Author Archives: dwilliams

Estate Planning 2024-2025 Reflection

Posted on by

The Indian Legal Clinic’s Estate Planning course, taught by Professor Helen Burtis (’07), continued to provide vital legal services to Tribal communities throughout the 2024–2025 academic year. Through four estate planning clinics, law students worked one-on-one with Tribal members to help them articulate their estate planning goals and wishes, draft custom legal documents, and execute finalized Indian wills and powers of attorney that comply with Tribal, state and federal laws.

This year’s clinics served members of the Gila River Indian Community, the Pechanga Band of Indians, the Quechan Indian Tribe, and another Arizona Tribe. Before each clinic, students completed a five-week preparatory course covering statutes and legal frameworks relevant to estate planning in Indian Country. This foundational training allowed them to confidently draft and explain wills and health care powers of attorney tailored to the cultural and legal needs of each Tribal client.

Over fall break, eight law students traveled to Temecula Valley, California, to work with pro bono members of the Pechanga Band of Indians. Students Jessica Banks (3L), Gabe Dowell (3L), Shandiin Herrera (3L), Imani Hicks (3L), Matthew McGraw (3L), Cristella Medrano (3L), Sam Phillips (2L) and Ian Roche (3L) assisted 14 clients in preparing estate planning documents, including wills and health care powers of attorney.

In November, five clinic students traveled to the homelands of the Quechan Indian Tribe for two impactful days of service. Students Peyton Liang (3L), Ronnie Strode (2L), Kendra Sutherland (3L), Adare Taylor (3L) and Phillips prepared 10 comprehensive wills and seven health care powers of attorney after listening to clients’ unique stories and understanding their goals. The clinic further strengthened the longstanding relationship between the Indian Legal Clinic and the Quechan Indian Tribe.

Two additional clinics were held in the spring. On March 28-29, student attorneys Jerimy Billy (2L), Emily Krainski (3L), Sarah LeFebre (3L), Kendall Pack (3L) and Phillips assisted members of the Gila River Indian Community Tribal. On April 11-12, students Jessica Banks (3L), Grace Hulin (3L), Samantha Johnson (3L) and Phillips provided estate planning for another local Tribe. Across both clinics, the team drafted 14 wills and 10 health care powers of attorney.

The Estate Planning clinics offer student attorneys a meaningful learning experience that deepens students’ legal skills by practicing delivering critical legal services while appreciating the special concerns of Indian clients. Over the course of each two-day clinic, students meet individually with clients, listen carefully to their wishes and translate those into legal documents that protect their assets and dignity. This hands-on experience not only sharpens students’ legal skills but also strengthens their connection to the Tribal communities they serve.

Sam Phillips, who participated in five estate planning clinics, reflected on the impact of the work: “They have become work that is very important to me, especially helping elders as a way to give back to the communities that continually support us in the Indian Legal Program.”

The Indian Legal Program at ASU Law remains grateful to the Tribal nations who open their doors to host these clinics and make it possible for students to learn by serving. These partnerships are foundational to the program’s mission of preparing future lawyers to work with Tribal communities with knowledge, humility and respect.

Native Vote 2024-2025 Reflection

Posted on by

During the 2024–2025 academic year, the Indian Legal Clinic (ILC) at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law focused its efforts on the Native Vote Election Protection Project, ensuring Arizona’s Native voters were informed, supported and empowered throughout the state and federal election cycle. This year, the ILC welcomed Maya Araujo as the management intern, tasked with tracking and producing the most accurate data on Native voter participation in Arizona.

The 2024 Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project team included our Indian Legal Clinic third-year law students Garrett Bryan, Shandiin Herrera (co-lead), Imani Hicks, Morgan Oakes and Sadie Red Eagle (co-lead), all working under the supervision of ILC Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee. They were joined by a dedicated team of advocates running the hotline with Democracy Director Joel Edman, Honore Callingham (’18), Torey Dolan (’19), Jordan Garcia (’23), Blair Tarman-Toner (’20), Alexander Castillo-Nunez from the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) and Araujo. 

In collaboration with partner organizations, the team actively defended Native voting rights across the state. The ILC participated in and drafted four election lawsuits on behalf of the Navajo Nation and Gila River Indian Community. These cases sought to compel Arizona counties to comply with election laws and ensure polling locations remained open in the face of disruptions on Election Day.

