Tribal Law Clinic

As a student in the Tribal Law Clinic, you'll gain experience in:

• Representing clients using client-centered, culturally responsive practices.
• Interviewing, counseling and advocating for clients in a variety of legal matters.
• Drafting legal documents, case strategies and policy recommendations.
• Navigating complex legal and community challenges by identifying creative, practical solutions within and beyond traditional legal frameworks.
• Collaborating in a supportive, team-based learning environment where you’ll share successes, challenges and lessons with your peers.

You’ll take on real cases with the guidance of a supervising attorney, managing a thoughtfully designed caseload that allows you to build meaningful attorney-client relationships and practice high-quality, intentional legal representation.

Your work in the clinic will depend on client needs and the current caseload. You may represent tribal governments, agencies, organizations and individual clients. You’ll also have opportunities to lead know-your-rights sessions and other trainings for client groups and service providers.

The clinic is guided by the priorities of the communities we serve. We listen to our clients and shape our representation strategies to meet their evolving needs. 

You’ll meet with your supervising attorney at least once a week, either individually or in a team, depending on your cases. Before each meeting, you’ll prepare an agenda listing your updates, priorities and the time you’ve spent on your assigned areas.

Supervision is collaborative and hands-on — expect dynamic discussions, whiteboard sessions and role-playing major case moments like client conversations or hearings. You’ll be expected to come prepared and equipped to handle the unexpected, with support from your team.

You’ll meet with your supervising attorney at least once a week, either individually or in a team, depending on your cases. Before each meeting, you’ll prepare an agenda listing your updates, priorities and the time you’ve spent on your assigned areas.

Supervision is collaborative and hands-on — expect dynamic discussions, whiteboard sessions and role-playing major case moments like client conversations or hearings. You’ll be expected to come prepared and equipped to handle the unexpected, with support from your team.

The clinic seminar complements your client work by focusing on practical lawyering skills like interviewing, counseling, drafting and trial preparation. Class topics evolve based on the legal issues that arise in clinic cases and often include areas like narrative theory, storytelling, legal strategy development and creative problem-solving.

You’ll practice through simulations, role-playing and peer-led discussions. The seminar also brings in community experts and offers opportunities for students to lead classes in the second semester. Regular case rounds encourage collaborative problem-solving and support among clinic peers. 

The Tribal Law Clinic operates out of the College of Law’s Moscow location. In-person client meetings and community engagement are key components of your clinical learning experience.

Yes — local travel is a regular part of your work in the clinic. Meeting clients in person and engaging directly with communities is central to our mission. The clinical program reimburses gas expenses for clinic-related travel.

The clinic is typically five credits in both the fall and spring semesters. Some flexibility may be possible depending on your caseload and other academic commitments.

Native American Law is a co-requisite and we strongly encourage you to take Evidence, Lawyering Process and Trial Advocacy.