Presenting in the following sessions:
Oct 16, 2024
Pre-Conference CLE: A Review of the Standards for Attorneys Representing Tribal Governments in State ICWA Proceedings
1:00 PM-4:30 PM
ICWA CLE
1-3:45 | Attorney Performance Standards
3:45-4:30 | Future of ICWA Brainstorm
This workshop will provide an overview of the new Model Performance Standards for Attorneys who Represent Tribal Governments in State ICWA Proceedings. These standards were drafted by a workgroup that included tribal, state, parent, and children's attorneys as well as state and tribal child welfare professionals to provide to attorneys representing tribes in State child custody proceedings guidance on best practices in and out of the courtroom. This pre-session will walk participants through the standards, while also engaging them with the material through in activities, small group discussions, and individual reflections. The session will conclude with an opportunity to discuss and brainstorm for the future of ICWA and the role of tribal attorneys post-Brackeen.
Co-hosted by the Tribal In-House Counsel Association and the California Tribal Families Coalition
CLE Credits Pending
Kimberly Cluff
Legal Director
California Tribal Families Coalition
Since becoming a member of the California Bar in 1998, Kimberly has worked exclusively in the field of Indian law. Starting as a law clerk then attorney at California Indian Legal Services, Kimberly went into private practice as a partner at Forman & Associates. Kimberly then served as In-House General Counsel for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians before joining California Tribal Families Coalition as the Legal Director and also returning to graduate school at the Goldman School of Public Policy, U.C. Berkeley. Kimberly’s career has always focused on advocating for tribes and native non-profits, including advocacy and litigation connected to tribal economic development, Intergovernmental agreements, Indian child and family welfare, strengthening of tribal courts and tribal governance and development and protection of tribal infrastructure. Kimberly also extends her advocacy to state and federal legislative efforts, for example spearheading the California Tribal Customary Adoption Act and working with lawmakers to secure federal resources for Indian Country. Kimberly is admitted to practice in California and various tribal courts.