Externships with Native Nations
The Native Nation Externship offers a unique opportunity for law students to gain exposure and experience working on a Native Nation territory or reservation, to work with tribal lawyers and judges, and to actively provide legal assistance on uniquely Native Nation legal matters.
The Program Experience
Students have, for example, been placed with Lac Courte Oreilles Office of the Attorney General, Wisconsin Judicare Indian Law Office, Wisconsin DNR Tribal Liaison, and the Oneida Nation. Students also attend a weekly seminar class that adds context and support for their work and introduces them to tribal lawyers, leaders, elders, and UW Law alumni.
In addition to making a positive impact in Native Nation communities around Wisconsin, students practice and experience:
- Client interviewing and advising
- Tribal Code Drafting
- Community education and outreach
- Research, drafting, litigating, written and oral advocacy
- Cultural competency
The Program Impact
University of Wisconsin Law School has a rich and impressive history of building community when it comes to tribal law. Through the Native Nations Externship Program, established in Fall 2022, the Law School continues to be a trailblazer in tribal law and leadership. This externship opportunity provides students with the experience, exposure and appreciation necessary to contribute while also promoting access to justice across Wisconsin. Native Nations Externship Program alumni used this valuable experience to move on to many areas of law including:
- Tribal Governments and AG Offices in WI and beyond,
- Federal Government service such as the EPA, FERC, and the Department of the Interior
- Non-profit agencies and law firms focused on Native rights and issues
- Environmental advocacy
- Nonprofit legal services
- Small and large civil firm work
Enrollment Options
Law students enroll for this law school experiential learning experience starting the summer after their lL year and may enter the program year-round and earn academic credit in exchange for their time working side-by-side with legal experts at a placement site. This is a one or two-semester program with variable credit options.
Contact Erin McBride, Externship Director at erin.mcbride@wisc.edu and Amanda White Eagle, GLILC Director at amanda.whiteeagle@wisc.edu.
Project Assistants
GLILC maintains student Project Assistants during the academic year to conduct specialized legal research for Native Nations.
Students interested in serving as Project Assistants should contact Director Amanda White Eagle for more information.
