Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Indian Law Section! Not only are we the best resource for attorneys wishing to practice or learn about Indian law, but more importantly, we are a family. We also share a mission—to protect the sovereignty and well-being of tribes across the country through effective advocacy in tribal, state, and federal legal systems.
Many of us, including myself, began our relationship with this Section as law students and have deepened our relationship and involvement with the Section throughout our careers. We have met future colleagues and friends and forged connections that opened doors in places we would never have guessed. There is no Section quite like ours.
The journey begins with our Annual Indian Law Conference, affectionately known as “Fed Bar,” which generally takes place every April in the Southwest. This Conference offers incredible programming on hot topics and practical guidance in the Indian Law world while also providing an invaluable opportunity to network with practitioners, judges, academics, and law students. Our Spring Conference is more like a reunion than a true CLE. We celebrated our 50th anniversary this year!
We then pivot to our fall programming, which is assuming a new identity this year. This one-day conference, formerly known as the “DC Indian Law Conference,” originated in DC to provide a convenient opportunity for lawyers within the federal government or located on the East Coast to learn or stay updated on Indian Law. With the rise in remote and hybrid work schedules, the Section decided to maintain our goal to provide a fall update but expand its availability to all Section members by converting the Conference to a virtual format. Starting this year, we will now host the “Federal Indian Law: Virtual Fall Forum.”
Neither of these programs would be possible without our Planning Committee Members. Our Section Board appoints four Section Members to assist with the Annual Indian Law Conference and two Section Members to assist with the Virtual Fall Forum. These Planning Committee members keep our panel topics fresh and invite exciting speakers each year.
I started my Section adventure as a law student, attended for many years as a practitioner, served on the DC and Spring Planning Committees, served on the Board for the past seven years, and am now honored and excited to serve as Chair of our Board. This Section offers meaningful, intellectual stimulation, deep networking and friendships, and ultimately great fun. We hope that you will join us!
Venus McGhee Prince
FY26-27 Indian Law Section Chair
If you are interested in learning more about this section, its programs, or publications please contact sections@fedbar.org