<p>Host <strong>Nayeli Diaz</strong> sits down with tribal attorney <strong>Leah Jurss</strong> to demystify the vast and often-overlooked world of tribal law. Leah shares her unique perspective from working both in a firm serving tribes and as in-house counsel for the Bay Mills Indian Community.</p><p><br>In a candid and informative interview, Leah dispels common myths and explains why a foundational understanding of tribal sovereignty is essential for all legal professionals, no matter their field. She highlights the wide range of legal issues that intersect with tribal communities and offers a clear roadmap for how law students can start learning about this fascinating and rewarding area of law.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we discuss:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Federal Indian Law vs. Tribal Law:</strong> The key differences between the laws governing the relationship with the U.S. government and the laws tribes use to govern themselves.</li><li><strong>The Right Terminology:</strong> Why "Indian law" is still used and when it's appropriate to identify a specific tribe.</li><li><strong>Effective Advocacy:</strong> Leah's experience working with non-native lawyers and her advice on how to be an effective advocate for a tribal community by respecting cultural norms.</li><li><strong>A Rewarding Career:</strong> Why a career in tribal law is never boring, offering a chance to touch on many different practice areas, from family and environmental law to legislation and business development.</li><li><strong>Resources for Students:</strong> Actionable steps you can take today to learn more, including which law school classes to take and the value of joining organizations like the <strong>Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)</strong>.</li></ul><p></p><ul><li>(00:00) - Introduction: The Importance of Tribal Law for Law Students </li> <li>(01:36) - Introducing Guest Leah Jurss &amp; The Topic of Tribal Law </li> <li>(03:53) - The Term "Indian Law": Why Is It Still Used? </li> <li>(04:40) - The Difference Between Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law </li> <li>(06:19) - In-House vs. Law Firm Practice: The Differences </li> <li>(08:14) - Being a Non-Native in Indian Law: A Discussion on Allyship </li> <li>(10:20) - The Importance of a Baseline Understanding for All Lawyers </li> <li>(13:12) - Resources for Learning Tribal Law in Law School </li> <li>(16:28) - Leah's Career Path: From Law Student to Tribal Attorney </li> <li>(19:35) - A Day in the Life of a Tribal Attorney </li> <li>(23:57) - A Favorite Project: Drafting a Judicial Ethics Code </li> <li>(26:22) - Final Takeaways: The Importance of Sovereignty </li> <li>(27:33) - Conclusion &amp; Outro </li> </ul><br><a href="https://share.transistor.fm/s/e5b529d7/transcript" title="Click here to view the episode transcript.">Click here to view the episode transcript.</a><br>

ABA Law Student Podcast

American Bar Association

Tribal Law 101: Why It's Essential for Every Law Student

OCT 20, 202539 MIN
ABA Law Student Podcast

Tribal Law 101: Why It's Essential for Every Law Student

OCT 20, 202539 MIN

Description

Host Nayeli Diaz sits down with tribal attorney Leah Jurss to demystify the vast and often-overlooked world of tribal law. Leah shares her unique perspective from working both in a firm serving tribes and as in-house counsel for the Bay Mills Indian Community.


In a candid and informative interview, Leah dispels common myths and explains why a foundational understanding of tribal sovereignty is essential for all legal professionals, no matter their field. She highlights the wide range of legal issues that intersect with tribal communities and offers a clear roadmap for how law students can start learning about this fascinating and rewarding area of law.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Federal Indian Law vs. Tribal Law: The key differences between the laws governing the relationship with the U.S. government and the laws tribes use to govern themselves.
  • The Right Terminology: Why "Indian law" is still used and when it's appropriate to identify a specific tribe.
  • Effective Advocacy: Leah's experience working with non-native lawyers and her advice on how to be an effective advocate for a tribal community by respecting cultural norms.
  • A Rewarding Career: Why a career in tribal law is never boring, offering a chance to touch on many different practice areas, from family and environmental law to legislation and business development.
  • Resources for Students: Actionable steps you can take today to learn more, including which law school classes to take and the value of joining organizations like the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA).

  • (00:00) - Introduction: The Importance of Tribal Law for Law Students
  • (01:36) - Introducing Guest Leah Jurss & The Topic of Tribal Law
  • (03:53) - The Term "Indian Law": Why Is It Still Used?
  • (04:40) - The Difference Between Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law
  • (06:19) - In-House vs. Law Firm Practice: The Differences
  • (08:14) - Being a Non-Native in Indian Law: A Discussion on Allyship
  • (10:20) - The Importance of a Baseline Understanding for All Lawyers
  • (13:12) - Resources for Learning Tribal Law in Law School
  • (16:28) - Leah's Career Path: From Law Student to Tribal Attorney
  • (19:35) - A Day in the Life of a Tribal Attorney
  • (23:57) - A Favorite Project: Drafting a Judicial Ethics Code
  • (26:22) - Final Takeaways: The Importance of Sovereignty
  • (27:33) - Conclusion & Outro

Click here to view the episode transcript.