The Native Vote Election Protection Project successfully recruited and trained 100 volunteers who were deployed to 63 polling places across ten counties and 11 Tribal reservations. On Election Day, volunteers provided real-time support to voters, addressed legal questions and ensured that Arizona election laws were properly followed. The team fielded over 300 hotline calls and documented 227 incidents — ranging from ballot issues, voter registration issues and polling location equipment malfunctions. Volunteers also collected 35 sworn declarations from voters, which became crucial evidence in same-day litigation against Apache County. The resulting court order extended voting by two hours at affected locations — ensuring that every eligible voter had the opportunity to cast their ballot.

Following the election, the ILC presented its findings and recommendations to multiple stakeholders. The team briefed the Navajo Nation Department of Justice on voter turnout, Election Day litigation, Election Day litigation, polling issues on the Nation and statewide trends.

In January, student co-leads Red Eagle and Herrera joined Katherine Belzowski of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice for a panel titled “Democracy Ambassadors and the Native Vote” at the American Bar Association’s Democracy Task Force for American Democracy Listening Session in Arizona. Moderated by Ferguson-Bohnee, the panel shared firsthand insights from Chinle polling site on Election Day and highlighted failures in Apache County.

In February, ILC was invited to present “Challenges for Native Voters and Voter Turnout” to the Indigenous Peoples Caucus at the Arizona state legislature. Araujo and Herrera joined Ferguson-Bohnee to outline barriers to voting, discuss the Project’s mission, review Native voter data from 2016-2024 and offer recommendations to improve accessibility. Ferguson-Bohnee also presented to the League of Women Voters of Arizona on how identification requirements, voting by mail and polling location access impact tribal communities.

In April, the Law Journal for Social Justice at ASU hosted its Spring Symposium, “Voting Rights and Voter Disenfranchisement in Arizona,” at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. The symposium brought together legal advocates, community organizers and election officials to examine barriers to voting access in Arizona and discuss strategies to reform procedures for future election cycles. Among the featured speakers were Araujo, Ferguson-Bohnee, Herrera and Red Eagle. 

Also in April, ILP student Hunter Mallinger (3L) joined Ferguson-Bohnee in a presentation to the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice section. During the Rapid Response on Native Americans & Birthright Citizenship, they discussed Executive Order 14160 and its impact on Native Americans. The session explored the legal history of Native American citizenship, dispelled misconceptions, and addressed emerging threats from immigration policy and enforcement. 

In May, ILC’s work was again highlighted during the ITCA Native Vote Convening, where Tribal leaders, election officials, legal scholars and voting-rights advocates reflected on the 2024 election cycle. Herrera and Red Eagle shared the Project’s findings, discussed common issues observed at the polls and offered strategies for improving voter access in Arizona’s Tribal communities.

Through strategic litigation, grassroots organizing and civic education, the Indian Legal Clinic’s Native Vote Election Protection Project continues to play a vital role in protecting the rights of Native voters and promoting a more inclusive and equitable democracy in Arizona.

NARF: Summer 2026 Law Clerk and Fall 2025 Extern opportunities

Posted on by

Founded in 1970, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is the oldest and largest non-profit law firm dedicated to asserting and defending the rights of Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide. NARF’s practice is concentrated in five key areas: the preservation of tribal existence; the protection of tribal natural resources; the promotion of Native American human rights; the accountability of governments to Native Americans; and the development of Indian law and educating the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues. Learn more at narf.org.

The NARF summer clerkship program is a ten- to twelve-week program for students who have completed their second year of law school. Clerks are expected to work at least 40 hours per week during this period and are compensated with salaries comparable to those of the federal government and other non-profit firms. Although public interest funding programs help provide these salaries, clerks are also encouraged to seek additional financial support through their law school’s public interest programs or through other public interest scholarships. See below for additional information on the summer clerkship program.

Deadline: Aug. 15, 2025

To apply, go to: 2026 Summer Clerk

NARF’s school year programs are open to students in their second or third years of law school. The school year programs are semester-long programs where students may work for financial compensation, for school credit, or as volunteers. The paid positions (clerkships) are part-time positions (20 hours per week) and the positions for school credit (externships) are either full- or part-time positions. Students may also be able to volunteer.  Positions are available in NARF’s three offices—Boulder, Colorado, Washington, DC, and Anchorage, Alaska.

