Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute

“The practical skills and knowledge you learn at
Mitchell Hamline will help you in your Indian law practice.
You will be ahead of the curve.”
–Lenor A. Scheffler ’88 (Lower Sioux)
Former Mitchell Hamline Trustee

Specialize in Native American Law

Mitchell Hamline’s Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute emphasizes practical legal education. We will work with you to create a course of study tailored to your specific interests and career goals. You can choose from any of Mitchell Hamline’s enrollment options—study full time, part time, on campus, or partly online. Native Justice Scholarships guarantee that recipients will pay no more than $40,000 for their J.D. (excluding summer and J-Term courses). Pro-rated scholarship amounts are available for summer and J-Term.

Individual guidance to fit your goals

Our program is unique because our professors provide students with a high degree of individual attention. Faculty guide students through a specialized track featuring introductory courses such as Native American Law and Introduction to Tribal Law. Advanced courses cover topics including the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), tribal gaming, treaty rights, and cultural resources. Students can compete in national moot court competitions, and participate in clinics that offer real-world contributions to society and the law.

Courses and curriculum

Learn from Native American law scholars and practitioners

Students learn from professors who have spent their careers working with Native American tribes and indigenous people. Our Native American Law professors have worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, nonprofit corporations providing technical assistance to tribes, large law firms with Native American Law practices, boutique firms focusing solely on Native American Law, and the tribes themselves. They are scholars and practitioners with real-world experience.