Advocacy & Clinical Projects

IPLP is not only the leading center for academic research in Indian and Indigenous Peoples' Law; it is also the leading center for applied learning. IPLP faculty believe that what happens in the classroom is just the beginning of the learning experience – students must also learn how to make practical use of what they are learning.

Every single IPLP faculty member works directly with Indian and Indigenous people, and as a result, IPLP is constantly involved in a wide variety of projects. IPLP faculty and staff involve students in these projects through the Indigenous Peoples Law Clinic, the International Human Advocacy Rights Workshop, and as faculty research assistants, giving students unparalleled opportunities for “hands on” experience.

“Our students learn many valuable lessons in the Tribal Law Clinic, but first and foremost, [students] come to understand that Critical Race Practice is mostly about learning to listen to other peoples' stories and then finding ways to make those stories matter in the legal system. For example, before we do a probate code or an appellate procedure code, or a cultural resources protection code, students first learn about the tribe and its relevant traditions and culture and history, spend time on the tribe's reservation talking with the people who are going to have to work with and live with the code, and then come back and figure out what they've got to do as Critical Race Practitioners to draft legislation for that tribal community.”

IPLP accepts a variety of projects, ranging from

• drafting tribal codes
• serving as tribal attorneys, prosecutors and defense counsel
• clerking for tribal judges
• writing policy manuals and practitioners guides