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NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION INC
WINDOW ROCK, AZ · EIN 953464248 · Form 990 · FY2020 · NTEE S41 · Community Improvement · Small ($100K-$1M) · www.navajolaw.info
revenue
$178K
expenses
$129K
net assets
$160K
employees
2
program ratio
0%
mission · from form 990

THIS CORPORATION IS ESTABLISHED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: A) TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE HIGHEST QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW IN THE NAVAJO NATION AND IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM THEREOF; B) TO RECOMMEND TO THE NAVAJO NATION SUPREME COURT CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION TO PRACTICE OF LAW BEFORE THE NAVAJO COURTS, SO AS TO INSURE THE COMPETENCE OF SUCH PRACTITIONERS AND THEIR SCRUPULOUS ADHERENCE TO THE ETHICAL STANDARDS OF THE NAVAJO COURTS AND THE NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION, INC.; C) TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS DESIRING TO PRACTICE IN THE NAVAJO COURTS AND TO INSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF HIGH STANDARDS FOR SUCH TRAINING; D) TO ADVISE ON AND ASSIST IN THE RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF THE MOST ABLE PRACTITIONERS TO SERVE AS JUDGES IN THE NAVAJO COURTS; E) TO ADVISE THE COURTS ON THE RULE CHANGES AND OTHER MEASURES WHICH WOULD IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN THE NAVAJO COURT SYSTEM.

profile · synthesized from sources

Professional association responsible for regulating the legal profession within the Navajo Nation. Administers bar examinations, oversees attorney admissions, and manages membership for lawyers practicing in Navajo Nation courts. Sets ethical and continuing education requirements for attorneys and serves as the governing body for legal practice on Navajo lands.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2020

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $0
    NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION, INC. ADMINISTERS THE BAR EXAMINATION TWICE A YEAR IN MARCH AND AUGUST. A QUALIFIED APPLICANT SUCCESSFULLY PASSING THE BAR EXAMINATION IS ELIGIBLE TO PRACTICE WITH THE NAVAJO NATION COURT SYSTEM AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION, INC. PERCENTAGE OF TIME DEVOTED TO ACTIVITY: 25%.
  2. #2 $0
    NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION INC OFFERS A TRADITIONAL TEACHINGS COURSE. IT REQUIRES INDIVIDUALS SEEKING TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION INC TO COMPLETE A NAVAJO TRADITIONAL TEACHINGS COURSE. THIS COURSE IS HELD TWICE A YEAR, EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE NAVAJO NATION BAR EXAMINATION. THIS COURSE PROVIDES FUTURE MEMBERS OF THE NAVAJO NATION BAR ASSOCIATION INC A FOUNDATION IN THE TRADITIONAL CULTURE OF THE NAVAJO PEOPLE. PERCENTAGE OF TIME DEVOTED TO ACTIVITY: 20%.
named programs · 4 · from sources

what they call their work

Admissions and Membership Management
Handles applications, background checks, character and fitness evaluations, and membership status changes for attorneys seeking to practice in Navajo Nation forums
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education
Oversees ongoing education requirements for attorneys to maintain active membership and practice privileges within the Navajo Nation legal system
NNBA Bar Examination
Administers biannual bar exams in March and August focusing on Navajo Common Law, Navajo Nation Code, Federal Indian Law, and other subjects relevant to legal practice in Navajo Nation courts
Pro Hac Vice Admission
Processes temporary admission for non-member attorneys to appear in Navajo Nation courts under specific conditions and with sponsorship by a regular NNBA member
activities · 5 groups

