Monday, August 31, 2009

Breann Swann receives research fellowship!

2009 LL.M. grad receives research fellowship

Breann Yoshiko Swann, a 2009 graduate of the College of Law’s LL.M. in Tribal Policy, Law and Government program, recently was named the recipient of an Inaugural Research Fellowship according to a recent University of Hawai’i, Mānoa press release.

The fellowship was established through the Kamehameha Schools, a charitable educational trust, whose mission is to provide educational opportunities to improve the capacity and well-being of people of Hawaiian ancestry. It will enable Swann to conduct up to three years of research, scholarship, teaching and/or other research-related projects at the Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Swann earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University and a J.D. from the University of Southern California – Gould School of Law.

To read the University of Hawai’i press release click here.

To read other College of Law stories about Swann please visit http://www.law.asu.edu/?id=902 and http://www.law.asu.edu/?id=1368.…..

Friday, August 28, 2009

ALUMNI: Gloria Kindig ('89)

Gloria Kindig ('89) is the new Chief Judge for Hopi Tribal Court.

JOB: Udall

Morris K. Udall Foundation
Program Manager, Native American Congressional Internship Program and Native American Recruiting


Full-time position based in Tucson, Arizona.

Brief description:
The Udall Foundation’s Native American Congressional Internship Program is a ten-week, summer internship for Native Americans and Alaska Natives in Washington, D.C. Interns work in Senate and House offices and federal agencies to gain an insider’s view of the federal government. The program provides interns with opportunities to research legislative issues important to tribal communities; exposure to resources available in Washington, DC, for legislative research and tribal policy development; and opportunities to network with key public officials, agency officials, and national tribal advocacy organizations.

The Program Manager for the Native American Congressional Internship Program manages strategy, implementation, and communication in four principal areas: applicant recruitment and intern selection; Congressional and federal agency office placements; intern housing and enrichment activities; and alumni development. The Program Manager reports directly to the Senior Program Manager for Education Programs, is an integral member of the Education team, and works with the Program Manager for the Udall Scholarship Program on strategy and implementation of Native American recruitment for the undergraduate scholarship. The Program Manager spends approximately 3 months each year (May 15-August 15) in Washington, D.C. to provide general supervision and professional mentoring of 12 Native American Interns.

Principal responsibilities:
§ Work with Education staff to develop and implement a national recruiting plan and targeted outreach for the Internship Program and Native American undergraduate scholarship.
§ Work with Education staff to enhance promotional materials and the internship website.
§ Work with Education staff to create guidelines for the selection of interns.
§ Coordinate application and selection processes.
§ Manage applicant and intern notifications.
§ Maintain institutional relationships with Congressional offices and federal agencies in Washington, D.C.
§ Arrange placement for 12 Native American Interns in appropriate congressional/agency offices.
§ Strategize and implement intern orientation, public receptions and enrichment activities.
§ Arrange housing for interns and manage residence and student life issues.
§ Maintain and develop alumni network and institutional relationships with Native American communities and organizations.
§ Conduct program evaluations to ensure continued improvements.

Necessary Qualifications:
§ BA/BS degree
§ Experience mentoring, advising, and/or recruiting Native American college or graduate students
§ Knowledge of policies, issues and problems affecting Indian country
§ Ability to spend May 15-August 15 living in Washington, DC (housing and per diem provided)
§ Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
§ Familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel applications

Preferred Qualifications:
§ Master’s or professional degree in Native American studies or similar field
§ Experience interning or working for the federal government
§ Previous experience as a residential advisor or in college admissions
§ Familiar with Microsoft Publisher and Picture Manager

Salary range: $35,000-$45,000 with federal benefits. Reasonable relocation costs paid. Information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.udall.gov. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Morris K. Udall Foundation, attn: Jane Curlin; 130 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701-1922; or email a cover letter and resume (Word or PDF) to Jane Curlin at curlin@udall.gov. No faxes or phone calls.

