National NALSA

ABA: Being a Native Lawyer

Monica Williamson

“The Obstacles of Being a Native Law Student: How Attorneys Can Help Overcome These Obstacles” by Julia A. Giffin. Article here.

“While a board member of National NALSA during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 terms, I received input from Native students across the country about the many obstacles impeding their paths while at law school. The more I spoke with Native classmates, friends, and fellow National NALSA members, the more it became clear that these obstacles were not unique to one or two institutions… There are several ways that current attorneys can aid law students in overcoming the obstacles faced by Native law students. One quick and nearly effortless way is to sign the (National NALSA) petition and pass it on to others in your network and your alma mater to raise awareness.”

“The Obstacles of Being a Native Law Student: How Attorneys Can Help Overcome These Obstacles” by Julia A. Giffin


Julia presented on this topic during the CLE “Being a Native Lawyer”, which is now available on-demand through the ABA here.

National NALSA petition here.

NNALSA Petition For Diverse, Inclusive, and Supportive Law Schools

Monica Williamson

National Native American Law Students Association (“National NALSA”) is disheartened by the slow progression of law schools in becoming institutions which are inclusive, understanding, and supportive of their Native students. [1] National NALSA is an organization which strives to support Native law students, Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, and traditional forms of governance. As such, National NALSA is requesting that law schools take steps to rectify this situation to foster an environment that is supportive of Native students and promotes diversity within law schools generally. National NALSA sees issues within three main categories: (1) recruitment, (2) academics, and (3) cultural awareness.

Petition here.

 

NNALSA Problem Release

Monica Williamson

“The National Native American Law Student Association (NNALSA) has established a long-running, respected national moot court competition. This year the 28th Annual NNALSA Moot Court is hosted by the Berkeley NALSA and will take place on February 21-23rd, 2020 in Berkeley, California. The competition is now active with the release of the moot court problem and the opening of team registration.”

Press release here.

 

Maurisa Bell, NNALSA 3L of the Year

Monica Williamson

 

Bell
National NALSA 3L of the Year Award recipient, Maurisa Bell (right).

Maurisa Bell grew up on the Wind River Reservation in Riverton, Wyoming. She is an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and was also raised around her Northern Arapaho family. In 2015, she graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman, MT and completed the Pre-Law Summer Institute program during the summer of 2016. While in law school, Maurisa served as Vice President and Treasurer for the MSU-NALSA, an Area representative for National-NALSA, and volunteered as a student mentor for the Indigenous Law and Policy Center.

She spent her summers in Washington, D.C. working for the Department of Justice’s Office of Tribal Justice; the National Indian Gaming Commission; and Dentons, US LLP in their Native American Law and Policy practice group. She is a dedicated and driven leader who, in just a few weeks, will graduate from the Michigan State University College of Law.

Maurisa will work for Dentons upon graduation, pursuing her passion in helping tribes and tribal communities.

Congratulations, Maurisa!