what they do

  • Bar Admission & Discipline Oversight 30 activities
    • Administer Navajo Nation Bar Examination and Admissions
      Administers the Navajo Nation Bar Examination twice yearly in March and August in the Window Rock, Arizona area. The Admissions Committee determines applicant qualifications, processes membership status changes and withdrawals, and oversees the oath rescheduling process for new members.
    • Administering Bar Admissions and Examinations
      Administers the Navajo Nation Bar Examination twice yearly, determines qualifications of applicants, processes membership status changes, and governs pro hac vice admissions for non-member attorneys.
    • Administering Bar Admissions and Examinations
      Administers the Navajo Nation Bar Examination twice yearly and determines qualifications of applicants for the Bar, processes membership status changes, and manages pro hac vice admissions for non-members.
    • Administering Bar Admissions and Examinations
      Administers the Navajo Nation Bar Examination twice yearly, determines qualifications of applicants, processes membership status changes, and governs pro hac vice admissions for non-member attorneys.
    • Administers the Navajo Nation Bar Examination
      Administers the Navajo Nation Bar Examination twice yearly, in March and August, in the Window Rock, Arizona area. The Admissions Committee determines applicant qualifications, processes membership status changes, and manages withdrawals.
    • Advocating for Legal System Improvements
      Proposes amendments to the Rules of the Navajo Nation Courts, approves amendments to MCLE Standards, and amends Rules of Procedures for the Navajo Nation Labor Commission.
    • Conduct Disciplinary Oversight and Regulation
      The Disciplinary Committee hears and decides complaints regarding violations of the Navajo Nation Rules of Professional Conduct, regulates the unauthorized practice of law, and determines appropriate penalties.
    • Conducts disciplinary oversight
      The Disciplinary Committee hears and decides complaints regarding violations of the Navajo Nation Rules of Professional Conduct, regulates unauthorized practice of law, and determines appropriate penalties.
    • Develop and Maintain Professional Standards and Policies
      Establishes rules of professional conduct, admission policies, MCLE standards, and rules related to pro bono service. The Rules Committee reviews Navajo Nation Court rules and may propose amendments, while the Board approves changes such as amendments to MCLE Standards and Labor Commission procedures.
    • Developing Legal Standards and Policies
      Establishes professional rules of conduct, policies and procedures for bar admission, and guidelines for the apprenticeship program, and reviews and proposes amendments to the Rules of the Navajo Nation Courts.
    • Developing and Amending Legal Rules and Standards
      Reviews and proposes amendments to the Rules of the Navajo Nation Courts, establishes professional rules of conduct, sets policies and procedures for bar admission, and amends rules for the Navajo Nation Labor Commission.
    • Develops and updates legal rules and policies
      The Rules Committee reviews Navajo Nation Court Rules and may propose amendments. The Board approves changes to MCLE Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Navajo Nation Labor Commission, ensuring alignment with current legal practice.
    • Establishes professional standards and admission policies
      Establishes professional rules of conduct for NNBA members, sets policies and procedures for bar admission, and publishes bar exam subject guidelines to standardize legal practice and training.
    • Judicial Evaluation and Liaison
      Solicits judicial evaluations from NNBA membership and acts as a liaison with the Law and Order Committee of the Navajo Nation Council and the Courts of the Navajo Nation to evaluate candidates for Judge positions, sitting Judges, and Administrative Hearing Officers.
    • Judicial and Professional Conduct Oversight
      Hears and decides complaints of violations of professional conduct, regulates unauthorized practice of law, and evaluates candidates for judicial positions and sitting judges.
    • Judicial and Professional Conduct Oversight
      Evaluates judicial candidates and sitting judges, hears and decides complaints of violations of professional conduct rules, regulates unauthorized practice of law, and provides disciplinary forms.
    • Legal Policy and Rule Development
      Reviews and proposes amendments to the Rules of the Navajo Nation Courts, establishes professional rules of conduct, and amends rules of procedures for the Navajo Nation Labor Commission.
    • Maintains member eligibility for court appointments
      Maintains eligibility of active NNBA members for pro bono court appointments in accordance with Navajo Supreme Court directives.
    • Manage pro hac vice admissions
      Governs admission for non-NNBA attorneys who are active members in good standing of a State bar, allowing them to practice in Navajo Courts and other Navajo Nation forums.
    • Manages pro hac vice admissions
      Governs pro hac vice admission for attorneys who are not NNBA members but are active, in-good-standing members of a State bar, enabling them to practice in Navajo Courts and other Navajo Nation forums.
    • Oversee Judicial Evaluation Process
      The Judicial Evaluation Committee solicits evaluations from NNBA members and serves as a liaison with the Law and Order Committee of the Navajo Nation Council and the Courts to evaluate candidates for judicial and administrative hearing officer positions.
    • Overseeing Attorney Discipline and Professional Conduct
      Hears and decides complaints of violations of the Navajo Nation Rules of Professional Conduct, regulates the unauthorized practice of law, determines penalties, and provides a disciplinary form for submitting complaints.
    • Oversees judicial evaluation process
      The Judicial Evaluation Committee solicits judicial performance evaluations from NNBA members and serves as a liaison with the Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee and the Navajo Nation Courts to evaluate candidates and sitting officers for judicial and administrative roles.
    • Processes administrative legal orders
      Provides administrative orders for rescheduling oaths for new bar members who cancel their initial oath ceremony.
    • Providing Legal Resources and Information
      Publishes a list of subjects for the Navajo Nation Bar Exam and makes legal forms available to the public.
    • Publish Bar Examination Resources
      Publishes a list of subjects for the Navajo Nation Bar Examination to support applicant preparation.
