From observing a wellness court session to earning the opportunity to host a national competition, students from The University of Tulsa’s College of Law gained firsthand experience in tribal law during a recent trip to Arizona.
Led by Alexandra Fay, assistant professor of law, and Grace L. Carson, visiting assistant professor of law, six members of the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA), along with several alumni, visited the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court.
The visit was hosted by UTulsa Law alumnus Brian Utsey (J.D. ’05, LL.M. ’06), who serves as chief judge of the court.
During the visit, students observed a wellness court session, a specialized tribal court focused on rehabilitation rather than incarceration. These courts support individuals working toward sobriety and stability through structured accountability, treatment and community resources.
“Tribal wellness courts are phenomenal innovations in criminal justice, showcasing how alternatives to incarceration can strengthen individuals and communities,” Fay said. “It was really special to sit in on the Fort McDowell Wellness Court session. We are so grateful to Judge Utsey for the invitation.”
Students also met with attorneys and court staff to learn more about the legal processes and collaborative efforts behind the program.
“It’s always a great experience to have the curtain pulled back on different areas of the law and have the actual practitioners tell you what they do,” said UTulsa Law student Jonathan Eagle. “Judge Utsey welcomed us in and had basically the entire staff give us an in-depth summary of what they do.”
The visit provided students with a closer look at how tribal courts address complex legal and social issues while reinforcing the importance of culturally informed judicial systems.
Following the court visit, students attended the Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference, an annual gathering of attorneys, scholars and students focused on developments in federal Indian law. The conference offers opportunities to attend substantive sessions, connect with practitioners and engage with other NALSA chapters from across the country.
During the conference, UTulsa Law was selected to host the 2027 NALSA Moot Court Competition, a national event that brings Native American law students to campus each year.