Deadline to submit materials: September 18, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

JOB: Colorado River Indian Tribal Court

Department: Colorado River Indian Tribal Court
Position: Judicial Clerk of the Court
Salary: $28,000 - $32,000 DOE
Chief,

SUMMARY
Performs a variety of complex court clerk duties and clerical tasks involved in processing, maintaining and securing records of all court proceedings in civil, criminal, Juvenile and traffic cases. Provides information and assistance to law enforcement officers, attorneys, plaintiffs, defendants and court patrons. Provides general clerical assistance to the Judges and administrative staff. Supervises, train, evaluates, delegates and monitor assignments to Court Clerks. The Judicial Clerk of the Court will be required to perform work in the following areas of the court: civil, criminal, Juvenile, traffic, Fish & Game or other areas as assigned and in accordance to the Laws, Codes and Rules of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CIVIL
Opens, processes and closes general civil, small claims and summary proceedings cases. Records and processes complaints and pleadings, distributes and files civil documents, enters case information into the computer, coordinates service of process, prepares legal documents, and enters defaults, orders and judgments.
Receives, receipts and records fees and other monies. Notifies appropriate staff to issue refunds or distribute monies in accordance with court orders and procedures.
Operates a computer terminal to enter, update, correct and access case information; and to produce computer-generated forms, reports and court calendars.
Documents all case activity and other pertinent case information on court documents and in the computer; maintains case histories on each case.
Provides information to attorneys, law enforcement officers, plaintiffs and defendants, court patrons and agencies about court policies and procedures, case status, scheduling of court proceedings and civil proceedings in general.
Schedules court proceedings and issues proper notices to the appropriate parties.
Serves as the Clerk for the Court of Appeals

CRIMINAL
Receives criminal and Juvenile complaints and related documents, opens case files, enters case information into the computer, and files case documents.
Receives, receipts and records bonds, fines, costs, and other payments.
Operates a computer terminal to enter, update correct and access case information; and produce computer-generated forms, reports and case calendars.
Ensures that case files are ready and available for scheduled court proceedings. Checks in defendants, attorneys and others.
Documents case activity and other pertinent case information on court documents and in the computer, maintains case history on each case.
Distributes and recalls search and arrest warrant as authorized.
Provides information to attorneys, law enforcement officers, plaintiffs, defendants, court patrons and agencies about court policies and procedures, case status, scheduling of court proceedings and criminal proceeding in general.
Prepares and distributes jail commitments and other legal documents.

TRAFFIC/FISH & GAME
Receives, records and codes citations from law enforcement agencies, prepares case file and enters case information into the computer. Closes cases following dispositions.
Receives, receipts and records fines, cost, bonds and other monies. Notifies appropriate staff to refund, forfeit and/or apply bond money to pay fines, costs and other assessments.
Operates a computer to enter, update, correct and access case information; and to produce computer generated forms and reports.
Provides information to attorneys, law enforcement officers, defendants, court patrons and agencies about court policies and procedures, case status, scheduling of court proceedings and criminal proceeding in general.
Schedules civil infraction informal hearings and issues notification to the appropriate parties.
Monitors case files and initiates enforcement action on overdue citations. Prepares and issues default judgments, bond forfeiture notices.


REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND KNOWLEDGE

· Extensive knowledge and familiarity with the operation and applications of computers, and various data programs.
Minimum of 5 years experience and knowledge of personnel supervisory skills, ability to lead, resolve problems, train, evaluate and coordinate the activities of the Court Clerks in accordance to program rules and regulations.
Ability to plan, organize and calendar administrative and court cases, activities, staffing, etc.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.
Possesses an understanding of legal terminology and thorough knowledge of courtroom procedures
Extensive knowledge of the Rules of the Court, collection of fees, and Child Support guidelines.
Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration or a closely related field and five (5) years of administrative and court related experience or any combination of education training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.


For Employment Application and detailed job description visit: http://critonline.com
Applications and resumes must be forwarded to:
Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT)
Human Resource Department
26600 Mohave Road,
Parker, Arizona, 85344.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tsosie will Speak at the University of Oregon School of Law

Tsosie to speak on 'Indigenous Peoples and Global Climate Change'

Rebecca TsosieRebecca Tsosie, Executive Director of the Indian Legal Program, will speak next month on "Indigenous Peoples and Global Climate Change: Intercultural Models of Climate Equity" at the Knight Law Center at the University of Oregon School of Law.

