Employment Opportunities
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Official Request for Proposal Available Here
Notice of Request for Proposal (RFP) for Legal Aid Services to Families Navigating Potential and Qualified ICWA Dependency CasesSILC seeks proposals for a part-time OR full-time Contract Attorney to support our organization based in Spokane, Washington. The Contract Attorney position will provide legal aid services to families navigating potential and qualified ICWA dependency cases. This may include, but is not limited to brief advice and/or representation.
Proposals must be in writing and address the Assessment Guidelines outlined below. Submissions should be sent to Juliana Repp and will be accepted until the position is filled. Proposals can be emailed to Juliana Repp at juliana@sageilc.org, or sent via mail at 35 W. Main Ave. STE 321, Spokane, WA 99205-0119.
Applicants are expected to be able to display the necessary qualifications to fully, completely, and punctually fulfill all obligations outlined in this RFP.
For any questions, please contact Juliana Repp at juliana@sageilc.org or (509) 209-2615.
Request for Proposal (RFP) for Legal Aid Services to Parents and Children Navigating Potential and Qualified ICWA Dependency Cases
About SILC
Sage Indigenous Law Center (SILC) is a civil legal aid organization that is working towards restoring equity and equality for underrepresented families in Spokane County. SILC provides free legal services and advice for families navigating potential and qualified ICWA dependency cases.Founded in 2024 by Native legal professionals and community members, SILC’s leadership and staff are creating services, solutions, and educational resources to address the cultural needs of underserved families in Spokane County. Historical injustices impact various vulnerable communities, especially Native families who are significantly affected by high rates of family separation. Indigenous children are 2.7 times more likely to be placed in foster care compared to their proportion in the general population. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 to halt mass removal of Native children from their family homes and tribal communities; the Washington State Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA) strengthened these provisions in 2011. Active Efforts are required to help prevent removal of a Native child, and if a child must be removed, placement preferences require tribal involvement.
Statement of Need
This Request for Proposal is intended to seek proposals for a part-time OR full-time Contract Attorney that will provide legal aid services as outlined below. Total compensation for a full-time Contract Attorney is approximately $98,000 per year. The contract term is one year with the potential for extension. Each service listed below will be treated as a required deliverable, and failure to perform these services may be considered a breach of contract. The Contract Attorney must comply with the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct.Scope of services expected as part of this position include but are not limited to:
Client Services
Conduct intake interviews with potential clients, review potential cases and connect clients with resources, represent parents and/or children in Spokane County ICWA Court hearings, and work collaboratively with the SILC team and clients to provide the best experience possible.
Case Planning & Strategy
Attend case planning and strategy meetings with SILC staff as well as case planning meetings with other ICWA Team members.
Community & Outreach
Conduct outreach to increase awareness of SILC and support equity and equality for Native families including visiting partnering and potential partnering organizations.
Establish, maintain, and develop professional relationships within and outside of the organization.
The Contract Attorney may also be responsible for providing duties and directions to volunteers and/or interns. Other duties may be assigned by the Executive Director.
Assessment Guidelines
Proposals will be assessed based on the following criteria:Membership with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) with the ability to provide representation across State and Tribal legal systems.
Illustrated history of cultural competence and ability to provide trauma informed legal assistance and support.
Level of experience with ICWA, federal Indian Law, and/or Tribal law.
Developed attention to details and deadlines, as well as advanced communication skills, both oral and written.
Proposal Features
Proposals must be in writing and should include the following documentation:WSBA License Number
Malpractice Insurance
Cover Letter
Resume
Professional References
Compensation
In your proposal, please provide an hourly rate for your services as well as the number of hours SILC could expect you to work. SILC’s work is client-focused; hours worked should align with the needs of clients and are expected to fit within SILC’s needs and professional responsibilities.SILC provides insurance that covers contractors' services on behalf of the organization.
Equal Opportunity Employer
SILC is an equal opportunity employer.We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples as well as individuals who share a commitment to advancing justice, equity, and community well-being.
Internship Opportunities
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The Goldmark Equal Access to Justice Internship is a 10-week, paid summer internship for 2Ls and 3Ls created in honor of the Legal Foundation of Washington’s second president, Charles Goldmark. The Goldmark Internship provides hands-on experience in providing legal aid through research, writing, casework, and client services. In addition to gaining valuable experience in public interest law, the Goldmark Intern receives a $15,000 stipend. Sage Indigenous Law Center is one of the 2026 host organizations for the Goldmark Internship.
About the Internship
The SILC Goldmark Intern will support SILC’s legal team, nonprofit operations, and community outreach efforts. This role provides practical experience in Indigenous law, child welfare advocacy, and nonprofit program development. The intern will work closely with staff to assist Native families in navigating the child welfare system while also contributing to systemic advocacy projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct legal research to support ICWA dependency cases and related family law matters.
Draft case summaries, memoranda, and outreach materials for community education.
Assist attorneys with case preparation and advocacy strategies.
Participate in client intake, observing and supporting the delivery of culturally informed services.
Support community outreach efforts, including public education events, trainings, and materials development.
Assist with organizational development tasks, including program evaluation, grant writing, and administrative support.
Complete a capstone project that contributes to SILC’s mission (e.g., resource guide for families, research brief, or outreach tool).
Knowledge and Skills:
Must have strong interpersonal communication skills, specifically strong interviewing and listening techniques.
Must be able to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software programs.
Must have a basic understanding of experience working with or within Native American communities.
Must have experience working with underprivileged populations.
Core Competencies:
Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
Demonstrated interest in Indigenous sovereignty, racial equity, or child welfare reform.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and collaboratively.
Cultural humility and willingness to learn from Native communities.
Prior experience with Native organizations, tribal governments, or community advocacy (preferred but not required).
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the intern will: Gain hands-on experience with ICWA-related advocacy and family law practice.
Understand the intersection of tribal sovereignty, racial equity, and child welfare law.
Develop nonprofit program skills including grant support, evaluation, and outreach.
Strengthen professional skills in legal research, client advocacy, and public engagement.
Location:
The SILC Goldmark intern will be expected to be at the Spokane office with potential remote work options. Our hours of operation are 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Scheduled hours are flexible based on the intern’s availability. Some travel within Spokane and surrounding tribal communities may be required.
To Apply:
Applicants should send the following application materials to Arielle Handforth, Goldmark Internship Coordinator, at arielle@legalfoundation.org by Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Current resume
A transcript reflecting 2026 enrollment
Cover letter or essay, approximately 500 words, describing your interest in the internship host program.