Author Archives: dwilliams

Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence: Call for nominations

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Ariana Romeo

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Ariana Romeo
Tohono O’odham Nation
Stanford Law School , JD Candidate ’26
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’23
Pathway to Law participant ’21

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
My experiences working in Indian Affairs policy inspired me to apply to law school but at the time, I was going to be the first in my family to do so. Since I had no idea where to begin, I applied to the PTL Workshop after hearing about the program from other Native professionals I had worked with––and I’m so glad that I did. The Workshop not only provided me with a detailed overview of the admissions process, but it also connected me with supportive mentors and supplied me with the LSAT training I needed to feel confident on my test day.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc.) and why?
The Workshop truly informed every aspect of my law school application. I applied to the Workshop with a draft personal statement and worked on it with my admissions mentor to turn it into a stronger, more compelling version. Since these statements can be highly personal, I appreciated the opportunity to receive feedback from someone who could relate to Native students and the difficult themes they might write about. I also followed the Workshop’s admissions strategy, which encourages applicants to get their materials in early and to work from a list of schools that they help you compile––this proved successful, and I wouldn’t have known to do this if I hadn’t attended the Workshop. And finally, the Workshop’s LSAT prep course was a lasting form of generosity that I wasn’t expecting. As someone who hadn’t taken a test in years, I needed all the support I could get. 

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
The Workshop is structured for students or professionals who are considering law school but are not sure what it entails or how to get there. Even if you’re on the fence about law school, do not hesitate to apply. The Workshop helps you figure out if this is a professional path you want to commit yourself to and provides the resources you need to feel informed about the application cycle. And since it’s free to attend, you will regret not going!

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Apply! And once you’re in, don’t be afraid to ask questions or get to know those involved in the program. You’d be shocked by how many other applicants have “insider” knowledge of admissions process, and this Workshop places you on a level playing field. Even if you finish the Workshop and decide law school isn’t for you, it’s still another great program for Native networking.

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

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

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Chad Edwards

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Chad Edwards
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Indian Legal Program, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law,
Arizona State University, JD ’23
Pre-Law Summer Institute ’20
Pathway to Law participant ’19

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
I would not be where I am had I not gone to the Pathway to law school. When I first applied to law school I did it all wrong. I sent in my applications late, I have a bad resume and personal statement and I only applied to 2 schools. I didn’t know what I was doing and I did not get any acceptance letters but thankfully Kate Rosier saw something in my application to ASU. She called me and advised me that I should attend the Pathway to Law School.

During the program itself, I was able to grow my network immensely, and I made friends and mentors that I still have today. It was also at the program where I learned how to apply to law school and to give myself the best chance to get accepted with my LSAT score and GPA. Further, I learned for the first time about PLSI and just how important that would be for me.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
Not only were all the workshops extremely important to my applications down the road but to me the most important was just giving me some confidence and understanding about the process of applying to law school. As a first-generation law student, I had no idea what it would take to apply and get into law school.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
 Absolutely, at the minimum you will grow your network, eat great food, and make lasting memories.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Make sure to ask for help and reach out to all those who offer 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

Pathway to Law Ambassador: Mexica Torrez-Miner

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Mexica Torrez-Miner
Metis Nation of Ontario
UC Berkeley School of Law, JD Candidate ’27
Pathway to Law participant ’23

What was your experience with the Pathway to Law Workshop?
My experience at Pathways was truly amazing. The support and guidance given by the mentors was instrumental in my journey to law school. Additionally, being surrounded by only Native peoples in the legal field was such a new and comforting environment as someone that came from a predominantly white institution.

What information did you find most important in the Workshop (i.e. LSAT prep, personal statement building, etc) and why?
The information that stuck with me the most, was the advice provided surrounding personal statements. How to write a compelling personal statement was the most unclear part of the process for me, and it felt like the most important aspect of one’s application package. To get not only suggestions on how to better your own personal statement draft, but to also read examples was extremely helpful.

Would you recommend students interested in law to attend the Workshop?
I cannot recommend Pathways enough. Not only does it provide invaluable information about how to be a better candidate, but also connects young Indigenous peoples together in a very unique and special way. Pathways was such an integral part of my process in applying to law school, which is very much a shared experience amongst past participants. 

Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don’t let the application process overtake your life. It’s easy when studying for the LSAT, or awaiting law school decisions to forget everything else – allow yourself to have things outside of the process and surround yourself with your support system to ground yourself as the process is very mentally draining. 

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

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

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