Indian Law
From addressing public policy concerns for Native peoples to repatriation and cultural resource protection, Indian law covers a wide range of legal subjects.
The Indian Law area of focus comprises courses focusing on tribal legal systems, federal Indian law, and international advocacy for Indigenous rights. A renowned resource in support of Native Nations, UCLA Law’s Native Nations Law & Policy Center advances Indian nations’ laws and institutions in furtherance of tribal sovereignty and rights of self-determination. A central pillar of the specialization is the Tribal Legal Development Clinic, which connects law students directly with tribal leaders, officers, and attorneys, to provide legal development services to Indian tribes. UCLA Law offers a specialization in Native Nations Law to both J.D. and LL.M. students.
UCLA Law and UCLA’s American Indian Studies Department offer a four-year joint degree JD/MA program designed to produce law graduates with a rich understanding of tribal cultures that will increase their legal understanding, facilitate their practice in the field of Indian law and enhance their service to Indian nations. Legal study will include relevant tribal, United States and international law.
UCLA Law Receives $15 Million Donation to Boost Native American Law and Policy - Read the story.
Our Faculty
Carole E. Goldberg
Distinguished Research Professor
Jonathan D. Varat Distinguished Professor of Law Emerita
Angela R. Riley
Professor of Law
Director, MA/JD Joint Degree Program in Law and American Indian Studies
Director, Native Nations Law and Policy Center
Lauren van Schilfgaarde
Assistant Professor of Law