    • Setting Standards for Legal Professionals
      Establishes policies and procedures for admission to the Navajo Nation Bar Association, recommends minimum standards for paralegal training, and provides guidelines for the apprenticeship program.
    • Support Paralegal and Apprenticeship Programs
      The Training Committee recommends minimum standards for paralegal training, advocacy, and apprenticeship programs, approves qualifying courses, and publishes guidelines for the NNBA apprenticeship program.
    • Supporting Legal Apprenticeship Programs
      Provides guidelines for the Navajo Nation Bar Association (NNBA) apprenticeship program and recommends minimum standards for paralegal training and apprenticeship programs.
    • Supports paralegal and apprenticeship programs
      The Training Committee recommends minimum standards for paralegal training, advocacy, and apprenticeship programs, approves qualifying courses, and provides guidelines for the NNBA apprenticeship program.
  • Legal Exam and CLE Support Programs 9 activities
    • Deliver Legal Training and Bar Preparation Courses
      The Training Committee hosts a week-long Bar Review Course each spring and summer, a six-day Bar Review Course, a 5-day course, and specialized courses on Navajo Law, Culture, Traditions, and History. It also provides study outlines and presentations on core legal subjects including Criminal Law, Torts, Family Law, and the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.
    • Hosts Bar Review and legal training courses
      The Training Committee conducts a week-long Bar Review course each spring and summer, covering subjects such as Criminal Law, Torts, Family Law, and the Navajo Preference in Employment Act, and offers study outlines. It also hosts specialized courses in Navajo Law, Culture, Traditions, and History, and multi-day review programs.
    • Hosts Last Chance CLE event
      Hosts a Last Chance CLE event with both in-person and virtual attendance options to support members in meeting continuing education requirements.
    • Hosts annual bar conference
      Hosts an annual bar conference for the Navajo Nation Bar Association, Inc., providing a forum for professional engagement and legal education.
    • Manage Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programs
      Provides forms for presenters and attendees to apply for CLE credit, certifies programs, monitors member compliance, reviews and proposes changes to CLE standards, and encourages low-cost or no-cost CLE opportunities. Also hosts a Last Chance CLE event with in-person and virtual options.
    • Manages Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit system
      Provides forms for presenters and attendees to apply for and request CLE credit for NNBA events. The Continuing Legal Education Committee certifies programs, approves credit for articles or presentations, monitors compliance, and proposes changes to CLE standards.
    • Providing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Training
      Hosts various training courses, including a six-day Bar Review Course and a Navajo Law, Culture, Traditions, and History Course, and oversees CLE requirements by certifying programs and monitoring member compliance.
    • Providing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Training
      Hosts various courses including a Bar Review Course, Navajo Law, Culture, Traditions, and History Course, and a Last Chance CLE event, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. It also oversees CLE requirements, certifies programs for credit, and monitors member compliance.
    • Providing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Training
      Hosts various courses including a Bar Review Course, Navajo Law, Culture, Traditions, and History Course, and a Last Chance CLE event, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options. It also certifies programs for CLE credit and monitors member compliance.
  • Legal Referral Services 6 activities
    • Maintain Attorney Directory
      Maintains a listing of attorneys for organizational and professional use.
    • Maintaining Attorney Referral and Pro Bono Services
      Offers an Attorney/Advocate Referral Listing to the general public and maintains eligibility of members for pro bono court appointments in alignment with Navajo Supreme Court directives.
    • Maintaining Attorney and Advocate Referrals
      Offers an Attorney/Advocate Referral Listing to the general public and maintains eligibility of members for pro bono court appointments.
    • Maintaining Attorney and Advocate Referrals
      Offers an Attorney/Advocate Referral Listing to the general public and maintains eligibility of members for pro bono court appointments.
    • Operate Attorney/Advocate Referral and Public Legal Resource Services
      Offers an Attorney/Advocate Referral Listing to the public, which is frequently requested via phone, email, and website. Also makes legal forms available to the public as part of its direct service offerings.
    • Operates attorney and advocate referral listing
      Offers an Attorney/Advocate Referral Listing to the general public, fulfilling frequent requests via telephone, email, and website inquiries.
  • Regular Governance and Member Meetings 1 activity
    • Host Annual Bar Conference and Board Meetings
      Hosts an annual bar conference and conducts regular Board of Bar Commissioners Meetings (e.g., March 7, June 5, September 12, and December 12, 2025) to govern association operations and member eligibility for court appointments.
  • Uncategorized 3 activities
    • Bar Association Governance and Administration
      Holds regular Board of Bar Commissioners Meetings, hosts an annual bar conference, and provides forms for CLE credit applications and orders for rescheduling oaths for new members.
    • Convenes Board of Bar Commissioners meetings
      Holds regular Board of Bar Commissioners meetings, including sessions on March 7, June 5, September 12, and December 12, 2025, to govern bar operations and policy.
    • Providing Legal Resources and Forms
      Makes legal forms available to the public and provides forms for requesting and applying for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit.
financials · form 990 · fy2020
revenue
Total revenue$178K
Contributions & grants$800%
Program service revenue$176K99%
Investment income$130%
Other revenue$1K
expenses
Total expenses$129K
Program expenses0%
Admin / overhead100%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$68K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$161K
Cash$159K
Investments$0
Liabilities$845
Net assets$160K
Liquid reserves14.8 mo
1 years on record · 2020–2020
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2020

