Why is ASU Law the best place to study tribes and Indian law?

Kate Rosier

Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Indian Legal Program

Kate Rosier (Comanche) brings extensive experience as a former tribal prosecutor and assistant general counsel who has guided more than 1,000 Native American students through legal education while leading national initiatives to increase Native representation in law schools.

For aspiring legal professionals, understanding tribes and Indian law represents more than a niche specialty — it's an essential area of practice touching constitutional law, civil rights, property, environmental law and criminal justice. At the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU, students gain unmatched preparation for this complex and impactful field through our nationally recognized Indian Legal Program, available to Juris Doctor (JD) students, Master of Legal Studies (MLS) students, and Master of Laws (LLM) students.

What makes Indian law such an important field for legal professionals?

Indian law presents unique intellectual challenges and profound real-world impact. Legal professionals in this field navigate treaties, statutes, court decisions and tribal codes while addressing high-stakes issues like water rights, sacred land protection, treaty obligations and digital sovereignty. These matters affect both tribal and non-tribal communities, making expertise in Indian law increasingly valuable across multiple practice areas — whether you're pursuing a career as an attorney or as a policy specialist, advocate or tribal administrator.

How does location enhance the study of Indian law?

ASU Law's location in Arizona — home to 22 federally recognized tribes — provides unparalleled access to tribal communities and real-world legal issues. Our students don't just study Indian law in theory; they witness its daily application in a region where tribal sovereignty shapes contemporary legal practice. This geographic advantage transforms classroom learning into lived experience for both future lawyers and non-lawyer specialists.

What experiential learning opportunities are available to students?

The Indian Legal Program offers specialized clinics, externships and programs where JD and MLS students apply their knowledge to actual cases and community advocacy work. Students draft legal arguments for tribal courts, assist in intergovernmental negotiations and support legislative and voting rights advocacy efforts. These hands-on experiences, combined with our comprehensive curriculum covering federal Indian law, tribal law and international Indigenous rights, prepare graduates for immediate impact — whether they plan to litigate in courtrooms or shape policy in tribal governments.

Who teaches Indian law at ASU Law?

Our faculty includes leading voices in Indian law who actively advise and litigate on behalf of tribes. Students learn from professors who shape the field through scholarship, practice and policy work. This combination of academic excellence and practical experience ensures all students — whether pursuing their JD or legal master’s degree — receive both theoretical grounding and real-world insights from experts who understand the evolving landscape of tribal sovereignty and federal Indian law.

Frequently asked questions

What Indian law specializations are available at ASU Law?

ASU Law's Indian Legal Program offers specialized coursework and certificates for JD, LLM and MLS students seeking expertise in tribal governance, policy and advocacy. Areas of emphasis include:

How much does it cost to study Indian law at ASU Law? 

ASU Law offers competitive tuition rates and numerous scholarship opportunities specifically for students interested in Indian law, including dedicated funding through the Indian Legal Program and partnerships with tribal nations that help make legal education accessible to Native American students.

What career opportunities are available after studying Indian law? 

Graduates of ASU Law's Indian Legal Program pursue diverse careers as:

Does ASU Law offer online Indian law courses? 

ASU Law provides flexible learning options for MLS students including hybrid and online course offerings in Indian law topics, allowing students to access our expert faculty and curriculum while balancing work, family and community obligations.

What makes ASU's Indian Legal Program different from other law schools? 

ASU Law's Indian Legal Program stands out through its 35-year history as one of the most respected Indian law programs in the nation. Located among 22 federally recognized tribes, ILP distinguishes itself through hands-on clinical experiences in tribal courts, faculty who actively practice Indian law and comprehensive support systems that have successfully guided over 1,000 Native American students through legal education.