The Indian Law Clinic introduces students to the practice of law as it relates to Native Americans. Through classroom discussion and by representing Clinic clients, you will begin to learn the skills necessary to become a litigator, a trial/appellate advocate, or a transactional counselor at law.
Main Foci of Clinical Work
Litigation Skills
Students may participate in litigation in tribal court regardless of whether they are second or third year law students. As Rule 9 Legal Interns, students may represent clinic clients in state courts as well.
The litigation component exposes the student to the following elements of legal practice:
- Initial fact development and interview techniques
- Analysis of law and fact in connection with a representation decision
- Litigation strategy and tactics
- Subsequent case plan for possible litigation including (pleadings, discovery, motion practice (non-dispositive an dispositive), trial, and post-trial motions, and case management techniques)
Transactional Skills
Students may also work on research and drafting projects. This work will focus on:
- Drafting transactional documents, agreements, and statutes
- Research and brief legal issues
- Counseling clients in commercial and non-commercial transactions including, but not limited to:
- Banking
- Landlord / Tenant
- Consumer Protection
- Creditor / Debtor
- Wills and Estates
- Other areas of civil law
Details of the Clinic
- Evidence
- Professional Responsibility
- Federal Indian Law
3 credits per semester (4 students per semester)
possible increase to 6 credits per supervising professor’s authorization.
Additional student enrollment condition upon projected clinic caseload.
Time Commitment:
Spring & Fall
3 credit students: 12 hours/week average
6 credit students: 24 hours/week average
Summer
3 credit students: 18 hours/week average
6 credit students: 36 hours/week average
