Benson H. Begay, Esq.

P.O. Box **** Gallup, NM **305

Cellular number 505-***-**** Email - advmd6@r.postjobfree.com

PROFILE: Experienced and pioneering Tribal Court Advocate with a passion and dedication to justice. Highly organized, and skilled in public speaking. Own a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for the Navajo Nation Government. Skilled in preparing for trials, reviewing documents, and effectively presenting cases in court. Works well under pressure, and understands the complexities of the legal system.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s - Native Am. Studies/Political Science - University of New Mexico Fall 2012

Associates - Tribal Court Advocate/Paralegal - University of New Mexico-Gallup Fall 2006

Associates - Construction Tech-Business – University of New Mexico–Gallup Fall 1999

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Staff Attorney- (4/2021-1/2022) DNA Legal Services 40 hours per week/$67,000.00 per year

Advised clients about their legal rights related to affecting legal matters.

Counseled clients about the Navajo law and legal options.

Developed strong litigation strategies for each case.

Organized documents and summarized cases for court proceedings.

Effectively represented clients in criminal and civil court proceedings.

Principal Tribal Court Advocate- (4/2019-4/2021) Navajo Nation Election Administration

40-hour work week/$60,000.00 per year.

Advised Navajo Board of Election Supervisors of their legal standing and enforced the proper election regulations.

Counseled Board about the law and legal options.

Effectively represented Navajo Election Administration in court proceedings.

Principal Tribal Court Advocate (12/15 -5/19) Navajo Nation Office of the Attorney General

40-hour work week/$59,000.00 per year.

Overseer of legal section of the Child Support enforcement unit.

Litigate Child Support enforcement cases.

Review, advise, correct, draft and negotiate legislation, State protocols, Federal and State Governmental agreements, keeping in compliance with Navajo Law.

Provide legal analysis to State, Federal, County agreements and legal inquires.

Sr. Tribal Court Advocate (5/11-12/15) Navajo Nation Office of the Attorney General

40 hour work week/$48,000.00 per year.

Litigate/mediate employment disputes defending the Navajo Nation Government.

Advise the Navajo Department of Public Safety, Health department, and other governmental agencies in disciplinary actions, Labor relations and policy strategies.

Provide legal analysis, defense strategies for defense of disciplinary actions and labor dispute claims.

Draft answers to complaints, submit responses to allegations, and file motions to employment charges through legal pleadings in the Navajo Labor tribunals.

Negotiate settlement agreements.

Provide policy process training to government departments.

Adjunct Instructor (Summer ‘10, Spring ‘13) University of New Mexico Gallup Branch

Two days per week for three month semester/$2,500 per semester.

Educated Dine’ Fundamental Law and its concepts to Tribal Court Advocates

Taught courses of Tribal Law in Indian Communities and Navajo Bar Review.

Legislative Assistant (7/9/07 to 5/13/11) Navajo Nation Legislative Branch, Window Rock, AZ. Ph 928-***-****

40 hour work week/$38,000.00 per year.

Provided legislative support services to the Navajo Nation Council

Provided legal assistance on procedures and processes of legislative bills.

Prepared legislative journals, legislative resolutions, and committee reports.

Arranged meetings with various governmental dignitaries.

Filed legislative bills, finalized standing committee legislations, legislative reports and resolutions.

Managed Navajo Nation Council’s Legislative compilation files for the Legislative Branch.

Analyzed, tracked, recorded, corrected, managed and closed legislation files.

Paralegal (9/04 to 11/06) Rosenfelt & Buffington, P.A. Gallup, N.M.

Part-time 30 hours per week/ $12.00 per hour.

Provide paralegal and administrative support for a Personal Injury firm.

Served as the firm’s Navajo interpreter

Assembled trial document production for trial and assisted with photography duties.

Evaluated legal inquiries determining jurisdiction and proper court venue.

Interviewed complainants, witnesses, and other related parties on legal matters and issues.

Draft, filed and copied court documents and legal pleadings with various courts, counsels, and insurance representatives through correspondence and internet resources.

Tax Preparer/Navajo Interpreter (2000-2006) T&R Tax Service Gallup, N.M. Ph 505-***-****

Three month seasonal position/ $10.00 per hour.

Prepared personal income tax forms for firm customers.

Interpreted tax laws and its procedures to clients from English to Navajo

Licenses-Certification.

Licenses: Navajo Nation Bar - In Good Standing

Member: Navajo Bar Training Committee 2008 - Present)

Certificate - Certified Navajo Court Interpreter

Certificate - Grant Writing Seminar March 2015.

New Mexico Public Notary

References:

Forrest Buffington, Esq.—505-***-****

Tiffany Yazzie - 928-***-****

Barbara Willeto - 928-***-**** 505-***-****

Chris Schnider - 307-***-****

Contact this candidate