Anishinabe Legal Services is seeking two full-time staff attorneys to
provide legal assistance to individuals on the Leech Lake and White Earth
reservations.
BACKGROUND: Anishinabe Legal
Services (ALS) is an independent non-profit organization providing free legal
assistance and court representation to low-income individuals living on or near
the Leech Lake, White Earth, and Red Lake Reservations in Northern Minnesota.
RESPONSIBILITIES: ALS is looking
for 2 attorneys to provide civil legal assistance and court representation to
program clients primarily in the White Earth and Leech Lake tribal courts. There are also opportunities to practice in
state court and before administrative agencies.
One attorney will assist
clients in the White Earth service area.
This position can be remote most of the time, with some in person
court hearings required for trials. Primary
duties will include representation of parents in Children in Need of Protection
and Services (CHIPS) cases, individuals facing civil commitments, and those
having housing evictions in the White Earth Tribal Court.
The second attorney
position will also be primarily for representation of parents in Children in
Need of Protection and Services (CHIPS) cases and housing evictions in the
Leech Lake Tribal Court. The position
has the option for some work from home, however Leech Lake Tribal Court
hearings are mostly in person in Cass Lake, MN.
Attorneys are eligible
to apply for a license to practice in Leech Lake and White Earth Tribal Court
based on a valid attorney’s license held in any U.S. state. ALS will help pay for costs associated with
licensing. Anishinabe Legal Services can assist with
tribal court licensing and educating attorneys regarding practice in the tribal
courts and about the tribes’ unique jurisdiction statuses.
QUALIFICATIONS: Individuals having graduated with a juris
doctorate from an accredited law school. Attorneys who are planning to take the bar exam within the next 6
months are also encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants must possess strong
oral and written communication skills, be experienced with negotiation and
litigation, and have the ability to multi-task as you may 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. It is a requirement to make detailed time
keeping/attorney notes on program’s case management system. Training is provided.
Prior experience or
education working within Indian Country and/or with Native American clients is helpful,
but not required. Native American
attorneys are highly encouraged to apply.
EEO, M/F/H.
All applicants are
expected to have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and automobile. Position requires some travel to the tribal
courts either in Cass Lake and White Earth, MN.
COMPENSATION: $62,000/yr.+ D.O.E. Generous benefit package includes individual
and family health and dental insurance, paid time off, paid federal holidays, life
insurance, paid continuing legal education (CLE) credits, and travel
reimbursement. We allow flex scheduling
of the fulltime work week. Hybrid office/work from home opportunities are available
as mentioned above. Additional retirement
benefit after a short period of employment with an automatic program
contribution (no employee match required). Relocation bonus possible for individuals
moving to within 60 miles of an ALS office.
Program employees are eligible to apply for loan repayment assistance
when available.
TO APPLY: Please email a
cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to ALS Litigation Director,
Valerie Field, PO Box 157, Cass Lake, MN 56633 or send via e-mail to vfield@alslegal.org . Applications may also be sent by fax to
Attention: Val at (218) 335-7988. If
potential applicants have any questions, they may call Valerie Field at (218)
335-2223, extension 111. Deadline for
applications is November 11, 2022.
