Welcome!

The National Native American Law Students Association (“National NALSA”) was founded in 1970 to support law students who are interested in the study of Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, and traditional forms of governance. Through National NALSA, we increase the Native American law student population and promote indigenous legal issues that affect Native communities. We encourage Native Americans to pursue a legal education and advocate for Tribal communities.

We promote unity and cooperation among law students. National NALSA provides a network for law students to build relationships and offers friendly support throughout your legal studies. Through National NALSA, you will increase your professional network and build lasting friendships with other individuals who share the same goals. National NALSA builds your network through our nationally renowned moot court competition, writing competition, Mid-Year and Annual Conferences, and local NALSA chapters.

National NALSA supports our fellow Native American law students in community service and educational endeavors.

National NALSA provides scholarships for our local law school members and chapters. For the past few years, National NALSA has funded three consistent scholarships: the Professional Wardrobe scholarship, the Judicial Clerkship scholarship, and the Indian Country scholarship. Additionally, National NALSA gives chapter grants to Chapters-of-the-Year awardees. Finally, National NALSA has partnered with alumni to offer specialty one-off scholarships like the Moss Rise and Restore Grant for Afro-Indigenous law students.

National NALSA has provided support for our local law school chapters with their alternative spring break programs. In past years, National NALSA helped Columbia’s and Michigan State’s alternative spring break programs. Columbia’s NALSA chapter assisted indigenous clients with civil needs through the Anishinabe Legal Services program. Michigan State’s NALSA chapter travelled to the Navajo Nation to gain practical legal skills with DNA Legal Services. These two alternative spring breaks are just an example of what you and your local NALSA chapter can achieve.

National NALSA increases their presence and support through members like you. Your membership provides valuable resources to current and future Native American law students. If you are considering law school, currently enrolled, or recently graduated, consider joining National NALSA to help build a greater national chapter. It’s individuals like you who make our local and national chapter a greater and better organization.

We are honored to serve you and look forward to meeting you!

Pinagigi, Kepiihcihi, Ahéheé, Pilamaya, Yakoke, Wado, Hahó, Maacágíraac, Wokhlew, Sepk’eec’a, Siokwɪl, Haaw’a, Gunalchéesh, Nitsíniiyi'taki, Thank you,

National NALSA Executive Board 2025-26