Beyond the Classroom

While the program's curriculum provides students with a foundation for success in Indian law, much can and should be learned outside of the classroom. The law school supports numerous opportunities to explore Indian law interest in a variety of settings.

Native American Law Student Association
The Native American Law Student Association provides support for Indian as well as non-Indian students who are interested in pursuing a career in Indian law. NALSA also works with other law student organizations on campus to address issues important to minority students and to educate the larger community through speaker panels and other activities. In 2001, the local chapter hosted the 9th Annual National NALSA Moot Court Competition at the law school.

Indian Law Writing Competition
The law school has had great success in the University of Oklahoma's Annual Indian Law Writing Competition. In 2003, three students from Lewis & Clark won the top three awards for their articles on Indian law issues.

Tribal Clerkship Pro Bono Program
The Indian Law Program recently implemented a Tribal Clerkship Pro Bono Honors Program that allows students to serve as judicial law clerks for tribal judges across the nation. The first of its kind in the country, the Tribal Clerkship Pro Bono Honors Program provides tribal courts with much-needed research and writing assistance while exposing students firsthand to tribal court practice and procedure and the issues currently facing Indian communities.

Cultural Field Experience
Ed Edmo leads the students on a guided tour to the She Who Watches petroglyphs in the Columbia Gorge. In Ed’s words he invites us on a “unforgettable journey down the Columbia Gorge of Oregon, as I talk about the history of the river and our people, the disturbing effects on our culture and our ancient salmon fishery at Celilo Falls with the building of the Dalles Dam, and the enduring traditional stories that, nevertheless, keep our people alive and thriving.”