Law | Native American law emphasis

With more than 500 federally recognized tribes and at least 35 states with sovereign tribal nations, there is an ever-growing demand for legal professionals with specialized knowledge in tribal law.

In this program, you will study three core areas of Native American law: tribal law, federal Indian law, and the intersection of state law. You will explore a variety of topics, including tribal civil jurisdiction, criminal jurisdiction, sovereignty, natural resources management, tribal economic development and many others.

Native law students choose a track in economic development, family law, governance or natural resources management.

Offering free legal services to Tribal Citizens, Tribal Governments, Tribal Agencies and Tribal-led nonprofits, the college’s Tribal Law clinic helps you develop essential lawyering skills while engaging in community-centered and collaborative legal work.  

The college offers valuable practical experiences through externships, the rigorous pro bono program, the Native American Law Student Association and the Native American Law Emphasis Externship program. You could work with a tribal nation or tribal court, assist a private law firm with a native law related case, or spend a summer in a federal agency working on Native American issues.

Read how Idaho Law student and Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member Dosa Nappo found a voice in politics and law at the University of Idaho.