JOB: Executive Director at California Indian Legal Services

California Indian Legal Services (CILS) seeks an Executive Director to lead a well-established and highly reputed statewide, public interest law firm that is dedicated to creating a better and more humane society for California tribes and Indians. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual committed to and knowledgeable about Indian affairs to lead CILS into a new era of its work to protect and advance Native American rights.

Founded in 1967, CILS is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS is a state and national leader in protecting and advancing the rights of California Indians, and each year works with dozens of tribes in the state and thousands of Indian individuals and families.

CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Indian individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Our work includes such diverse practice areas as the Indian Child Welfare Act, trust lands, Indian probate, Indian cultural and religious rights, tribal community and economic development, tribal justice systems, tribal governance, tribal social service delivery systems, protection of sacred sites, and environmental protection.

CILS has an annual operating budget of approximately $2.3 million derived from a wide variety of sources, including federal and state grants, tribal donations, and tribal grants and contracts. Oakland currently houses both the central administration of CILS as well as a field office, and additional field offices are located in Bishop, Escondido, Eureka and Santa Rosa. We have approximately 20 staff, including ten lawyers/advocates. Our Board of Trustees is comprised of California Indians appointed by Indian tribes and organizations across the state, as well as representatives appointed by the State Bar of California.

Additional information about CILS may be found on our website, at www.calindian.org.

Position Summary:
The ideal candidate for this position will be a dynamic leader who brings passion, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to seeking justice for Indian people. The Executive Director is the primary spokesperson for CILS, oversees its programs and legal and administrative staff, and has overall responsibility for day-to-day operations. For many years the Executive Director has been based in the Bay Area, but the Board will consider alternative locations based on the needs of candidates and the program.

Roles & Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and vision required to sustain and expand CILS’ role in the California Indian community
Provide effective management of CILS’ staff and operations to ensure that the priorities of the organization are met
Strengthen and expand CILS’ relationships with California tribes and Indian organizations
Build on CILS’ commitment to advancing California Indian rights and set strategic direction for program
Work closely and effectively with Board of Trustees
Develop and implement effective strategies to maintain and increase CILS’ funding, and diversify CILS’ funding base
Promote CILS and develop effective strategies to increase CILS’ positive presence in the community at large
Maintain CILS’ exemplary standing in the legal services community
Create a positive work environment to continue and enhance CILS’ high-quality advocacy
Maintain high level of knowledge about policies and legislation impacting tribal governments
Other duties as required to ensure high quality services and effective operations, and as assigned by Board of Trustees

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Possess:
Passion for the mission of CILS and clear vision of CILS’ on-going potential to advance the rights of California Indians
Understanding of the needs of our client community and commitment to legal services for Indian people
Solid and extensive background in federal Indian law
Previous management, strong supervisory skills and administrative ability
Effective communication, listening, and mentoring skills
Ability to attract, develop, and retain staff as well as maintain a high level of performance and effectively utilize their talents
Historical knowledge of California Indian communities
Practical experience interacting with tribal governments
Demonstrated track record of raising funds and support from a variety of sources
A licensed attorney admitted to the California Bar or eligible to practice in California strongly preferred

Salary:
Competitive based on experience. Full family/partner medical and dental benefits, LTD, life insurance, generous leave policies.

Application Procedure:
Please submit letter of interest, resume, two writing samples and three professional references to Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas, Director of Administration, California Indian Legal Services, Re: Executive Director Position, 405 14th Street, Suite 300, Oakland, CA 94612. E-mail hiring@calindian.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

CALIFORNIA INDIAN LEGAL SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. NATIVE AMERICANS, WOMEN, MINORITIES AND THE DISABLED ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

JOB – Staff Attorney – Gila River Indian Community

STAFF ATTORNEY
DEFENSE SERVICES OFFICE
GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY
Sacaton, Arizona

THE OFFICE: There are 2 vacancies for Defense Attorney I positions. These are staff attorney positions with Defense Services Office located in Sacaton, Arizona. We are within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community (bordering the Phoenix metro area). We offer legal representation to adult and juvenile Community members before the Tribal courts. Emphasis is criminal law- functioning as a public defender’s office.

THE JOB: DSO attorneys are responsible for all phases of criminal defense from providing consultation, conducting interviews of witnesses and police, investigation, trials to handling appeals. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to conduct bench and or jury trials for a variety of offenses. This is a great chance to hone writing skills on motions and appeals. We also provide representation in juvenile matters.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Arizona State Bar in good standing (any jurisdiction) OR be licensed in the State of Arizona within one (1) year of hire. Must possess good driving record.

