Native American Law Schools

University of New Mexico

• With one of the nation's first Native American law programs, the University of New Mexico has been a pioneer in the field. The university's law school offers a program in Native American law that results in an additional certificate beyond the J.D. program. The program requires 21 additional credit hours in Native American law studies. Students are able to use the university's Southwest Indian Law Clinic to interact with the Native American community throughout the Southwest. The program covers Native American law in such areas as natural resources, land rights, gaming, taxes, economic development, water law, federal jurisdiction and state-tribal relations.

  UNM School of Law
  1117 Stanford NE
  MSC11 6070
  1 University of New Mexico
  Albuquerque, NM 87131
  505-277-0405
  lawschool.unm.edu

University of Washington

• The University of Washington's School of Law is intimately involved in the Native American community. Its Native American Law Center helps to bridge the gap between Native Americans and the American legal system by encouraging law students to engage in legal research in the field and by offering classes and internships. The law school engages in ongoing research in fields such as Native American genetics and ethics. Courses offered are in areas such as advanced Indian law and tribal court and public defense.

  University of Washington School of Law
  William H. Gates Hall
  Box 353020
  Seattle, WA 98195
  206-543-4551
  law.washington.edu

University of Colorado at Boulder

• The University of Colorado at Boulder offers a number of courses and research opportunities in the field of Native American law. The law school gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working with local tribal organizations and with law firms that specialize in Native American law. Courses offered include studies in the foundational areas of Indian law, natural resource laws and policies, water law, questions of jurisdiction in Indian country, gaming law, contemporary tribal law and governments, Indian economic development and the acculturation of Native American communities into North American society (offered in conjunction with the university's school of anthropology).

  University of Colorado Law School
  Wolf Law Building
  401 UCB
  Boulder, CO 80309
  303-492-7534
  colorado.edu/law