BOULDER, Colo. – The Native American Rights Fund again completed a successful summer law clerk program, thanks to the generous support of the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians, acting through the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Both organizations sponsored two law clerk positions in the NARF 2009 Summer Law Clerk Program.

NARF relies on law clerks to assist the attorney staff in defending the most important rights of Indian tribes and individuals through legal advocacy. NARF is committed to the professional development of new attorneys in the field of Indian law. Each year NARF conducts a nationwide search for law school students to participate in its clerkship program in its Boulder, Colo.; Washington, D.C.; and Anchorage, Alaska offices. The NARF summer clerkship is a 10 to 12 week program for students who have completed their second year of law school and share the dedication and commitment to the advancement of the rights of Indian tribes and individuals.

This year’s University of Denver NARF clerk was Meghana Shah who is in her third year of law school. The Siletz Law Clerk was Robert Thompson (Cherokee) a 3L at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Law. Other NARF summer clerks included James Schlender Jr., Lake Superior Band of Chippewa Indians, University of Wisconsin School of Law; Karla General, St. Regis Mohawk, Syracuse University College of Law; Maggie McKinley, Red Lake Minnesota Chippewa, Stanford University Law School; and Jaimie Park, Michigan State College of Law.

NARF also extends our gratitude to the Ungar Foundation, Christopher Lunding, and the law firm of Fredericks, Peebles & Morgan LLP for their support of this year’s program. To learn more about NARF and its programs or to make a contribution contact Amy Bowers at (303) 447-8760 or visit the Web site.