Native American Law Student Association

MISSION STATEMENT

The Native American Law Students Association provides an organization for American Indian Law Students to promote unity and cooperation among the Indian law students, and to provide a basis for which work can be done for the advancement of Indian people. Our goals are to provide better communication among American Indian law students and the Indian people, Indian lawyers, the general public and to provide a forum for the discussion of legal problem relating to law affecting American Indians.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER JOINING NALSA?

Oklahoma hosts the second largest Native American population in the United States. 1 No matter what area of law you plan to practice, chances are you’ll encounter issues relating to Indian law.  The fields include administrative law, property law, contract law, family law and environmental law just to name a few. While once considered a practice area for small firms and solo lawyers, some of the nation’s largest firms have begun building practice groups to meet the needs of tribes and their members. 2

NALSA provides not only the opportunity to learn more about Indian law and culture but also opens the door to networking opportunities with legal professionals in the Native American community.  In addition, NALSA is committed to service-oriented projects where you will have the opportunity to help make a positive influence in the community.

1 Census 2000 Brief, U.S. Census Bureau, The American Indian and Alaska Native Population: 2000 (February 2002).

2 Lisa Stansky, Sovereignty and Culture Stand Out in Indian Law, 32 Student Lawyer 8 (April 2004).

2012-2013 Officers:

President: Zachary Gregory

Vice President: Jill Oliver

Secretary: Erica Salazar

Treasurer: Betsy Franks

SBA Rep: Winyan James

Faculty Sponsor: Professor Casey Ross-Petherick