closely to understand different writing styles . An article meant to introduce readers to an interesting intersection in law is different from an article providing a “ how-to ” in an area of law . The students choose a structure consistent with that type of article and work on multiple drafts . In the end , I want each to have an article they could submit to a bar journal such as “ The Gavel .” The students also give in-class presentations modeled after a CLE . I try to build skills they will use in the practice of law in North Dakota or elsewhere , so they are not only good lawyers for their clients , but also good citizens for their legal community .
Why are you excited about joining UND Law ?
UND has a tremendous tradition when it comes to Indian and tribal law , and UND ’ s Northern Plains Indian Law Center does outstanding work with tribal courts and governments . Several of the most recognized and respected Indian Law scholars in the
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Professor Lewerenz , seated right , recently participated in an event at the UND School of Law related to repatriation titled “ It Belongs to Them , Let ’ s Give it Back .” Additional panelists included Mary Hudetz , reporter with “ ProPublica ,” seated left , and Shannon O ’ Loughlin , CEO and attorney with the Association on American Indian Affairs , seated middle .
country began their careers at UND – such as Stacy Leeds , dean of Arizona State Law , and Matthew Fletcher , professor at Michigan Law – and many leading experts have made their home here . Few , if any , people in the country know Indian gaming like Kathryn Rand and Steve Light – not just law , but also policy and politics . Or know ICWA ( Indian Child Welfare Act ) as well as BJ Jones – author of a leading guidebook on this critical statute . Or know environmental law in Indian Country like Jim Grijalva . The depth of knowledge among my colleagues working in Indian and
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Help your client leave their legacy in ND ! tribal law is almost unparalleled . So , coming to UND … it ’ s not like I ’ m the Indian Law guy alone on Turtle Island . I am part of a community where students can benefit – and I can benefit – from the knowledge and expertise of a number of authorities on Indian and tribal law .
I frequently tell people I could go to another school and be the Indian gaming expert or ICWA expert , but I cannot pretend to be an expert on a faculty that includes Kathryn Rand or BJ Jones . UND Law boasts national caliber specialists in my field , and it ’ s good to be part of a community of that stature . There are places you can get paid better or have more Native students , but not many places are as good as UND for having an impact as an Indian and tribal law professor .
Would you please share your excitement about living in Grand Forks ?
Regarding the broader UND and Grand Forks community , I am a huge college sports fan – football , basketball , volleyball , tennis – and UND has a fantastic college sports environment . UND plays in one of the best college football conferences in its division and every year hosts home games against some of the top teams in the country – and wins ! UND men ’ s basketball has great traditions going back to Phil Jackson , and the women ’ s basketball team won three consecutive national championships . You will often see me at games sporting UND colors – which I always wear on game day . A member of the UND tennis team is a law student interested in my field , so we speak frequently about research topics , and I have watched a number of tennis meets . I also enjoy bike riding and understand Grand Forks is a good bicycling community . I look forward to taking in the river and greenway , and getting to know what the state of North Dakota looks like from the seat of a bicycle .
Julia Ernst is the associate dean for Teaching and Engagement and professor at UND School of Law ( julia . ernst @ law . und . edu ). The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity .
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