Deadline: July 15, 2025

To apply, go to: Fall 2025 Extern

 

Job opportunity: Attorney

Posted on by

JOB SUMMARY
The Reservation Attorney shall work with other Attorneys in the Office of Reservation Attorney to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities. They should have experience with the legal functioning of a tribal government and be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of governmental action.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  1. Providing legal services to the Tribal government, Executive Directors, CEOs, Board of Directors, and various other departments, enterprises, commissions and committees.
  2. Must be able to practice in the area of child welfare and have familiarity with the Indian Child Welfare Act.
  3. Appear in Tribal and State Courts on behalf of the Tulalip Tribes in child welfare proceedings.
  4. Maintain the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
  5. To respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or issues in a confidential manner.
  6. Write memos, correspondence and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
  7. Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Tribal Leadership, management, public groups, and/or other governmental agencies.
  8. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
  9. Other related job duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
    MINIMUM RELATED EXPERIENCE
  • One (1) year of experience practicing law or equivalent experience advocating for or providing counsel to Indian tribes or tribal communities.
  • Three (3) years of experience representing or working with Indian tribes.

See job posting for full details: Attorney-Job-Description-20250416

Job opportunity: Defense Attorney II

Posted on by

JOB TITLE:              Defense Attorney II
DEPARTMENT:        Defense Services Office
STATUS:                  Full-Time
CLOSING:                Open Until Filled
DESCRIPTION:       Defense Attorney II– GRIC

Job Number: 25-033
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Defense Services Office
City: Sacaton, AZ Location: 151 S. Bluebird Rd.
Area of Interest: Defense Services/ Legal Salary/
Hourly Rate: $97,305 – $167,305 Salary

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Defense Attorney II performs professional legal work involved in representing defendants in the courts of the Gila River Indian Community (“Community”) and conducting all phases of litigation from preparation through trial and appeal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Defend persons charged with offenses in the Community’s court system. 
  • Practice extensively in the courtroom arguing motions, trying cases to judges and juries, as well as occasionally arguing special actions and appeals. 
  • Perform job related legal research in areas of criminal law, including pre-trial motion practice through appellate argument. 
  • Draft legal documents for all stages of the practice of criminal law. 
  • Consult with clients and interview witnesses and potential witnesses. 
  • Participate in plea negotiations and pre-trial discovery with prosecutors. 
  • Review and analyze statutes and case law pertaining to criminal law and procedure and keep attorneys informed as to changes in the law, precedents and case applicability. 
  • Train and supervise others as assigned. 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned. 


REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: 

  • Knowledge of Community codes and state statutes with emphasis on criminal law and procedures; 
  • Knowledge of Judicial procedures and rules of evidence. 
  • Knowledge of principles of criminal law. 
  • Knowledge of appeal procedures of the Community and other jurisdictions. 
  • Ability to analyze, appraise, research and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and present them in oral and written reports. 
  • Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material. 
  • Ability to produce documents written in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, spelling and legal citations. 
  • Ability to communicate orally in the English language with judges, attorney and the public using a telephone, in group, face-to-face, or one-to-one settings. 
  • Ability to enter and retrieve data or information from a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device. 
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public. 
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a drug-free workplace.


REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing, and three (3) years’ experience as a licensed attorney (experience in defense representation preferred).

(Internal GRIC Employees) Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school, member of the State Bar of Arizona in good standing, and two (2) years’ experience as a Defense Attorney I with the GRIC Defense Services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Tribal Driving Permit can be required. 
  • Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment. 
  • Background checks are required for positions that involve regular contact with or control over Community Children in accordance with The Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, 25 U.S.C. Section 3201 through 3210 and C.F.R. Part 63 and positions that have regular contact with the Elderly. Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position Reports to Director or designee


BENEFITS:
The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.

Visit our GRIC website and apply online: www.gilariver.org

How to apply:  CLICK HERE

Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence: Call for nominations

Posted on by

Rod Lewis was a distinguished lawyer, family man and friend who devoted himself to the practice of law and to the service of communities across the State of Arizona and Indian Country. 

The Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence (“Rod Lewis Award”) is awarded at the discretion of the Council to a past or present member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Indian Law Section (“ILS”) who approaches personal and professional demands with honesty, integrity, courage, grace, dignity, and respect.  The Rod Lewis Award was created to recognize a lawyer who has distinguished himself or herself by making significant contributions to the field of Indian law (in any of the various areas that Indian law encompasses).  The nominee should demonstrate innovation, leadership, mentorship, and service.

Any active ILS member, including any ILS Executive Council Member, may nominate an individual for the Rod Lewis Award. To nominate an individual, please provide the following information by Friday, April 25, 2025:

  • Nomination Form
  • Curriculum vitae for the nominee, if available
  • (Optional) At least one letter of recommendation from another individual addressing why the nominee should receive the Rod Lewis Award (refer to the criteria provided above)

The list of nominees for the Rod Lewis Award will be provided to the ILS membership via a discussion posting to the State Bar of Arizona’s Online Community for the Indian Law Section. ILS members are encouraged to provide information to the ILS Executive Council regarding the nominees by contacting M. June Harris, the Rod Lewis Award Chair, at mj@mistrose.com.  

