2011-2012 OFFICERS
President: Madeline Soboleff Levy
Vice-President: Christina Snider
Secretary: John Haney
Treasurer: Frank Kopcinski
Alumni Chair: Adam Wiley
Recruitment Chair: Lauren Frinkman
1L Representative: William Haney
3L Representative: Danielle Peterson
4L/Joint Degree Program Representative: Lindsey Fletcher
FACEBOOK GROUP
Visit or join our facebook group to hear about upcoming events, news, etc.
OUR OBJECTIVES
The objectives of NALSA at UCLA are to provide a support network for Native American law students and to create a base from which work can be done for the advancement of Native peoples. In addition, NALSA strives to foster communication among Native American law students, the Native American community, and the general public by providing a forum for the discussion of current Native American issues.
ABOUT US
The National Native American Law Student Association has chapters all over the country. The UCLA chapter is very active and dedicated to the recruitment of Native American students. UCLA members attend the annual national conference and may participate as national board members.
OUR MISSION
- To recruit Native Americans to the UCLA School of Law
- To retain Native American students in the UCLA School of Law
- To foster ties with Native American organizations in Los Angeles and nationwide
OUR CONSTITUTION AND ORGANIZATION
On November 1, 2006, a majority of dues-paying members voted to amend the NALSA at UCLA Constitution. The amended constitution can be found here.
Officer positions are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Alumni Chair (2), Recruitment Chair, 1L Representative, 3L Representative, and 4L/Joint Degree Program Representative.
WHAT DOES THE UCLA SCHOOL OF LAW OFFER?
- A strong academic support program which includes a summer program for first year students, exam workshops, and study groups led by teaching assistants.
- The outstanding scholastic reputation of the UCLA law faculty.
- Classes relevant to Indian legal practice including Indian Law, a seminar in Tribal law, federal courts, environmental law, property rights, and civil rights.
- Joint-degree programs in Afro-American studies, American Indian studies, Management, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning.
- A new, state-of-the-art library.
CLINICAL PROGRAM
The school of law was among the pioneers of modern clinical legal education. The clinical program is designed to give students experience in counseling clients and preparing cases through simulated and actual experiences. Courses include trial advocacy, estate planning, legal counseling and interviewing, a fact investigation and pre-trial lawyering process.
EXTERN PROGRAM
UCLA Law School has one of the most extensive student extern programs in the nation. Second- and third-year students receive one semester of credit for performing legal work for government agencies, public interest law firms, non-profit agencies, and state and federal judges. There are also opportunities for externships with the Navajo Tribal Court and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF).
THE NATIVE COMMUNITY ON-CAMPUS
UCLA has an American Indian Studies Center which sponsors research, conferences, and speakers. The center also houses an extensive American Indian Library which subscribes to Indian newspapers and other national publications. The Native students also hold social activities such as powwows and movie viewings.
THE NATIVE COMMUNITY OFF-CAMPUS
Indian law students can participate in more than 23 Native organizations in the Los Angeles area. Also some summer legal experiences are available to the Indian law student in the Indian community. Powwows, social events, and Indian Athletic Associations activities are scheduled regularly in the Los Angeles area.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline for applications is January 16th of each year. We recommend that students take the LSAT examination early. You must take the test no later than the December administration.
INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE UCLA SCHOOL OF LAW?
If you are interested in representing the Native American Community within the legal field, please contact us, we would love to see you attend UCLA.