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Legal Services for Tribes
CILS focuses on the legal needs of the Native American community: providing access to legal services to address federal Indian law, policy and legislation; and to protect the rights of California Tribes, tribal organizations and the tribal community. We handle services on a variety of issues addressing the needs of tribes on everything from human resources to contract negotiation to ICWA legal representation and law enforcement. Our team is dedicated to delivering effective, high-quality services that uniquely respond to the needs of tribes. Learn more about the services we provide to tribes.
Contact Our Offices
Reach out to your local field office and get connected to the aid you’re searching for.
Legal Matters We Handle for Tribes
RECOGNITION & ENFORCEMENT OF TRIBAL COURT ORDERS
Our attorneys are able to provide advocacy on the Indian Child Welfare Act by acting as representation for tribes and providing a voice in court.
TRIBAL CUSTOMARY ADOPTION PROCESS
We facilitate the customary adoption process working with tribe and child to ensure fair and suitable outcomes for the children involved.
TRIBAL TITLE IV-D CHILD SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
CILS provides representation to tribes on Tribal IV-agency in foster care cases in tribal court as well as developing child support methods.
TRIBAL COURT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
CILS assists with the development of Tribal courts by helping them expand across key administrative areas to better serve their community.
TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
CILS provides expertise in developing and enhancing tribal police or security departments through a variety of services.
LEGAL COUNSEL FOR INDIAN HEALTH CLINICS
CILS provides full-service representation for Indian Health Clinics on matters regarding, litigation, state and federal grants and funding, Human Resources, personnel complaints and discipline, and HIPAA compliance.
TRIBAL GENERAL COUNSEL SERVICES, LEGAL COUNSEL FOR TRIBAL DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES
CILS offers assistance and advice on a variety of projects such as litigation or brief legal questions, if a Tribe does not have its own full-time attorney.
HUMAN RESOURCES FOR TRIBES
We offer consulting and education for tribes’ Human Resources departments to ensure compliance and regulations are being met.
DEVELOP, ADMINISTER AND ADVISE TRIBAL ELECTIONS PROCESS
CILS provides assistance with tribal election processes by working with or as Tribal Election Boards to ensure compliance of all existing Tribal laws and policies.
CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION THROUGH AB 52 AND CALNAGPRA
We offer assistance in exercising tribal rights in matters related to cultural items or remains to which a tribe has a traceable relationship.
TRIBAL CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
We possess immense knowledge of tribal contract negotiation on a wide variety of subjects and understand the importance of ensuring that tribal contracts are negotiated fairly and with equal bargaining power.
CODE AND ORDINANCE DEVELOPMENT FOR TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS
CILS conducts tribal needs-assessments to determine long-term strategies for tribes’ code developments, including drafting a broad range of codes to meet a tribe’s specific needs.
Develop, Administer & Advise Tribal Election Processes
For election support, CILS is able to administer and conduct in-person and mail ballots for tribal elections, and afterward certify all election results to give our Tribal clients peace of mind.
ICWA Legal Representation for Tribes
CILS only represents tribes in dependency cases. We cannot represent parents, legal guardians, or other family members.
AMICUS FOR NATIONAL ISSUES
We partner with other Native American organizations to follow and contribute to amicus brief filings at the U.S Supreme Court on issues that impact California tribes.
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Additional Services
If your tribe or tribal organization is seeking services not listed above, please reach out to your local field office to inquire whether we can provide the services you are looking for.