IPLP Externships

The strong partnership between the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe affords students the chance to work with leading legal practitioners who are increasing access to justice for Yaqui community members.

Through implementation of the Tribal Law and Order Act and provisions in the Violence Against Women Act extending tribal jurisdiction to non-Native offenders of domestic violence, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe has gained recognition as a leader in innovative approaches to tribal law and justice. Members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Office of the Attorney General and Judicial Department frequently speak before Congress on legislation affecting the administration of justice in Indian Country.

Students work with tribal judges, prosecutors, defenders, and court advocates from the Tohono O'odham Nation judicial system on a wide range of legal advocacy projects to protect the rights of Tohono O'odham community members.

Students can spend a semester working for the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch under the supervision of the court solicitor and staff attorney, along with Professor Robert A. Williams, Jr., conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda and opinions, and performing the duties associated with a judicial clerkship position.

The Navajo Nation Judicial Branch is a national leader incorporating American Indian customary law in tribal court decision-making and in tribal government operations. The Navajo Nation Supreme Court led the way to help establish frameworks for incorporating Navajo common law into Navajo jurisprudence.