Job Posting – DBA Program Staff Attorney

DBA Program Staff Attorney

DNA-People’s Legal Services, Inc. is now seeking applications for a full-time staff attorney position, in support of the Diné Bí ts’íís báá Ah’jiteí (DBA) Program medical-legal partnership.  Diné Bí ts’íís báá Ah’jiteí is Navajo for “Program for the Health of the People”.  Known as DBA, the program provides free legal services to low-income Native American patients at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities on the Navajo Nation.  

DNA People’s Legal Services is a non-profit legal aid organization founded on the Navajo Nation in 1967.  DNA is an acronym for Dinébe’iiná Náhiilna be Agha’diit’ahii, a Navajo phrase that means “attorneys who work for the revitalization of the people.”  We have ten office locations throughout the Four Corners region.  DNA focuses its services on low-income individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity, but our assistance reaches members of seven tribes — the Hualapai, Havasupai, Kaibab Paiute, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute, Jicarilla Apache, and the Navajo Nation.  DNA-People’s Legal Services partnered with the Navajo Area Indian Health Service to create the DBA Program in 2009.   

Job Description

The DBA Program staff attorney will provide direct legal services to low-income patients and family members at one or more health care facilities on the Navajo Nation.  Areas of legal advocacy will include public benefits, housing, special education, domestic violence, elder law, family law, and consumer law.  The staff attorney will be responsible for periodic trainings and presentations at medical facilities, as well as regular consultation with medical providers.  The staff attorney will work primarily from an office of DNA-People’s Legal Services.  The location for this job position is expected to be Tuba City, Arizona. The position is open immediately.

Job Requirements

  • Demonstrated commitment to public service;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Potential for creativity and innovation;
  • Strong writing and analytical skills;
  • Cross-cultural experience; 
  • Ability to travel through the surrounding region; 
  • Arizona bar membership, eligibility to waive into the Arizona bar, or ability to sit for the next Arizona bar exam;
  • Navajo Nation bar membership or eligibility to take the next Navajo bar exam;
  • Priority will be given to applicants who can start immediately.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is based on experience and will conform to DNA’s salary scale for legal aid attorneys.  Generous benefit package included.  Position is funded under a grant and will continue as funds are available.

Applications should include a cover letter, resume, writing sample (5 pages or less), and list of three references.  Please send application materials by e-mail to:

Matt VanWormer, Project Director

Diné Bí ts’íí báá Ah’jiteí (DBA) Program

DNA – People’s Legal Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 987; Shiprock, NM; 87420

Phone: (505) 368-3211; Fax: (505) 368-3212

mvan@dnalegalservices.org

 *                      *                      *

 DNA is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer.  Preference is given to qualified Navajo and other Native American applicants.

SRPMIC – Seeking Applicants for the Judicial Selection Committee

ATTENTION COMMUNITY MEMBERS!!

Seeking Applicants for the Judicial Selection Committee

The purpose of the Judicial Selection Committee is to assist the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Council in selecting qualified persons to serve as judges for the SRPMIC by making timely recommendations for judicial appointment(s) that may occur through term expiration, resignation or removal.

See attached flyer for more information on qualifications, term of service, duties and responsibilities.

For more information please contact Lillia Munoz, Human Resources at 480-362-5475.

Deadline April 2, 2012

For more info:    http://www.srpmic-nsn.gov/community/2012/03/26/6688.asp

Tribal Skills Program

 Fundamental Knowledge & Skills for Tribal Court Judges – April 24-26, 2012

This training will cover the basic skills required for conducting trials.  Topics include: courtroom management; basic evidentiary rulings; ethics and demeanor; due process; equal protection; sentencing; and other substantive law.  Breakout sessions and demonstrations will be conducted to provide opportunities for judges to practice and receive feedback.  New judges who complete this course will be able to conduct criminal trials from start to finish; will understand the responsibilities and protections under the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA); and will gain an understanding of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (TLOA).   Experienced judges will enhance their courtroom skills.

Registration Deadline:   April 18, 2012

Attached is the registration form. There is no cost to register.

Please fax your completed form to: (505) 277-1035 or email it to: begay@law.unm.edu

Training Site: BIA’s National Indian Program Center (NIPC),

1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Registration Form

Reminder – Internet Gaming in Indian Country

Lecture by Eric D. Eberhard
Distinguished Indian Law Practitioner in Residence, Seattle University School of Law

Wednesday, March 28, 2012   12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, at Arizona State University
Armstrong Hall, Room 114   –  Free and Open to the Public.

We hope you will join us!

