Pathway to Law Ambassador: Damian Shapes Padilla

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Damian Shapes Padilla
Pueblo of Isleta & Turtle Mountain Chippewa
University of New Mexico School of Law, JD ’22
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’19
Pathway to Law participant ’18

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
My experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop was incredibly enriching and truly helped provide a pipeline for me in my pursuit to work in this field I’m so passionate about. PTL provided me with an understanding of the law school application process, which ultimately led me to pursue my legal education and eventually a career in Tribal law and advocacy. One of the most lasting impacts of the workshop was the connections I built—not only with legal professionals at the time but also with my cohort of peers, who went on to pursue careers in law and policy advocating on behalf of Indian Country. Many of them remain some of my dearest friends today, shoutout to the PTL 2018 fam!

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
The most valuable part of the workshop for me was learning about the factors that admissions councils consider in applications: the LSAT, undergraduate GPAs, applying to a range of law schools, and the importance of a personal statement. That was the first LSAT I had ever taken, and I’m forever grateful I’ll never have to take one again! While I applied to as many law schools as I could, the most impactful session for me was the one on personal statements. I remember them emphasizing how much weight a meaningful statement can carry on a law school application. If there’s one thing I took away from PTL, it was knowing that my strength was in drafting a personal statement about why I wanted to pursue law and why it was important to me. I wasn’t generic, and I really believe my personal statement was a significant factor in being offered a seat at UNMSOL.

Looking back, the Pathway to Law Workshop not only gave me the tools to navigate the law school application process but also the confidence to tell my story authentically. That personal statement became more than just part of an application—it was a reflection of my passion, my purpose, and my commitment to advocating for Indian Country. I’m so grateful for the foundation PTL provided, and I’ll always credit it as a key step in my journey to UNMSOL and beyond.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
Absolutely, I’ve already recommended PTL to folks who have expressed interest in pursuing a legal career. I think it was such a great opportunity to gain insights, build connections, and prepare for the challenges of law school. The workshop not only equips students with the knowledge they need to navigate the application process but also empowers them to approach the journey with confidence.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
My advice is this: go to the PTL with curiosity, step out of your comfort zone, and be ready to learn and grow—carry eagerness in your step, but also the understanding that the path ahead is long and demanding. Remember, every challenge you face will shape you into the advocate you are meant to be. The road to and through law school is not just about earning a seat in a classroom; it’s about finding your voice, honing your purpose, and stepping into the role you are destined to fulfill.

Read more success stories: From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Submit your application by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Job opportunities: Zwillinger Wulkan

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Associate Attorney

Job description:
We are seeking an experienced associate attorney, with 1 to 5+ years of experience in both tribal courts, state courts, and federal courts to assist in civil litigation, criminal, employment, personal injury, complex commercial, business and real estate litigation. The position will entail legal research and the writing of memoranda, motions and pleadings. The associate will also attend court conferences, participate in discovery-related activities and investigations, as well as other tasks required in a busy and diverse practice.

We place an emphasis on excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as attention to detail.

Pay:
The salary depends on experience. Benefits are available after a qualifying period.
Qualified candidates must be, and remain, licensed to practice law in Arizona courts. Must also be able to become licensed to practice in various tribal courts.

Duties
– Conduct legal research on various legal issues
– Draft legal documents such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and contracts
– Assist in case preparation for trials and hearings
– Communicate with clients, witnesses, and other attorneys
– Attend court proceedings and depositions as needed

Junior Paralegal

Job description
Seeking a full-time Junior Paralegal to join our busy, fast-paced law firm in Phoenix, AZ. The ideal candidate has tribal court, civil litigation, criminal, probate, or collections experience and has excellent communication and organizational skills.
As a Junior Paralegal, you will be responsible for a variety of assignments, such as: state and federal court filings, tribal court filings, docketing, preparing correspondence to clients and third-parties, word processing, and other administrative support matters.

Annual Salary: $50,000 -$60,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications required:

  • 2+ year of experience;
  • Professional demeanor;
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills;
  • High level of discretion and confidentiality;
  • Ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels;
  • Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus;
  • Thorough knowledge of PC applications, including MS Office.

Expected hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday

See full job description and apply: https://www.zwfirm.com/careers

Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance: Behind the Scenes with Lynn French

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A peek into the MLS course production

The cameras roll, the microphones are on, and a professor enters the frame to deliver a lecture. Behind the camera, Lynn French, the instructional designer for MLS, ensures every detail is crisp, clear, and seamless.

Under the glare of production lights and the glow of the green screen, one rule is non-negotiable: no lime green or silver sequins. The reasoning is simple, wear the wrong thing, and you might find parts of yourself vanishing into the digital abyss. You also may notice your professor wearing the same outfit across all lectures. That’s no coincidence. While the law is constantly shifting—rewritten, overturned, and reinterpreted—what your professor is wearing doesn’t have to change. In fact, it’s better if their attire doesn’t.

Enter the editing process–-Lynn and her team meticulously trim and stitch together content, ensuring lectures remain accurate and relevant. Take the fall of the Chevron doctrine. Every lecture referencing it had to be reviewed and updated to reflect the shift in legal precedent. Yet on screen, the professor remains unchanged, a steady presence amid the fluid nature of MLS production and the ever-evolving legal landscape. Beyond the polished lectures, Lynn also finds immense joy in capturing the conversations with special guests for lectures. The law comes to life when a professor brings in someone with firsthand legal experience. A time when the case studies, doctrines, and precedents take on human form. MLS course production isn’t just about filming lectures—it’s about making sure students see the law in motion, inconversation, and in action.

“I enjoy capturing conversations between people, like when a professor brings in a person who is a living example of the law, as when a representative from the Ak-Chin Community came in to talk about water rights for a Tribal Self-Governance class.”

Save the Date: 2025 ASU Navajo Nation Law CLE

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We are excited to start planning the 2025 ASU Navajo Law CLE. This year’s event will take place Friday, October 24, 2025 at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. To make sure we are meeting the needs of our attendees, we are seeking your input on CLE topics and speakers. We are open to sessions 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes in length. Please send your ideas to ilp@asu.edu.

 

ASU Law student receives prestigious Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Externship

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The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU Law are pleased to announce the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Externship Program winner for Spring 2025. Congratulations to second-year law student Sam Phillips!

Sam will build on past experiences in policy development and Tribal self-governance by working with the of Office of Indian Gaming as well as externing with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community in the Office of General Counsel.

In thanking the San Manuel Nation for investing in Indian Law students, Sam said, “In my culture, we believe in the teaching of “Gadugi,” or coming together as one and working to help one another. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Externship Program is an embodiment of this teaching. By investing in Indian Law students, regardless of enrollment in the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, a network of future lawyers is being supported that will strengthen Indian Country as a whole.”

We also thank the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their support, which allows us to offer this opportunity and supports the students’ goals of understanding legal issues and positively impacting Tribal interests.

ASU Indian Legal Clinic Comments on New Federal Acknowledgement Re-Petitioning Regulations

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The Indian Legal Clinic (ILC) has actively monitored the regulations governing the Federal acknowledgment process since 2009. Effective Feb. 14, 2025, the United States Department of the Interior (“Interior”) will implement revisions to these regulations – governing the process through which the Secretary acknowledges an Indian Tribe – introducing a conditional, time-limited opportunity for denied petitioners to re-petition for Federal acknowledgment. Previously, the 1994 and 2015 regulations governing the Federal acknowledgment process, under 25 CFR part 83, explicitly prohibited re-petitioning. However, Interior reconsidered the ban following two Federal district court rulings in June 2022, which deemed Interior’s justification for the ban arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act and remanded to Interior for further consideration.

On Sept. 5, 2024, the ILC attended a listening session led by Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. The session brought together attendees, primarily Tribes seeking federal recognition, who largely supported the proposed rule to establish a limited exception to the ban through a re-petition authorization process. The Interior’s sessions and written comment period (which has since closed as of Sept. 13) garnered comments from stakeholders, including federally recognized Tribes, State-recognized Tribes, non-federally recognized groups, national associations, inter-Tribal organizations, State and local government representatives, congressional delegations and coalitions and academic institutions – among them, the Indian Legal Clinic at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU.

