American Indian Law Clinic
- The Clinic is part of Colorado Law’s American Indian Law Program
- Mission and Clients
- Scope
- Type of Legal Assistance
- Projects
The American Indian Law Clinic, established in 1992 as a leading institution in its field, is dedicated to advocating for Indigenous individuals, Native Nations, and Tribal entities. We specialize in federal Indian law, Tribal law, and international engagements, including collaborations on global Indigenous rights initiatives brought before the United Nations. Guided by principles of self-determination and sovereignty, our mission is to uphold Indigenous rights through rigorous advocacy and client-centered legal representation.
During this yearlong course, students receive classroom instruction and hands-on experience regarding Indian law issues, focused primarily on projects that have a uniquely Indian law dimension. “Uniquely Indian law” issues are addressed by that body of law that concerns the status of Indian tribes and regulates the legal relationship between them, the federal government, the states and their citizens—commonly known as federal Indian law. All cases accepted and projects undertaken by the Clinic involve issues of Indian law or the law of a particular tribe. Student attorneys handle cases under the supervision of a licensed attorney, the American Indian Law Clinic Director.
Colorado Law students provide valuable legal advocacy research, writing, and education to individuals, tribal governments, tribal courts, tribal communities, and Indigenous-led non-profits. Work includes some court-based projects and some transactional projects, as well as travel in Indian Country and to the UN in New York.
The American Indian Law Clinic seeks out opportunities to expand its legal services to the Native American community in critical areas. Please reach out to Professor Christina Stanton if you are interested in becoming a client. Please note the clinics are not open during the semester breaks and typically only accept cases at the start of the school year. While we try to help as many as possible, we may need to refer you to outside sources.
