Student Opportunities

Douglas R. Nash Native American Law Scholarship

Offered to an admitted Seattle U Law JD program student who is an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or a lineal descendant of an enrolled parent or grandparent, and in order to recognize the historical injustice toward Native people which has resulted in less opportunities for Native students to attend law school and practice law.

Learn more

Native American Law Student Association (NALSA)

This student organization seeks to:

• Advance the study of Indigenous Law
• Encourage scholarship, social activity, and the association of students for their mutual advancement by research and practice
• Promote closer affiliations between Native American students and other students
• Further a higher standard of ethics, culture, and civic welfare of the law school community

NALSA students have an opportunity to participate in the National Native American Law Student Association Moot Court and Writing Competition, as well as travel to the annual Federal Indian Bar Conference located in Phoenix, AZ.

All current Seattle U Law students are invited to join NALSA by signing up on the TWEN site in Westlaw.

How to sign up

American Indian Law Journal (AILJ)

An academic collaboration among students, faculty, and practitioners designed to fill a critical gap in the amount of current scholarship available to those interested in the rapidly developing field of Indigenous Law. The work of AILJ exemplifies Seattle U Law’s commitment to social justice, given that American Indians have been marginalized and persecuted throughout their history.

• One of only two dedicated Indigenous Law journals in North America
• Employs an innovative online format
• Provides students with a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with some of the most distinguished Indigenous Law practitioners and faculty members in the country
• Provides students with a practical and marketable skill set, AILJ exemplifies the School of Law's commitment to social justice.
• Indigenous Law implicates myriad social justice concerns, including civil rights violations, protection of cultural resources, religious freedom, the loss of land and natural resources, and the regulation of environmental quality. It also concerns a wide range of legal issues, including tax, property, contracts, gaming, and environmental law.

Learn about AILJ and browse online volumes.

Indigenous Law Externships

The Center works closely with law firms, businesses, tribes and federal agencies to find appropriate placements for students who are interested in gaining first-hand experience working in the field of Indigenous Law.

Full-Time Judicial Clerkship/Externship at Tulalip Tribal Court

Description: The Tulalip Tribal Court is a general civil and misdemeanor criminal court. The Judicial Clerk will draft orders, research motions, draft memorandum on discreet legal issues, participate in multi-disciplinary meetings for drafting of rules. The position may require confidential research on procedural or substantive Tribal criminal justice issues. The position requires that you are physically at the court at least 2 days per week and may work remotely other days.

Qualifications: 2L or 3L preferred. Preferred applicants have excellent writing and interpersonal skills. You must have your own vehicle and laptop.

Supervisor and Location: Natasha Anderson, Chief Judge, Tulalip Tribal Court, 6332 31st Ave
NE, Suite B, Tulalip, WA 98271.

Compensation: $20.76 per hour. Part-time positions are available during Fall and Spring
semesters. Full or part-time positions are available during Summer semester.

SU students may earn credit and get paid through the Externship program or a paid
internship. Please contact the Externship Office as soon as possible to ensure you qualify. Please note that students earning credits while working may only be compensated for up to 20 hours per week.

Deadlines: Fall 2026 & Spring 2027: applications accepted on a rolling basis until
positions are filled.

Materials: please provide a resume, letter of interest, transcript and a writing sample via email to: Brooke Pinkham, pinkhamb@seattleu.edu

For more information on the judicial clerkship at Tulalip Tribal Court, please contact Brooke Pinkham, Staff Director, at 206-398-4084 or pinkhamb@seattleu.edu

Work Study Opportunity

Students may have the opportunity to work directly for the Center on various projects, including the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and other work. For more information, please contact Brooke Pinkham, pinkhamb@seattleu.edu.

Job Opportunity: Election Protection Manager (NARF)

Boulder, Colorado

Termed (6-months), Non-Exempt, Full-Time

The Election Protection Manager is primarily responsible for the oversight and execution of NARF’s Election Protection efforts in the 2026 Election Cycle. The Manager will research potential partners, recruit poll monitors, conduct trainings, manage selection and execution of poll monitoring locations (including communications with relevant Tribes), assist the Voting Rights Project Manager with logistics and execution, report on the outcomes of the poll watching effort, and prepare for and execute witness testimony if needed.

This position will work with colleagues, clients, and partners to achieve shared goals in support of the Voting Rights Practice Group, which engages in litigation nationwide, advocates for Native American voting rights legislation, conducts research, crafts policy, encourages and protects civic engagement, and assists tribes advocating for greater voter access for their communities.

To learn more about the requirements, responsibilities, and compensation, visit the online portal.