Indian Law: Practicum

Description: This course provides students an opportunity to combine classroom time with the practical application of various aspects of Indian Law. Students in field placements will spend the first week of the course in class focusing on cultural, political, and jurisdictional aspects of issues affecting the Native community. Students will then be placed with firms who represent local tribes on matters involving Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law. The issues are wide ranging and include tribal sovereignty and governance, treaty water rights, natural resource management, land transactions and trust issues; juvenile dependency, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) issues; economic development, and employment matters; and implementation of the federal tribal housing assistance program (NAHASDA). Students are expected to work in their placements at least 10 hours per week. Students will meet weekly in a 2-hour class to discuss Indian Law issues and the issues related to their placement.

Requirements: Federal Indian Law is a prerequisite course. Preference will be given to those students with a demonstrated interest in Indian law. While not required, prior coursework or experience in business law, employment law, and/or environmental and natural resources law are desirable. The student must possess the ability to work independently and produce high quality work on a deadline.

Application procedure: Please submit a letter of interest, an unofficial transcript, a resume, and writing sample either by email (applicant@wrlegal.org) or by hard copy to Western Resources Legal Center, Caroline Lobdell, Executive Director, 10015 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219. Your application must include your name, contact information, year in law school, and a letter of interest. For conflict check purposes, each candidate must also specify work (paid or unpaid) or any other clinics being applied to that may pose a conflict.