COMPENSATION: Salary begins at $57,011 + D.O.E.; great benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, disability and retirement.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Announcement end July 5, 2007. Please send your resume, Motor Vehicle Record (30 months +), and application with job announcement number 2007- 500 to:

Human Resources
Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, Arizona, 85247
www.gric.nsn.us for the application

DSO CONTACT: Raymond Vaca Jr., Director
Phone: 520 562-5700
Fax: 520 562-6520
Email: Raymond.vaca@gric.nsn.us

JOB: Klamath Tribe – Chief Judge

The Klamath Tribes
P.O. Box 436
501 Chiloquin Blvd
Chiloquin/OR/97624
Website: www.klamathtribes.org
Phone: 541-783-2219
Fax: 541-783-2836

AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Chief Judge
Salary: Contract Basis

CHIEF JUDGE
KLAMATH TRIBAL COURT
The Klamath Tribes seeks candidates to serve as Chief Judge for the Klamath Tribal Courts on a contract basis. Requirements: 1) Enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe; 2) 30+ years of age; 3) never convicted of a felony or within the last 12 months of a misdemeanor, nor dishonorably discharged from the military; 4) Juris Doctor degree OR minimum one year experience as a judge. Requests for certification must be submitted by July 31, 2007. Application and required documentation must be received by August 17, 2007.

For more information, contact:
The Klamath Tribes
Attn: Human Resources – Sandi Hanan
Sandi.hanan@klamathtribes.com
Tele: 541-783-2219
Fax: 541-783-2836

SubmitOther: Requests for certification must be submitted by July 31, 2007. Application and required documentation must be received by August 17, 2007.
SendBy: Mail,Fax
Deadline: 07/31/2007

JOB – Yavapai-Apache Nation Attorney General

Yavapai-Apache Nation located in Camp Verde, Arizona is hiring for the following position:

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Must have at least 10 years legal experience and be a member in good standing of Arizona Bar.
Ability to competently handle wide range of complex transactional and litigation matters.
Prior legal experience in areas of Indian housing, environmental issues. ICWA, employment law, Indian Gaming, contracts, taxation, jurisdictional issues, and economic development in Indian Country.
Must have litigation experience and familiarity with court rules and procedures.
Must have skills interpreting case law, codes, ordinances and administrative rules.
Must have the ability to manage law office staff and maintain department budget.
Must be committed to concept of tribal sovereignty and Indian self determination.

The Yavapai-Apache Nation offers a benefit and compensation package: Medical Health Care Insurance; 401K; Dental; Vision; Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Short & Long Term Disability Insurance.

PAY RATE: DOE; Plus Tribal Benefit PackagePOSITION STATUS: Regular; Full-time
OPEN UNTIL: July 20, 2007

To apply and see a full job description, contact Yavapai-Apache Nation, Human Resources at (928) 567-1094 or email your resume to tlewis-moore@yan-tribe.org

INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe.

Successful candidates must pass a drug screening and background check.

JOB – MILS – Staff Attorney

Employer: Michigan Indian Legal Services (Traverse City, MI)

Title: Staff Attorney

Description:
Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS), a statewide provider of free legal services to low income Indians and Indian tribes, seeks a staff attorney. MILS represents Indian individuals, families, tribes and organizations in cases that span the complete range of federal Indian law and tribal representation. MILS has offices in Traverse City and Lansing. We are seeking an attorney for the Traverse City office.MILS seeks a law school graduate with above average academic achievement, licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan or willing and qualified to take next available Michigan Bar Exam, with excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to eventually assumeresponsibility over a sophisticated caseload touching on many different areas of law and a commitment to providing high quality legal services for Indian people. MILS is an equal opportunity employer.Send resume, writing sample and cover letter to:James A. KeedyExecutive Director814 S. Garfield Ave., Suite A

Position Type: Attorney

Practice Area(s): Native American, Legal Services

Desired Class Level(s): JD Alum, Alum 0-3 yrs exp, Alum 4-6 yrs exp, Bar Passage, Pending Bar Passage

Compensation Type: Salary

Compensation Details: DOEOpen until filled.

How To Apply: By mail.
Requested Documents: Resume, Writing Sample, Cover Letter

Important Dates
Posted On:Jun 13, 2007
Applications Accepted Until:Sep 28, 2007

All candidates should apply immediately. This date is not necessarily the deadline date, as resumes are more than likely reviewed as they come in and interviews scheduled as soon after the posting date as possible. You should not wait until the expiration date to submit your materials, as you may be depriving yourself of an employment opportunity.

Contact Information
Employer: Michigan Indian Legal Services (Traverse City, MI)
Name: Mr. James A. Keedy
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 231-947-0122
Fax: 231-947-3956
Address: 814 S. Garfield Ave.Suite ATraverse City, MO49686

JOB – Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Associate Legislative Attorney

Contact: Kimberly Montney
Employer: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Address1: 375 River Street
CityStateZip: Manistee, MI 49660
Website: www.lrboi.com
Phone: 231-398-6702
Fax: 231-398-9101
AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Associate Legislative Attorney
Salary: Employment Contracted Position
Description: This is a permanent full-time position which will provide support services to Chief Legislative Counsel & Associate Legislative Attorneys in the nature of legal opinion research, litigation support, contract review, and support for tribal entities as directed by the Chief Legislative Counsel. The Associate Legislative Attorney will be assigned to provide legal services to commissions or committees of the tribe subject to review by Chief Legislative Counsel.
1. J.D. Degree from accredited law school.
2. Admitted to practice in Michigan, or other state bar, required to eb admitted to Michigan within one year of employment.
3. 5 -7 years experience as lead counsel or co-counsel in complex civil litigation (Federal or State).
4. Applicant must provide copy of state bar admission and transcript of graduation from accredited law school with applicatoin
Experience: Current Bar Members
Submit: Resume
Submit1: See “Other” Comments
SubmitOther: Application available at www.lrboi.com
SendBy: Mail,Fax,Email
Deadline: Remain open until filled

