ASU Indian Legal Clinic in D.C.

Posted on February 15, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

On Feb. 11, Kris Beecher (3L), Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren (3L) and Blair Tarman (2L) accompanied Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee to the House Subcommittee on Elections Hearing on Native American Voting Rights: Exploring Barriers and Solutions.

ILC students and Native Vote Fellow Torey Dolan (’19) helped to prepare the testimony that was delivered to the Subcommittee. Additionally, Navajo Nation Attorney General and ILP graduate Doreen McPaul (’01) testified on behalf of Navajo Nation. Congratulations to all involved!

You can view the testimony, which was recorded live in Washington, D.C., here.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez gave a hearty acknowledgement to the ILC. Read the post here.

Ferguson-Bohnee and McPaul were also quoted in a Cronkite News article about the Native Vote hearing on Feb. 11. Read the article here.

Expanding our reach thanks to $5M donation

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

On Jan. 31, we announced the $5 million gift that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians generously gave to ASU and the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs. The funds will help support our ever-growing program and allow us to extend our reach to more students who wish to study Indian law!

Read the ASU Now article here.

Thank you San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for this incredible gift!

Job Opportunity – Senior Counsel

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Scottsdale, AZ

Closing date: 3/6/20 11:59 pm

Definition: Under general supervision from the General Counsel, serves as lead attorney in handling and/or monitoring outside counsel assigned to handle complex commercial transactions for SRPMIC enterprises. Assists the SRPMIC enterprises with day-to-day legal needs, including serving as a liaison between SRPMIC enterprises and SRPMIC government administration and departments. Prepares and negotiates contracts, commercial leases, legal memoranda and other documents on behalf of the SRPMIC enterprises, and attends enterprise board meetings. Regularly consults with other Office of General Counsel (OGC) attorneys to resolve complex legal issues and disputes. Manages assigned caseload, ensures that applicable laws are followed, and that tribal sovereignty is protected and enhanced. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from accredited college or university with a Law Degree (Juris Doctor).

Experience: Seven (7) years of experience as a practicing attorney involving commercial transactions or economic development in Indian country. Experience that has provided knowledge of social and economic conditions of tribal governments is essential. Knowledge and experience providing legal advice and mentorship in the areas of commercial transactions, leasing, federal Indian law and tribal government legal matters are required.

For full job description, click here.

Faculty Update – Media

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and her work, The History of Indian Voting Rights in Arizona: Overcoming Decades of Voter Suppression, were cited in a recent case presented to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

See the case here.

Faculty Update – Media

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

Professor Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes was interviewed by The Show on KJZZ about Diné College on the Navajo Nation potentially opening a law school. Listen to the episode here.

Faculty Update – Upcoming Event

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

Professor Robert Miller will be a featured speaker at the All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon conference in Louisiana. The conference will be hosted on Coushatta land in Kinder, Louisiana, March 11-13. We have a conference website which has the agenda and registration. Right now, early bird registration is going on and we do offer student rates.

Find out more information here.

$5 million gift to new Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Indian Legal Program

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians recently made a $5 million gift to Arizona State University to provide for the renovation of the historic Herald Examiner Building in Los Angeles and to establish an endowment to support the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU’s Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs. The gift will assist in increasing educational opportunities in the field of Indian law, the expansion of work experience for students interested in Indian law and will contribute to the development of Indian law trainings for Indian tribes and organizations. Read more: http://bit.ly/2GRoFmk