Staff Attorney - Tribal Estate Planning and Legal Access Fellowship

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Design and supervise the Tribal Estate Planning and Legal Access Fellowship.
• Provide mentorship to student Fellows and collaborate with NCIL faculty and staff.
• Engage with Tribal partners and participating students to deliver direct legal services.
• Identify and assess unmet legal needs affecting Tribal communities in collaboration with community partners.
• Develop recommendations for future programming based on identified legal needs.

Requirements

• 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 practice areas.
• 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 or 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.

Pay

$50,000