Indian Law Clinic Announced

Inauguration of Indian Law Clinic

The clinic is pleased to announce the inauguration of its new Indian Law Clinic, which commenced at the beginning of the Summer, 2008 semester. This is a new clinical offering that will provide students an opportunity to represent enrolled members of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. The clinic is made possible through a three-year legal services contract entered into by the Law School and the Kalispel Tribe.

Students enrolled in this clinic will have the opportunity to handle civil and criminal matters in state courts, federal court, and tribal court. There will also be opportunities to advise clients on transactional matters, estate planning, and commercial matters.

Depending on case assignments and needs, students will receive special training on Indian law issues in addition to general areas of legal services. This may include instruction about:

• tribal codes and tribal court procedures
• tribal sovereignty
• wills and estates pertaining to Indian lands
• commercial and economic development concerns of Native people and tribes

Professor Jay Kanassatega, an experienced litigator and Indian law specialist, will serve as the clinic's primary supervisor.

Prof. Kanassatega will also direct the Law School’s new Indian Law Program. That program is intended to develop a range of learning experiences and partnerships that will advance the Law School’s desire to emphasize the emerging importance of Indian Law in the Northwest and beyond.

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