Staff Attorney - Tribal Estate Planning & Legal...

12

Work Model:
Onsite

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description:
Seattle University School of Law invites applications for a 0.5 FTE Staff/Contract Attorney to lead its new Tribal Estate Planning and Legal Access Fellowship within the Northwest Center for Indigenous Law (NCIL). This is a non-benefits-eligible, grant-funded position focused on expanding access to legal services and supporting the Fellowship's mission.

The Fellowship is designed to strengthen Seattle University School of Law's partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, provide students with practical training in Tribal estate planning and legal access issues, and expand access to culturally responsive legal services for Tribal citizens.

During its inaugural year, the Fellowship will focus on providing estate planning services to citizens and community members affiliated with the Makah Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, and the Elders Program of the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB). In collaboration with community partners, the Fellowship may also identify and assess additional unmet legal needs affecting Tribal communities and develop recommendations for future programming.

The successful candidate will possess expertise in Federal Indian Law, Tribal law, and Indian estate planning, including the unique legal issues surrounding trust and restricted lands, probate of trust property, the American Indian Probate Reform Act (AIPRA), Tribal probate codes, Tribal wills, and the intersection of Tribal, federal, and state inheritance systems.

The Fellowship will enroll its first student Fellow during the Spring 2027 semester and continue through the Summer 2027 semester. The appointment will begin Spring 2027, and conclude Summer 2028. Subject to funding, program needs, and performance, the appointment may be renewed for an additional year.

Position Summary:
The Staff Attorney will design and supervise the Tribal Estate Planning and Legal Access Fellowship. The position combines mentorship, community engagement, and direct legal service. Working closely with NCIL faculty and staff, Tribal partners, and participating students, the Fellowship will help create a sustainable model for Tribal community-based legal services.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association or
• eligibility for admission in Washington.
• Minimum of three years of legal practice experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Indian Law, Tribal law, and Indigenous legal issues.
• Experience with estate planning, probate, trust administration, or closely related practiceareas
• Knowledge of Indian estate planning, including Tribal wills, trust and restricted lands, probate procedures, and the American Indian Probate Reform Act.
• Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Tribal governments, Indigenous organizations,
• students, faculty, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supervising/mentoring legal interns
• Experience working directly with Tribal governments, Tribal courts, or Indigenous
• communities.
• Familiarity with Washington Tribal Nations and the legal issues affecting Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest.

Application Instructions:
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance
$50,000