ILC Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, student attorney Morgan Oakes (3L) and Law Fellow Jordan Garcia (’23) drafted a substantive comment about the changes to the proposed rule. The ILC comment letter emphasized fairness as a key justification for the amendment. The final published rule directly referenced the ILC’s comment, highlighting a “lack of recognition can negatively impact a Tribe’s ability to exercise its self-determination in areas such as defending sovereignty, protecting culture, accessing resources, and ensuring the survival of tribal ways of life.”To review the new regulations, visit 25 CFR Part 83.

Job opportunity: Chief Tribal Prosecutor

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Hualapai Tribe

JOB TITLE: Chief Tribal Prosecutor
DEPARTMENT: Prosecutor’s Office

CLASS: FT/Non-Exempt

SALARY: $99,029 annually minimum start (Determined on candidates qualifications and experience)

OPENING: November 15, 2024

CLOSING: Open Until Filled

JOB SUMMARY: The Chief Tribal Prosecutor represents the Hualapai Tribe in prosecuting all criminal complaints in the Tribal Court. This position reports to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Hualapai Tribe.

EMPLOYMENT DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

  • Regular attendance is essential.
  • Prepares complaints for prosecution by filing complaints with the court clerk in both adult and juvenile cases.
  • Interviews witnesses, victims, complainants, and arresting officers in preparation of cases.
  • Files necessary case related motions or pleas with the court.
  • Maintains a positive working relationship with general public and law enforcement.
  • Obtains pertinent information from reluctant witnesses.
  • Prepares and presents elements or facts of case to court.
  • Completes quarterly and annual reports in accordance with Judicial Contract.
  • Administers budget as needed.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND/OR SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • High School or General Education Diploma, and at least two (2) years of court or law enforcement experience.
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Juris Doctorate is required;

And/or

  • Knowledge of court procedures and all laws that are applicable on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, i.e., Indian Child Welfare act, Law and Order code, etc.
  • Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be willing to attend and receive training related to the position.
  • Must submit to and pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and/or pass a MVR check and be eligible for the Tribe’s Insurance.
  • Knowledge of Tribal, Arizona State, and Federal laws.
  • Knowledge of Hualapai Tribe’s Judicial policies, procedures, and rules of evidence.
  • Knowledge of Tribal Court appellate procedures.
  • Knowledge of case law appropriate to preparation, legal research techniques and practices.

Submit a completed Employment Application to:  Human Resources Department, PO Box 179, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, fax (928) 769-1191, or call (928) 769-2215/2216 for information.  To be considered for employment, the Human Resources Department must receive a completed application by 5:00 PM on the closing date.  A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application.  All applications and supporting documentation submitted becomes the property of the Human Resources Department, please keep copies for your own reference.

PREFERENCE:

All applicants are considered without regard to age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, or physical disability. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with Public Law 88-355, Section 703 (702-71) and public Law 93-638, Section 7B.

THE HUALAPAI TRIBE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities
For More information visit: https://hualapai.bamboohr.com/careers/258

 

Seeking volunteers to judge Moot Court practices

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Eight ILP students will be competing in the 33rd National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA) Moot Court Competition on February 14-15, 2025, hosted by the William S. Boyd School of Law at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Wish luck to our ASU Law competitors: Jerimy Billy (2L), Colten Fredericks (2L), Shandiin Herrera (3L), Hunter Mallinger (2L), Angel Nosie (2L), Justice Oglesby (2L), Sadie Red Eagle (3L) and Monique Tsosie (2L)! The four teams this year are coached by Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, director of the Indian Legal Clinic Director .

We need your help judging their practice sessions! If you can volunteer, sign up today.

All practice rounds will be held at the the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law:
111 E Taylor Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Moot Court Practice Schedule:
Monday: 12-1:30pm
Tuesday: 5:30-7pm
Wednesday: 12-1:30pm
Thursday: 5:30-7pm

Sign up

MLS students receive scholarship

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The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs are pleased to announce the Master of Legal Studies scholarship winners for the Spring 2025 semester. Congratulations to MLS students Alison Garcia, Erica Green, Mishani Jack-Gonzalez and Savana Saubel!

