Attorney - Bi-lingual (Spanish-English or Portuguese-English)

The Indian Law Resource Center seeks an attorney with a demonstrated, serious commitment to protecting and advancing indigenous peoples’ rights. The attorney must be capable of working in both Spanish and English or Portuguese and English and must be licensed to practice law in at least one state within the United States or in Mexico or any country within Central or South America.

The attorney will work with our experienced team dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, protecting indigenous lands and endangered ecosystems, and fighting climate change. The attorney’s job will include, among other duties, planning and implementing a project to provide expert assistance to indigenous peoples and communities in Mexico and Central and South America to title or secure legal ownership of their lands. The Center is collaborating on the project with the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon (AIDESEP) and the Coordination of the Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB). The project goal is to protect large areas of lands and resources for the benefit of indigenous peoples and to better protect forests and other natural ecosystems. Work will include research and writing in Spanish or Portuguese and English and contact and consultations with indigenous peoples and indigenous organizations in Mexico and Central and South America concerning indigenous land rights and land titling. The project will include asserting and defending indigenous rights to self-determination and other related rights.

            The attorney will also participate in carrying out other legal programs of the Center including but not limited to providing legal assistance to Indian and Alaska Native nations and indigenous organizations in the United States and Canada in matters relating to self-determination, lands and resources, international human rights, environmental protection, and the rights and safety of indigenous women. Because of the critical nature of our work, knowledge and experience in the field of indigenous peoples’ rights and federal Indian law are required.

            Desired qualifications include:

• superior speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish or Portuguese and English; strong research and analytical skills including in Spanish or Portuguese language materials relating to land titling and law reform; strong communication skills and ability to participate in a highly collaborative environment in order to consult with indigenous leaders from organizations and villages in Mexico and Central and South America; familiarity with indigenous communities and cultures and with the rights of indigenous peoples; ability to travel in North America, Mexico, Central and South America, and possibly the Caribbean, especially to indigenous communities; an extraordinary work ethic and high level of professionalism; understanding of international human rights and advocacy before the United Nations and Organization of American States; at least three years of experience practicing law; strong academic/education credentials; ability to handle significant individual work responsibilities and work well with others; and demonstrated commitment to indigenous rights and to public interest legal work.

The position is open immediately. The attorney would work in the Center’s Washington, D.C. office, in the Center’s Helena, Montana office, or remotely. The salary range is from $70,000 to $105,000 depending on location, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other factors.

The Center provides generous benefits including health insurance and retirement.

Interested attorneys should apply or contact the Center as soon as possible. There is no closing date for applications. Applications will be considered as soon as they are received. To apply, submit a resume, two writing samples, one in English and one in Spanish or Portuguese, and two professional references combined in one PDF document to mt@indianlaw.org.