JOB – Little River Band of Ottawa Indians – Chief Legislative Counsel

Date: 6/15/2007 6:01:52 AM
Contact: Kimberly Montney
Employer: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Address1: 375 River Street
CityStateZip: Manistee, MI 49660
Website: www.lrboi.com
Phone: 231-398-6702
Fax: 231-398-9101
AcceptingCalls: Yes
JobTitle: Chief Legislative Counsel
Salary: Employment Contracted Position
Description: To provide guidance and direction for the Legislative Legal Department and legal counsel to the Tribal Council of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
1. J.D. Degree from an ABA accredited law school and 5 years experience with a major law firm or legal department.
2. Demonstrative knowledge of Constitutional Law and Federal Indian Law practices.
3. Strong administrative management experience in the legal field.
4. Admitted to practice in Michigan or other state bar, must obtain Michigan bar within one year of employment.
5. Strong knowledge of litigation, employment law, and business law.
6. Valid drivers license throughout employment.
Experience: Current Bar Members
Submit: Resume
SubmitOther: Application available at www.lrboi.com.
SendBy: Mail,Fax,Email
Deadline: Remain open until filled

JOB – General Counsel for Pueblo of Tesuque

The Pueblo of Tesuque in New Mexico is seeking a FT In-House General Counsel to provide legal services covering a broad range of tribal, state and federal Indian law issues. The incumbent must possess a juris doctorate degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in New Mexico, or have the ability to become licensed in New Mexico, with education and experience in the field of federal Indian law preferred. The candidate must have at least six years work experience; practice for a tribal government as legal counsel is
strongly preferred. Strong negotiation and interpersonal communication skills, including excellent legal writing skills and demonstrated ability to work on diverse legal issues. Salary DOE, fringe benefits, including 401K. Drug screening and background investigation will be
required as a condition of employment.

Deadline to apply is Friday, June 22, 2007 Submit application or resume to:

Pueblo of Tesuque Human Resources
RT. 42 Box 360T, Santa Fe, NM 87506
Fax (505) 982-2331 Attn: Human Resources
Email: vmartinez@pueblooftesuque.org

JOB – Indian Law Associate Position with Sacks Tierney

One of Arizona’s most dynamic Indian Law practice groups is adding an associate attorney to support the group’s mission of:
· advising tribal governments and tribal corporations in complex legal matters,
· representing clients in tribal courts, and
· assisting private sector businesses in creating appropriate, beneficial enterprises on tribal land.

Qualifications. Desirable candidates will have two or more years of litigation or transaction experience, and they will possess a keen interest in Indian law, economic development, land use, government affairs, gaming and/or litigation matters affecting not only Arizona tribes, but also companies seeking to enter into productive and mutually beneficial relationships with tribal governments.

A DYNAMIC PRACTICE GROUP … A COLLEGIAL PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Private Sector Representation. Our strong relationships with tribal governments and knowledge of pertinent federal laws allow us to represent private-sector developers and other types of businesses in economic development efforts on tribal lands. We have successfully assisted our clients in the gaming industry and the development of recreational and commercial enter­prises on Arizona reservations.

Tribal Representation. Sacks Tierneys s Indian and tribal relations attorneys regularly represent tribes, tribal corporations and tribal enterprises, as well as individual Native Americans, in all aspects of Indian law. Our tribal clients benefit from our significant expertise in such areas as sovereignty and limited waiv­ers of sovereign immunity; the application of federal and state tax laws to tribal activities; and economic development and advancement efforts being under­taken by tribes. We also offer tribal governments broad experience in real estate, finance, labor and employ­ment, water and environmental, tax, bankruptcy, domestic relations, criminal and dispute resolution.

· GENERAL COUNSEL. Our attorneys serve as general counsel for tribal clients, providing advice on busi­ness and governmental issues. We interpret applica­ble law; attend and counsel at tribal council, board meetings and meetings of tribal membership; and maintain tribal enterprise books and records.

· ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. We have extensive involvement with and expertise in a variety of issues relating to economic development undertaken by tribes and tribal enterprises, either alone or in joint venture with an outside entity.

· TAXATION. Our attorneys counsel tribes and tribal corporations on the intricacies of taxation in forming and operating tribal entities, allowing them to maxi­mize the unique benefits afforded them under federal and state law. We have represented existing tribal entities in resolving disputes with federal and state agencies relating to payment and collection of sales taxes, withholding taxes and income taxes.

Resumes should be e-mailed to jobs@sackstierney.com

Sacks Tierney P.A. Is an Equal Opportunity Employer4250 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Fourth Floor – Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 – 480-425-2600 – www.sackstierney.com