Staff Attorney Position Available
Eureka Office

Program Description

California Indian Legal Services is a statewide, tribally controlled, non-profit corporation that provides legal services to Indians, Indian tribes, and Indian organizations on issues involving Federal Indian Law. CILS attorney services range from providing brief counsel and advice to low income Native Americans, to more extended representation on core legal issues affecting Native Americans and Indian tribes, to significant litigation, policy analysis and advocacy, to transactional services to tribes involving economic development and tribal infrastructure. Currently, CILS operates five offices in California.

Position Description

Staff attorneys will work with Indian individuals, families, organizations and tribal governments in all areas of Federal Indian law, including but not limited to, advising on issues involving jurisdiction, tax, estate planning, trust assets, environmental law, natural resource development, tribal governance, employment, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. Responsibilities may range from the provision of brief counsel and services to low income Indian individuals to representing individuals and tribes in state and federal court, negotiating contracts, advising tribal clients and developing and implementing constitutions, codes, and policies for tribal clients.

Qualifications

J.D. degree with exceptional academic achievement.
Licensed to practice in California.
Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian law with a minimum of three years experience practicing law.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
A willingness to assume a varied caseload.
Strong work ethic and able to work nights and weekends when many tribal councils meet.
Ability to travel, occasionally overnight, valid driver’s license.
A commitment to providing high quality legal services for Indian people.

The following qualifications are desirable but not absolutely required:

Experience working with Indian individuals or tribes.
Prior legal services experience.

Salary

Competitive salaries D.O.E. We provide health and dental for employees, their spouses/partners and dependents, liberal annual leave, and other generous benefits.

To Apply

Please submit resume, letter of interest, and writing sample to:

Patricia De La Cruz-Lynas, Director of Administration
California Indian Legal Services
609 South Escondido Boulevard
Escondido, CA 92025
Email: hiring@calindian.org

All applicants will be notified when a final hiring decision is made.

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