Law Clerk

Alaska Horizon; Anchorage, Northern (AK, KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alaska Native Justice Center seeks a Law Clerk to work with attorneys and paralegals on child welfare matters involving the Indian Child Welfare Act. You will conduct research, draft pleadings, and support targeted state litigation while assisting in tribal justice capacity building.

This in-person Anchorage position requires current law school enrollment, a satisfactory background check, and residency in the Cook Inlet Region. Proficiency with MS Office is expected.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a law student and have completed 1 year of law school.
• Eligible per Cook Inlet Tribal Council's P.L. 102-477 Plan, Alaska Native/American Indian and resident of Cook Inlet Region.
• Background check satisfactory, both state and federal.

Responsibilities

• Research and draft legal pleadings and writings.
• Prepare for hearings or trials, including document prep and appearances.
• Assist in meetings, trainings, and breakout groups.
• Help implement strategies for special projects and report progress.
• Maintain confidential files and exercise sound judgment.
• Support outreach efforts and interact respectfully with diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

Law student, 1st year completed

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

General Functions:

The Law Clerk works in close partnership with Alaska Native Justice Center attorneys, paralegals, and other members of the team. Under the direction of the Tribal Justice Supervising Attorney, the Law Clerk's responsibilities and activities include researching, writing, supporting litigation, participating in administrative advocacy, and performing similar work functions. The Law Clerk will support ANJC in representing Alaska Tribes in child welfare matters that implicate the Indian Child Welfare Act, conducting research and drafting pleadings for targeted state litigation related to tribal jurisdiction, and providing technical assistance and training to tribal justice systems statewide.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and participate in a goal setting process to determine learning objectives.
• Conduct legal research and writing.
• Prepare for hearings or trials, including document preparation, appearance and assistance at hearings.
• Attend and help facilitate meetings and trainings, including assisting with breakout groups and activities.
• Organize and assist in implementing strategies for special projects.
• Prepare project reports and progress summaries on assignments.
• Maintain confidential files.
• Interact and engage effectively with a variety of personalities and situations requiring sound judgment.
• Participate in ANJC outreach efforts.
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity regarding confidential information.
• Perform other duties as needed and assigned.

Job Specifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond effectively and sensitively.
• Excellent interpersonal and public contact skills; ability to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff; exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think strategically and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team and with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and prioritize workload.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Minimum Core Competencies:

• CITC Values, Respectful Leadership, Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving/Critical Thinking, Communication Skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as a law student and have completed 1 year of law school.
• Continued employment will be contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory report from a state and federal background check.

Applicants must be eligible per the Cook Inlet Tribal Council's P.L. 102-477 Plan, meaning they must be a member of a federally-recognized tribe and/or have a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) (regardless of blood quantum), or tribal enrollment card noting they are Alaska Native/American Indian and/or show eligibility for Indian Health Service (IHS). Additionally, they must reside in the Cook Inlet Region during the clerkship. This is an in-person position in our Anchorage office.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

May require prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and consistently working on a computer with repetitive motion.

The need to occasionally move around the office to access filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and office equipment may be necessary.

Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner

Disclaimer

The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.