IPLP Clinics and Experiential Learning

Students enrolled in IPLP's Tribal Justice Clinic provide legal assistance to tribes throughout the Southwest, North America, and the world. The clinic allows students to serve as tribal judicial clerks, write amicus briefs, develop legal strategies, and work beside criminal defenders and tribal prosecutors in courtroom settings. 

Professor Seanna Howard leads the International Human Rights Advocacy Workshop, where students participate in cases and advocacy projects focusing on petitions and initiatives with substantial international human rights dimensions involving Indigenous peoples.

The Yaqui Human Rights Project offers students opportunities to experience theories in the practice of international environmental law in situations that require innovative approaches to important environmental, public health, and community development problems.

The IPLP Initiative On Indigenous Rights & Protected Areas aims to raise awareness, establish an online resource center, promote collaboration, provide legal support to affected indigenous communities, and follow up on recommendations regarding Indigenous Peoples impacted by protected areas and conservation measures.

The purpose of the PYT-UA Microcampus is to develop exceptional higher-education services, degree programs, continuing education and workforce training opportunities for the Tribe’s members in partnership and collaboration with the University of Arizona.

The Native American Congressional Internship Program provides American Indian and Alaska Native students with the opportunity to gain practical experience with the Federal legislative process in order to understand first-hand the government-to-government relationship between Tribes and the Federal Government. 

From 2020 to 2024, students at University of Arizona Law have the unparalleled opportunity to work on Indigenous human rights issues under the supervision of UN Special Rapporteur Calí Tzay. Seanna Howard, Director of the International Human Rights Advocacy Workshop, and her clinic students, provide assistance to Calí Tzay, working on a wide range of research and advocacy projects to support his UN mandate.

Through close partnerships with tribes, IPLP students can gain valuable experience serving tribal communities in a variety of tribal courtroom and justice department settings.

The faculty, staff, and students at IPLP have been partnering with Indigenous communities on advocacy, research, and technical assistance projects for over 30 years. The projects led by IPLP faculty are centered around student involvement and advancing the rights of Indigenous communities.