The students all thanked the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, which was exemplified by Jack-Gonzalez, who wrote, “I am honored to receive this support, and I appreciate your generosity. This scholarship has helped relieve some of the burden that comes along with a full-time work schedule and a full-time school schedule. It really motivated me to continue doing my best and even strive for more.”

We also thank the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their support, which allows us to offer this scholarship and supports the students’ goals of understanding legal issues and positively impacting Tribal interests.

2025 ILP Alumni Awards: Call for Nominations

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The ILP alumni awards are now open. Nominate your classmates and friends! The ILP Awards include Professional Achievement, Alumni Service Award, and Emerging Leader Award. Nominations are due February 21, 2025! Nomination materials should be sent by email to: Kate.Rosier@asu.edu. Awards will be presented at the ILP Alumni & Friends Awards Ceremony at Fed Bar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Nomination Guidelines

ILP Professional Achievement Award – This award recognizes outstanding achievement in Indian Law or Tribal Law throughout an individual’s career. The award honors ILP alumni whose achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law have brought distinction to themselves and real benefit to the Indian community. Nomination Package Requirements:

  • Describe the unique professional achievements in the field of Indian Law or Tribal Law that has brought distinction to the candidate. (maximum two pages)
  • Describe the recognized contributions made by this candidate that demonstrate a benefit to the larger community. (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways in which the candidate’s achievements are truly extraordinary or exceptional. (maximum one page)
  • Provide at least two letters of support from individuals that can speak to the candidate’s impact on his or her profession.
  • Letters of support should speak to the magnitude of the individual’s impact in the practice of Indian or tribal law or in the Indian community.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Claudeen Bates Arthur (’74) (Posthumous), Gloria Kindig (’89), Kathy Bowman (’86), Rob Rosette (’96), Diane Enos (’92), Ben Hanley (’71) and Herb Yazzie (’75).

ILP Alumni Service Award – This award is given for outstanding service to the Indian Legal Program, and is awarded for extended, extraordinary service to the Indian Legal Program. Nomination Package Requirements

  • Describe the ways in which the candidate has served or supported the ILP and the ILP alumni. Examples can include serving on committees, boards, CLEs, mentoring ILP students, or other volunteer or fundraising efforts or funding commitments. (maximum one page)
  • Describe the ways this service been truly extraordinary. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has benefited the ILP. (maximum one page)
  • Please provide at least two letters of support from ILP alumni as part of the nomination package.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Brian Garcia (’20), Rebecca Ross (’10), Rodina Cave Parnall (’01), Peter Larson (’02), Verrin Kewenvoyouma (’04), Ann Marie Downes (’94), Mary Shirley (’92) and Jeff Harmon (’05).

ILP Emerging Leader Award – This award acknowledges and encourages service to Indian Country and the ILP by alumni who are less than ten years out of law school. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in their professional career, volunteer work, and promotion or support of the ILP and/or ASU NALSA. Nomination Package Requirements.

  • Describe how the candidate has achieved professional success in their legal career.
  • Describe the candidate’s volunteer work.
  • Describe how the candidate achieved an exceptional level of service while balancing the demands of being a recent graduate. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate was proactive in efforts to become involved in ILP and/or ILP alumni activities. (maximum one page)
  • Describe how the candidate’s service has been sustained over a long period of time or how the service has been innovative or beneficial. (maximum one page)
  • Provide two letters of support from fellow ILP alumni.
  • Provide a 200 word bio of the nominee.
  • Past winners include: Krystalyn Kinsel (’15), Stephanie Sfiridis (’16), Jacob Schellinger (’12), Derrick Beetso (’10), Carolyn Angus-Hornbuckle (’09), Nikki Borchardt Campbell (’09), Steve Bodmer (’06), Elizabeth Medicine Crow (’05), Charles Galbraith (’07), Matthew Campbell (’08) and Michael Corey Hinton (’11).