Blankets hanging from the walkways of the Beus Center for Law and Society at the ILP Blanket Ceremony

Indian Legal Program

Advancing Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous justice since 1988

Established more than 35 years ago, the Indian Legal Program (ILP) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has grown to become one of the most respected Indian law programs in the nation. Situated in the heart of the Southwest, with connections to Arizona’s 22 tribes and others throughout the nation, ILP is ideally aligned for students looking to study the developing field of Indian law. Our nationally recognized faculty members are leading scholars in their fields, producing research and publications, as well as providing outreach and public service.

Home to one of the highest concentrations of Native American students and Indian law students in the nation, ASU Law has an active Native American Law Students Association that hosts events, participates in pro bono activities and mentors incoming students. Students have an instant network to support them academically, professionally and socially. Working for tribes, in public service, private practice and nonprofit organizations, Indian Legal Program alumni are making a difference in Indian Country. The program's positive reputation is in large part due to the success and support of its graduates.
 

ILP projects and programs

  • Rosette LLP, American Indian Economic Development Program provides an innovative curriculum and hosts an annual conference on tribal economic development.
  • National conferences and lectures by top scholars and attorneys on legal issues in Indian country.
  • Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project assists voters and tribal communities to prevent voter disenfranchisement.
  • Tribal Court Trial Skills College provides training for tribal court advocates.
  • Native American Pathway to Law Initiative provides community outreach, mentorship, and pre-law advising to help improve access to justice in tribal communities.

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

ILP Students pose for a photo outside of the Beus Center for Law and Society

Degree programs

Student opportunities

Indian Law Certificate

The Indian Law Certificate is designed for students completing their JD full-time and on-campus who plan to practice Indian law, particularly for those students who may be representing tribal communities directly after graduation. Students are required to take at least 21 hours of classes that are relevant to the practice of Indian law, write a substantial paper on an Indian law topic and complete practical work experience in the award-winning Indian Legal Clinic.

Sample coursework

  • Cultural Resources
  • Indian Gaming
  • Tribal Law and Government
  • Economic Development in Indian Country
  • Contemporary Issues in Tribal Economic Development
  • Federal Advocacy for the Tribal Client
  • Indian Law and Taxation
  • International Indigenous Rights
  • Critical Race Theory
  • Civil Rights Legislation
  • Environmental Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Water Law
  • Tribal Energy

Explore the certificate

JD traveling classes

The Indian Legal Program provides JD students the opportunity to see the law in action with two traveling classes. Students have the opportunity to leave Arizona and learn from experts in the field.

Students attend class at the ASU Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center in Washington, D.C. during fall break to learn with former Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Carl Artman and visiting lecturers from the D.C. area. This class introduces students to the practical application of the relationship between tribes and the federal government, including the development of federal Indian policy. Students visit different offices and network with professionals working in the field.

Students attend class in Winnebago, Nebraska, during spring break at the corporate headquarters of Ho- Chunk Inc. with instructor Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc. Ho-Chunk Inc. is an award-winning economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Established in 1994 with one employee, the company has grown to more than 1,000 employees with operations in 10 states and four foreign countries. Topics covered include tobacco and gas operations and tax compacts, tribal corporate structures, government contracting, a new tribal farming initiative, as well as numerous other subjects.

A student is wrapped in their blanket at the Spring 2025 ILP Blanket Ceremony

Signature events

Indian Legal Program gallery

 

Video gallery

Sales Tax and Online Sales Tax Issues in Indian Country

April, 2025

Unraveling the International Law of Colonialism: The 200th Anniversary of Johnson v M'Intosh

March 10, 2023

ILP Webinar: Unpacking Haaland v. Brackeen

June, 2023

Conquering Columbus: Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery

October, 2021

McGirt v. Oklahoma: ASU Indian Legal Program Webinar

Undated

Webinar Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta: Rebalancing Federal-State-Tribal Power

Undated

Policing in Indian Country: Cooley, McGirt and Beyond!

Undated

 

Photo gallery

Social media gallery

Hear from our students

Noah Goldenberg

 

Noah Goldenberg | JD '23

Lower Sioux Indian Community

“My experience working with Gila River Indian Community is a great example of why ASU was the perfect school for me. I came to law school to study Indian law, with the hopes of working with tribes after graduation. I don’t know of many other opportunities where students have the opportunity to get real, live courtroom experience in tribal courts. I loved being able to work hands on. The whole point of the Indian Legal Clinic is taking what you have learned in law school and applying it in the real world. It is a unique opportunity and great honor to be able to do that with tribes.

Mariam Valenzuela

 

Mariam Valenzuela | MLS '23

Native Village of Barrow Alaska Inupiaq

"I appreciate being taught by a Native professor about Indian topics. Professor Jay Spaan is responsive, easy to understand, and knowledgeable about initiating tribal self-governance. He provides a perspective that encourages self-governance for the betterment of tribes and looks beyond agency barriers for solutions. My experience in Professor Spaan’s class has been valuable. The material taught in the Indian Legal Program is so relevant to tribes today that I have already applied what I have learned within my community. Quyanaq (Thank you) ILP for offering a Tribal Self-Governance course!"

Faculty expertise

ILP advisory council

  • The Hon. William C. Canby – Judge, Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
  • Paul Bender – Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus, ASU Law
  • Diane Humetewa (’93) – District Judge, United States District Court for the District of Arizona
  • Diane Enos (’92) – Attorney, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
  • Jennifer K. Giff (’95) – Senior Counsel, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
  • Judith M. Dworkin – Shareholder, Sacks Tierney PA
  • Diandra Benally (’05) – General Counsel, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
  • Peter Larson (’02) – Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson
  • Bradley G. Bledsoe Downes (’94) – Founder, Bledsoe Downes, PC
  • April Erin Olson (’06) – Partner, Rothstein Donatelli LLP
  • Jacob Moore – Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations, Office of Government and Community Engagement, Arizona State University
  • Maria Dadgar – Executive Director, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona
  • Steve Bodmer (’06) – General Counsel, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians
  • Verrin T. Kewenvoyouma (’04) - Managing Partner, Kewenvoyouma, PLLC
  • Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09) – Executive Director, National American Indian Court Judges Association
  • Matthew L. Campbell (’08) – Deputy Director, Native American Rights Fund
  • Lawrence Roberts – Chief of Staff, Attorney General for the Mohegan Tribe

Connect and support