who runs it

board members · 13
  • ALISHA THOMPSON — DIRECTOR
  • CECELIA TALLMAN — DIRECTOR
  • COLLEEN SILVERSMITH — DIRECTOR
  • DENNIS GLANZER — DIRECTOR
  • DR JAMES NEZ — DIRECTOR
  • GERTRUDE LEE — DIRECTOR
  • JULIA K GUARINO — SECRETARY
  • LAVERNE H GARNENEZ — VICE PRESIDE
  • LISA YELLOW-EAGLE — DIRECTOR
  • MARIANA KAHN — DIRECTOR
  • RACHEL R FELIX — DIRECTOR
  • RHONDA L TUNI — TREASURER
  • TROY A EID — PRESIDENT
relationships · 10

who they work with

  • Arizona Attorney General’s Office Partner — Lists job opportunities in the Child Protection Division, Protective Services Section for positions in Arizona cities
  • Arizona State University Partner — Hosts the annual bar conference at The Great Hall (Beus Center for Law and Society).
  • Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) Protective Services Metro Legal Partner — Partners to share job announcements related to protective services legal work in New Mexico
  • Courts of the Navajo Nation Partner — The Judicial Evaluation Committee acts as a liaison with the Courts of the Navajo Nation for evaluating judicial candidates and sitting judges.
  • First Judicial District Court Partner — Partners to post job announcements, including for Indian Child Welfare Act Attorney positions
  • Law and Order Committee of the Navajo Nation Council Partner — The Judicial Evaluation Committee acts as a liaison with this committee for evaluating judicial candidates and sitting judges.
  • Navajo Nation Judicial Branch Partner — Collaborates on job announcements for judicial district courts within the Navajo Nation
  • Navajo Nation Supreme Court Government — Receives petitions for admission of successful bar examinees from the NNBA President or Vice-President.
  • Navajo Supreme Court Government — Follows directives from the Chief Justice of the Navajo Supreme Court regarding pro bono appointments.
  • UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law Partner — Collaborates on sharing information about LLM programs in gaming law