Lunch will be provided so your RSVP is greatly appreciated!
Contact Kathy Tevis at 480-965-2922  or email kathy.tevis@asu.edu

Please park in the Rural Road Parking structure “Visitor’s Parking” area.
Entrance is at Rural Rd and Terrace Rd. (south of University Dr.)
Parking spaces will be reserved for this lecture, so even if lot full sign is out,
please proceed to booth window and identify yourself as being
there for this lecture. Parking is $2 per hour.

 

 

Internet Gaming in Indian Country

Lecture by Eric D. Eberhard
Distinguished Indian Law Practitioner in Residence, Seattle University School of Law

Wednesday, March 28, 2012   12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, at Arizona State University
Armstrong Hall, Room 114   –  Free and Open to the Public.

We hope you will join us!

Lunch will be provided so your RSVP is greatly appreciated!
Contact Kathy Tevis at 480-965-2922  or email kathy.tevis@asu.edu

Please park in the Rural Road Parking structure “Visitor’s Parking” area.
Entrance is at Rural Rd and Terrace Rd. (south of University Dr.)
Parking spaces will be reserved for this lecture, so even if lot full sign is out,
please proceed to booth window and identify yourself as being
there for this lecture. Parking is $2 per hour.

 

 

Indian Law 101 CLE Conference

Attention ILP Alums:   We would really appreciate your help spreading the word about the upcoming Indian Law 101 CLE Conference to your friends and colleagues.
______________________________________________________________________ 

Title:      Indian Law 101 CLE Conference
Who:      Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

Date:      Friday, March 30, 2012; 8am-4:45 pm (Register by March 7 and save!)
Location:  Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, 1100 McAllister Ave.,  The Great Hall, Armstrong Hall, Tempe, AZ

Registration, agenda, travel:   http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/indianlaw101/
Contact:   Darlene Lester at darlene.lester@asu.edu / 480-965-7715.

A quick and concise survey of the issues in Federal Indian Law for everyone interested in learning more about this complex area of the law.  Perfect training for tribal advocates, tribal practitioners, tribal prosecutors, tribal public defenders, court administrators, tribal council members, attorneys, law students, as well as teachers/professors and students of American Indian Studies

CLE Credits:  6.25 general credit hours may qualify for AZ and CA.  NM MCLE approval pending.  Topics include: History of Federal Indian Law, Indian Gaming, Civil Adjudicatory, Regulatory Jurisdiction,  Tribal Courts, Taxation in Indian Country, and Criminal Jurisdiction.

The First Thirteen Native Americans to Argue Before the U.S. Supreme Court

Symposium:
The First Thirteen / Personal Reflections of the Argument
Friday,  March 16, 2012 – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
University of New Mexico School of Law
Albuquerque, NM

The First Thirteen Native attorneys who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court will be coming together to discuss their experiences in this history-making symposium.  Dale White will interview them about their preparations, the day itself, and the impact on their careers and on Federal Indian Law. This is a rare opportunity that may never be repeated, so you don’t want to miss it! Proceeds will go to fund the Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives (PLSI).

Registration form available online at www.ailc-inc.org.
or Contact:  Valerie S. Begay at (505) 277-5462    Email:  begay@law.unm.edu

Sponsored by American Indian Law Center, Inc., New Mexico Indian Bar Association, Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, and the Law & Indigenous Peoples Program at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

 

 

Calling all PLSI Alumni from the Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, & 2002

Good morning!  I am Heidi Macdonald from the American Indian Law Center.  I am working with our beloved Heidi Nesbitt on a Four-Year Reunion Dinner for the PLSI Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, and 2002.  Can you believe how quickly the time has passed since you first began your legal education with PLSI?  We are very excited to offer such a momentous occasion.  We hope you can join us for your PLSI class reunion dinner!  The PLSI Four-Year Reunion Dinner will be the night before the Federal Bar Association’s 37th Annual Indian Law Conference on April 18, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Gabriel’s Restaurant.  This PLSI class reunion dinner will give you the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones! 

The American Indian Law Center is also pleased to announce the creation of the “PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund.”  During the PLSI Reunion Dinner this year, the alumni of each of the four classes will have the opportunity to contribute to the PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund.  Any contributions for the PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund will ensure future generations of Native students are able to experience PLSI as we did.  As alumni, we know the importance PLSI has played in our lives and the foundation it has created for our legal careers.  During PLSI, we have accomplished our dreams, met some of our best friends, and learned where passion and perseverance can take us.  If you are a member of one of the PLSI classes (1972, 1982, 1992, and 2002) and have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email address is HeidiLMacdonald@gmail.com or (505) 277-5462. Thank you for your continued support!”

Job Postings!

Gila River Indian Community Open Positions (Both are part-time positions)

Court of Appeals judge announcement – http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/2434-court-of-appeals-judge

Hearing Officer announcement – http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/2438-hearing-officer-contracted-with-no-benefits