepares all required legal documents; reviews investigative reports, legal pleadings from defense counsel, law enforcement reports and related documents; determines nature of the criminal offense; establishes case plan with law enforcement personnel from various governmental agencies on most serious criminal offenses such as vehicular homicide, sexual assault, aggravated batteries, child neglect or spousal abuse, etc.; assigns case plans; provides legal guidance and advice to law enforcement personnel in proceeding with investigation; prepares and obtains search warrants as necessary, conducts follow ups on cases and elements of cases, conducts legal research, review criminal complaints, interview witnesses, included but not limited to other legal matters.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A Juris Doctorate in Law.
  • Current admission in any state bar with the intention of seeking and securing admission to the Navajo Nation Bar Association and either the Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah State Bar within one (1) year of date of hire.

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledgeable in Navajo Nation Laws and applicable state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations; Federal Indian Law, prosecution, juvenile justice and white collar crime; principles of management, administration, supervision, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.; principles and practices of methods of legal research, principles of criminal law and appeal procedures related to violations of Navajo Nation laws and applicable state and federal statues, rules and regulation; court processes, administrative law processes and legal terminology; legal strategies, their development and presentation and supervisory methods and techniques. Skilled in legal research, effectively assessing, interpreting and applying complex laws; assessing analyzing and assessing financial and other records to make recommendations and decision on prosecution; in communicating effectively and overseeing the effective prosecution of violation of Tribal law; in establishing and maintaining an effective and cooperative working relationship with numerous officials of the Navajo Nation, attorneys, litigants, witnesses, interested parties and others; and in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software, programs, applications, and software.

For full job description, click here.
For job listing, click here.

Job Opportunity – Judicial Clerk

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court

Description of position:
Under the supervision of the Chief Judge, the Law Clerk is required to:

  • Conduct legal research on relevant statutes and cases; analyze legal issues presented by administrative records; communicate findings of research to tribal court judges either orally or by succinct memoranda.
  • Review legal pleadings, motions, briefs, transcripts, and recordings.
  • Draft memoranda of decision and orders for pending Tribal Court cases.
  • Attend hearings as requested by the tribal judges.
  • Prepare special projects such as editing decisions for publication and developing proposed amendments to Mashantucket Rules of Civil Procedure.

The annual salary is $50,000 plus benefits. 

To apply:

  1. Submit a cover letter addressed to “Chief Judge,” resume, law school transcript (official or unofficial), a brief legal writing sample, and a list of 2-3 references.  Letters of recommendation are preferred, but not required.  Transcripts and letters of recommendation may be included in the application packet or sent under separate cover.  Applications are accepted via U.S. mail and/or e-mail.
  2. Additionally, applicants must submit an online application via https://www.foxwoods.com/careers/.   Click the Apply Now link, select Tribal Government and search for key words “law clerk.”

Applicants will be considered on such criteria as academic standing, law review or journal experience, moot court, other significant research or writing experience in the field of Native American law, prior employment, and faculty, employer or personal recommendations.

Application Method(s)