California Indian Legal Services · 2 months ago
2026 Summer Law Fellow
ESCONDIDO, BISHOP, SACRAMENTO, MCKINLEYVILLE
Full-time
Onsite
New GradCalifornia Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, dedicated to promoting the rights of California Tribes and Native Americans. The Summer Law Fellow will provide legal services under supervision, engage in litigation, and assist in various legal matters related to federal Indian law across CILS's field offices.
Professional Services
Responsibilities
Fellows contribute to specific projects from CILS’ four field offices as needed
Fellows may research and draft pleadings to be filed in active litigation cases in both state and federal court
Fellows may also research and review policies or draft codes for Tribal court use, participate in will clinics where the Fellow would prepare legal documents and witness will signings for individuals who own trust land, assist in land use cases by providing legal and historical record research, and prepare responsive letters to provide information to individuals who contact CILS for legal assistance
Qualification
Required
Completion of at least one year of law school with an intent to return to law school
Excellent communication, writing and legal research skills
Organized
Strong work ethic and able to work nights and weekends when many tribal councils meet
Ability to travel overnight and a valid driver's license
A commitment to providing high quality legal services for Native Americans
Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and to take initiative
Preferred
Familiarity or experience working with Native Americans, Tribes, or Tribal communities
Prior legal services experience
Company
California Indian Legal Services
California Indian Legal Services is an Indian non-profit law firm that provides legal representation to California Indian tribes & firms.
Founded in 1960
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase