Studying Indian Law
Join us in addressing legal issues relating to Indian peoples and Indian country. Experience Indian law while residing in western Montana, the beautiful homelands of the Bitterroot Salish, the Pend d’Oreille and the Kootenai tribes. Located in Missoula, believed to be derived from a Salish word, The University of Montana School of Law is the only law school in a state with seven federally recognized tribes and one state recognized tribe.

Our Indian law program addresses the complex and evolving principles of Indian law while recognizing the unique relationship between tribal, state, and federal governments. In addition to offering substantive Indian law courses and an Indian Law Certificate Program, we have the oldest in-house Indian Law Clinic in the nation, we offer a progressive Summer Indian Law Program, and we support an active NALSA organization. Experience the practical approach to Indian law offered at The University of Montana School of Law – small classes, approachable faculty and a responsive curriculum.

Summer Indian Law Program
Students may enroll in any or all of the week-long, Indian law courses offered during the annual summer program. Specific classes vary each summer, focusing on current issues in Indian law. Professors and attorneys from around the country teach as part of the program, offering students the opportunity to learn from the foremost experts in the nation. For more information, visit the American Indian Summer Law Program page.

Indian Law Certificate
The Indian Law Certificate Program is designed for law students who wish to acquire an in-depth knowledge of Indian law. The certificate is evidence of a student’s successful completion of additional credits focusing on issues critical to Indian country and Indian peoples. For more information, visit the Indian Law Certificate page.

The National Bison Range Wildlife Refuge is just north of Missoula and lies within the boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Indian Law Clinic
Established in 1980, the Indian Law Clinic at The University of Montana School of Law is designed to provide students with practical experience regarding Indian law issues. Its work focuses on issues affecting tribal governments, justice systems, and Indian peoples. Students may have an opportunity to appear in tribal, state and federal courts on behalf of their clients, either tribes or individuals. Students also work on projects promoting sovereignty, assisting with cultural preservation and preserving tribal lands. For more information, visit the Indian Law Clinic page.

Native American Law Students Association
NALSA was created to promote the study of federal Indian law, tribal law, traditional forms of governance, and to support American Indians in law school. NALSA strives to educate the legal community about American Indian issues. Since its inception, NALSA has sponsored a variety of activities.

Indian Law Week - An annual event exploring current issues in Indian law and featuring national and local speakers.

Federal Indian Bar - Students raise funds to attend the annual April Federal Indian Bar Conference.

National NALSA Moot Court - A team competition providing a structured learning experience for selected students to improve their appellate advocacy skills in the area of Indian law.

Charging Forward by Jay Laber, UM Campus Photo by Todd Goodrich (2009)

Law School Application Requirements

• Graduate from a four year accredited college or university
  
  
• Take the Law School Admissions Test - www.lsac.org
  
  
• Complete law school application and provide letters of recommendation - www.umt.edu/law/admissions

Financing Law School

Montana Indian Tuition Waiver - The Montana Indian Tuition Waiver eliminates tuition costs charged to a qualifying student. It does not, however, waive any other charges.

National Loan Programs - www.lsac.org and www.fafsa.ed.gov

University Scholarships - contact Director of Admissions Lori Freeman, lori.freeman@umontana.edu