SE Valley Times

In a significant development for legal education, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has partnered with the Navajo Nation and Diné College to create the first tribally affiliated legal education program. This collaboration offers four law degrees specifically designed to address the legal needs of the Navajo Nation.

“This marks a milestone in reimagining legal education,” stated Stacy Leeds, Dean and Regents Professor of Law. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between a public law school, a tribal college, and an Indigenous nation to empower future advocates and leaders by focusing on tribal-specific laws and sovereignty.

The partnership aims to leverage each institution's strengths to enhance educational opportunities while reinforcing Navajo cultural traditions, sovereignty, and self-governance. The initiative has been years in planning, involving contributions from the late Peterson Zah, who served as both president and chairman of the Navajo Nation.

“We are taking a crucial step toward realizing the dream of a Navajo Nation law school,” said Buu Nygren, President of the Navajo Nation. He highlighted that this program continues Dr. Peterson Zah's vision for a dedicated legal education system that honors Navajo traditions and laws.

Key figures involved include Milton Bluehouse Jr., associate professor at Diné College; Danielle Williams from ASU; Charles "Monty" Roessel, president of Diné College; Stacy Leeds from ASU Law; Candace Hamana from ASU; Jacob Moore from ASU’s American Indian initiatives; Patrick Blackwater from Diné College; and Alysa Landry from Diné College.

Diné College announced a Bachelor of Arts in Navajo law starting in fall 2024. Concurrently, ASU Law introduced new emphasis areas in its Master of Legal Studies and Master of Laws programs focused on tribal policy, law, and government.

These degree programs will expand opportunities for students to develop skills necessary for navigating complex legal landscapes while advocating for their communities. They aim to increase licensed legal professionals within the Navajo Nation through externship placements within its government branches.

"Our mission is to furnish students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical acumen," said Charles "Monty" Roessel. He described the program as "a beacon of hope" committed to advancing justice through education.

ASU Law has historically supported the Navajo Nation's legal community since its founding. It offers an annual continuing legal education conference focused on Navajo Nation law and has facilitated numerous externships for its graduates within the nation’s legal system.

The initiative addresses challenges faced by rural areas like the Navajo Nation, which lacks sufficient legal professionals for its population needs.