OCP Career Corner

Fellowship Opportunities at The University of Montana School of Law

in Environmental and Natural Resources and Indian Law

INTRODUCTION

The University of Montana School of Law (UMLS) is excited to announce two new fellowship positions; one position is available with the Law School’s Environmental and Natural Resources Program and the other position is available with the Law School’s Indian Law Program. Fellowships are open to individuals with a JD degree and are available for up to one year, starting as early as January 2010.

UMLS takes pride in being a small, student-centered law school. As the only law school in Montana, UMLS serves an important role for the Montana legal community and state in general. While many law schools emphasize legal theory, UMLS integrates theory with practical experience, which offers rich opportunities for fellows interested in enhancing both their scholarly and practical skills. The atmosphere is enhanced by the surrounding Rocky Mountains, where wilderness and recreation offer a break from the rigors of academia.

The UMLS Mission Statement specifically recognizes environmental and natural resources and Indian law as central to UMLS. The unveiling of a newly renovated law school building, the arrival of a new dean, and the national prominence of the School’s environmental and natural resources and Indian law programs all support the richness of experiences available to fellows working at UMLS.

Environmental and Natural Resources Program

UMLS is recognized for its emphasis in natural resources and environmental law. Among the various assets that comprise the School’s natural resources and environmental program are: the program curriculum, the program faculty, the environmental law certificate, the J.D./Environmental Studies joint degree, an in-house Land Use Planning clinic, the Public Land & Resources Law Review, the environmental moot court team, and the student Environmental Law Group. The program also has relationships with a National Advisory Board, the Public Policy Research Institute, and the Natural Resources Conflict Resolution Program.

Indian Law Program

Similarly, UMLS is recognized for its emphasis in Indian law. Among the various assets that comprise the Schools Indian law program are: the program curriculum, the program faculty, the Indian law certificate, the oldest in-house Indian law clinic in the country, the Summer Indian Law Program, the National Native American Law Student Association moot court team (NNALSA), and the student NALSA group. The program also benefits from substantial and close relationships with the numerous federally-recognized tribes located within Montana.

Fellows Program

UMLS is seeking two fellows to assist in these two law programs for up to one year. These opportunities are available to those who possess a J.D. It is anticipated that one fellow will work directly with the environmental and natural resources program and one fellow will work directly with the Indian law program, although there may be opportunities for collaboration between the two programs and with other academic law programs. The fellows will be given the opportunity to develop scholarship and may be called upon to present a paper to the UMLS faculty and students. Fellows may also have the opportunity to do live client work through either the UMLS Land Use Planning or Indian Law clinics. Fellows may also take on teaching responsibilities throughout the semester and work with the UMLS Public Lands and Resources Law Review. UMLS faculty will provide extensive mentoring for the fellows.

This opportunity does not include compensation, and is designed for, but not limited to, those individuals who have been or will be deferred from employment by their prospective employer.

Individuals interested in either the environmental and natural resources fellowship or Indian law fellowship should contact Professor Elizabeth Kronk at elizabeth.kronk@umontana.edu or (406) 243-6781. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.