The presentation, scheduled for Sept. 11, will frame the issue of "climate equity" within a global context, but focus on the impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples have been identified as "vulnerable groups" within the discussions on climate change, and it is projected that many indigenous groups will experience relocation and destruction of their traditional lifeways. This grim reality poses a unique set of challenges for all governments, and also features an opportunity to examine the legal and ethical duties that might arise from these challenges.

Tsosie teaches in the areas of Indian law, Property, Bioethics, and Critical Race Theory, as well as seminars in International Indigenous Rights and in the College's Tribal Policy, Law, and Government Master of Laws program. She has written and published widely on doctrinal and theoretical issues related to tribal sovereignty, environmental policy and cultural rights, and is the author of many prominent articles dealing with cultural resources and cultural pluralism. Tsosie also is the co-author with Robert Clinton and Carole Goldberg of a federal Indian law casebook. Her current research deals with Native rights to genetic resources.

Alumni: Diane Humetewa ('93)

Diane Humetewa ('93) will join the international law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey. The firm is headquartered in Cleveland w/offices in Phoenix, D.C., NY, CA, Japan, and Ireland. Humetewa will be a Principle in their Public Advocacy Group and counsel to their Environmental, Litigation and Corporate practice groups.

Monday, August 24, 2009

JOB: Chief Judge, Associate Judge and Protem Judge at Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

Job Announcements. Chief Judge, Associate Judge, Protem Judges
Contact:Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Attn: Recruiter480 789 7119 or email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

JOB: Chief Prosecutor at Gila River Indian Community

Job Announcement: Chief Prosecutor
Law Office - Criminal Division, 351 S Bluebird Rd. Sacaton
$86,693 per annum
Job Number: 2009-237-A
For more information see http://www.gilariver.org/ or call Gila River Indian Community, Human Resources Dept.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Jordan Hale ('09) joins Dilkon Judicial District of Navajo Nation

Jordan Hale ('09) is a staff attorney for the Dilkon Judicial District of Navajo Nation.

Christina Entrekin, Director of Programs for Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services

Christina Entrekin ('98) is the Director of Programs for Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services in Vancouver, BC. VACFSS has been a child and family serving agency since its incorporation in 1992. The group is continuing to transform services to make them more grounded within our history and to reflect the diverse cultures of the clients we serve. With the transfer of child protection services from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) in 2008, VACFSS continues to focus on better outcomes for the children and families it serves. VACFSS honours the traditions and wisdom inherent in the Aboriginal community. The goal is to work to create a stronger community through partnerships with other service providers and by connecting with community resources.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Michael Lane Specialist Advisor-Ngati Rangiwewehi Charitable Trust

Michael Lane, ('94) graduate in May, 2009 (with first class honors) with a Masters of Indigenous Studies from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi ( a fully accredited Maori University). He is cuurently employed as a Specialist Advisor-Ngati Rangiwewehi Charitable Trust
Job. He is currently assisting with the capacity development for tribal selfgovernment; assisting in developing linkages with other Indigenous Peoples; establishing their Quality Management System; advising and researching on a possible Aboriginal Title Claim addendum to their Treaty of Waitangi Claim.

Joe Sarcinella ('09) starts Judicial Clerkship in Connecticut.

Joe Sarcinella ('09) has recently started a Judicial Clerkship with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Court in Connecticut.

JOB: Temp Defense Attorney I, Gila River Indian Community

Gila River Indian Community Defense Services Office is looking to hire an IMMEDIATE full time TEMPORARY position of Defense Attorney I. This position should be as long as two months, working four ten hour shifts. Salary would be pro rated from approx. $60,000 annual w/o benefits. This position could lead to permanent position with benefits. Contacts: Cecilia Vaca-Payton or Jessica Turk @ (520) 562-5700

Friday, August 14, 2009

Matt Campbell ('08) joining Cuddy & McCarthy LLP

Matt Campbell (’08) will join the New Mexico law firm Cuddy & McCarthy LLP as an associate in September. Matt recently finished a judicial clerkship with Vice Chief Judge Pat Irvine of the Arizona Court of Appeals.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Linda Benally receives State Bar Award


Linda Dayish Benally (Class of 2003) received the Hal Israel Community Service Award at the State Bar’s Annual Convention. The Hal Isreal Award which recognizes a young lawyer who gives generously of his or her time and knowledge to the community through Bar-sponsored programs and initiatives. The award is named for Herman Allen "Hal" Israel, whose great mind and generous spirit were inspirational. Benally, a member of the Diné Nation, is an attorney at Pinnacle West Capital Corp., where she practices regulatory and contract law. Her list of service is lengthy: she is on the State Bar of Arizona's Diversity Task Force, served on the Bar Leadership Institute's inaugural Board of Directors/Selection Panel, is a founding member and board member of the Native American Bar Association of Arizona, is on the board of the Phoenix Indian Center and the National Native American Bar Association and also gives her time to several other organizations.

Borchardt ('09) Quoted in "The Spectrum'


Nikki Borchardt, Class of 2009 graduate of the College of Law and member of the Paiute Tribe of Utah, recently emceed her tribe's Queen and Princess Pageant at the Restoration Gathering, according to the story, "Paiute Tribe celebrates Restoration Gathering, commemoration" on thespectrum.com, a Web site managed by The Spectrum newspaper. The Restoration Gathering was a weekend-long celebration commemorating the restoration of the Paiutes as a recognized American Indian tribe. The pageant showcases modern as well as traditional American Indian talents.

Borchardt, the first of her tribe to receive a law degree, is quoted as explaining, "In the 1950's we lost the right to our land, health services and fiduciary protection, among other things. In 1980, the Federal Restoration Act restored the relationship with the government and we were able to put our land back into trusts and be recognized as a tribe again."

Borchardt participated in Moot Court competitions at the law school, was awarded the Honorable William C. Canby Jr. Scholarship, earned both a Juris Doctorate and a Certificate in Indian Law, and graduated with pro bono distinction.

Monday, August 03, 2009

JOB: White Mountain Apache Tribal Prosecutor


JOB DESCRIPTION
TRIBAL PROSECUTOR

Under general supervision of the Tribal Attorney, the Prosecutor represents the White Mountain Apache Tribe before the White Mountain Apache Tribal Court on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
Administers the Prosecution Unit for the White Mountain Apache Tribe, including, but not limited to: prosecution of adults and juveniles, statistical record keeping, budget strategy, supervise all prosecution staff including domestic violence staff, serve as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to prosecute non-Indian misdemeanor violations in federal court. Review complaints prior to filing. Confer with and give advice to Tribal Court on development of general procedural matters. Train and consult with law enforcement agencies including Whiteriver Police Department, BIA, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office. Interview witnesses, victims, experts, and others to prepare for trial and/or resolution of cases. Conduct legal research. Prepare and argue motions before Tribal and Juvenile Court. Initiate investigation of criminal prosecutors from other tribes government agencies, legal services, social services, guidance pretrial hearings with proper defendants and defense attorneys. Negotiate settlements with proper defendants and defense counsel, conduct trials - including examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and argue Tribe’s position for sentencing. Attend staff meetings, law enforcement meetings, judicial meetings, training, law seminars and workshops. Prosecute Class 3 and 4 Game and Fish violations and juvenile dependency actions. Review and recommend modifications to criminal code, juvenile code and criminal procedure. Review law enforcement policies and procedures. Provide training materials to law enforcement agencies. Develop and implement ongoing programs to meet the needs of the criminal justice system. Write grants and perform other duties as directed. This position reports to the Tribal Attorney.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Must have a Law Degree from an ABA accredited law school.
Must be a member in good standing of a state bar association and eligible for Arizona State Bar membership within twelve months of hire.
Criminal litigation experience required and experience in Indian law required.
Three years litigation experience.
Two years supervisory experience in the field of interest of a related field.