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