The ILS Executive Council will vote to select the Rod Lewis Award recipient at a regularly scheduled meeting of the ILS Executive Council. The Rod Lewis Award will be presented to the selected individual at the ILS Annual Meeting during the State Bar of Arizona’s Annual Convention.

Student-led analysis on key Tribal tax challenges

Posted on by

On April 4, ASU Law hosted a well-attended, student-led hybrid event titled “Sales Tax and Online Sales Tax Issues in Indian Country.” The program featured Derrick Beetso, Professor of Practice and Director of the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU Law, and Patrick Irvine, Adjunct Professor and attorney at Fennemore Craig, who collaborated with law students Mikaela Bledsoe Downes (2L), Imani Hicks (3L), Hunter Mallinger (2L), Morgan Oakes (3L) and Sam Phillips (2L). Together, they examined two critical tax issues affecting Indian Country and presented a white paper on: 1) dual taxation and its impact on Tribes and 2) online sales tax and its interplay with bedrock Indian law principles

These discussions underscored the far-reaching implications of these issues for tribal sovereignty, economic development and self-governance. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to critical conversations on tribal tax issues and sovereignty.

Missed the event? Review the recording and white paper.

Navigating Career Growth with Sarah Hipolito and MLS Career Services

Posted on by


MLS students come from a variety of professional backgrounds—some are seeking promotions, others are transitioning into new careers, and some are even launching their own businesses. No matter the path, Sarah Hipolito and the MLS Career Services team provide the guidance and support students need to turn their education into real-world opportunities.

With a passion for helping students shape their professional narratives, Sarah works closely with MLS students to refine résumés, craft compelling cover letters, and prepare for interviews. She also helps them identify strategies for career success—whether that means advancing in their current role or entering a new field.

As both a career services advisor and an academic advisor, Sarah assists students in choosing courses that align with their professional aspirations. This holistic approach ensures that students not only meet degree requirements but also gain the skills and knowledge that will support their long-term career goals.

Beyond career planning, Sarah helps MLS students confidently communicate the value of their degree to employers. She emphasizes: “It’s important that students don’t undersell themselves.”

By applying their career development skills, MLS graduates have advanced into leadership roles across diverse industries. Sarah and the MLS Career Services team are honored to have supported students along their journey, providing resources and guidance as they navigated their career paths.

Connect with Sarah and take the next step in promoting your excellence.

Interested students can contact Sarah at: Sarah.Hipolito@asu.edu

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Asunción Hampson-Medina

Posted on by

Asunción Hampson-Medina
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
UC Berkeley School of Law, JD ’23
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’20
Pathway to Law participant ’19

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
I really enjoyed the experience because I got to meet and speak with people in all facets of the law school experience. Professors, administrators, students, and even alumni. I think it gave me an inside look into what law school is like and the institutional support there is for Native students. It ultimately made me feel more comfortable in my decision to apply to law school.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc.) and why?
I think working with people in admissions on my personal statement was the most helpful. That in addition to the opportunities to speak with current students to learn  about their experiences and listen to their advice.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
I would highly recommend that anyone interested in law school attend the Workshop.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make sure you’ve spoken to someone who has attended law school before making your decision. Don’t be afraid to reach out to law students or current attorneys that you’ve never met before, people in the legal field love to talk! You can also feel free to reach out to me anytime, I’m happy to help.

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

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

From participants to mentors: Pathway to Law ambassadors give back

Posted on by

The Native American Pathway to Law team is excited to host a five-day Pathway to Law Workshop at the University of Wisconsin Law School on June 3–7, 2025. This workshop provides aspiring law students with valuable resources, including application review, LSAT preparation, financial aid guidance, and more—all in a non-recruitment environment designed to support Indigenous students on their legal journey.

For many, Pathway to Law has been a pivotal step toward law school. Five ambassadors share how this program solidified their commitment to pursuing a legal career and gave them the tools to strengthen their law school application:

Damian Shapes Padilla, Pathway to Law ’18
Chad Edwards, Pathway to Law ’19
Asunción Hampson-Medina, Pathway to Law ’19
Ariana Romeo, Pathway to Law ’21
Mexica Torrez-Miner, Pathway to Law ’23

Their success ensures that future Native American students grow up seeing leaders who look like them, reinforcing the power of possibility and shaping the future of Indian Country.

Aspiring Native law students—this is your chance! Apply today and take the first step toward a legal career that uplifts and protects Indian Country.

Apply by March 16: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw