Anishinabe Legal Services is seeking a full-time staff attorney to provide civil legal assistance and court representation to program clients before area Tribal Courts, State Courts and Administrative Forums.
BACKGROUND: Anishinabe Legal Services (ALS) is a Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funded 501(c)(3) organization providing free legal assistance and court representation to low-income individuals living on or near the Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake Indian Reservations in northern Minnesota. Legal services are provided through grants and contracts with federal, state, and tribal governments, along with generous funding support from various foundations.
RESPONSIBILITIES: ALS is looking for a well-qualified and highly motivated licensed attorney to provide civil legal assistance and court representation to program clients before area Tribal Courts, State Courts, and Administrative Forums. This attorney will be housed out of our main administrative office on the Leech Lake Reservation in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Primary duties will include representation of parents in child protection matters before the Leech Lake Tribal Court, housing, and family law, but job duties are likely to include handling a wide variety of civil matters before various forums.
This attorney is expected to be licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota by anticipated start date of position; this attorney is also expected to be licensed or willing to immediately become licensed before the Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake Tribal Courts.
This open staff attorney position at ALS’ Leech Lake Reservation office is currently funded for a 1-year employment term; while ALS will continue to solicit funding to keep the position ongoing indefinitely, there is no guarantee that the position will continue after the 1-year funding cycle is complete.
QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified applicants must possess exceptionally strong oral and written communication skills, negotiation skills, litigation skills, and have exceptional organizational skills with ability to handle a large caseload of client matters throughout a wide geographic service area. Applicants must also be able and willing to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team.
Attorneys with 5+ years of civil practice are strongly preferred, as are applicants with familiarity and experience with practicing before Tribal Courts. Prior experience working within Indian Country is also preferred. Native American attorneys are highly encouraged to apply. EEO, M/F/H.
All applicants are expected to be able to begin work immediately after the hiring decision has been made, likely by the end of November 2014. All applicants are expected to have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and automobile.
COMPENSATION: D.O.E. Benefits include individual and family health and dental insurance, paid time off, and life insurance.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to ALS Co-Executive Director Cody Nelson, at: Anishinabe Legal Services, PO Box 157, Cass Lake, MN 56633 or email application materials to cnelson@alslegal.org. Applications preferred by November 1, 2014 but will be accepted until the position is filled.
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