State Bar of Wisconsin

Courts, Kids & Contracts: A Primer for Practicing Indian Law in Wisconsin

This seminar, which took place on September 11, 1997, was designed to provide the general bar membership with a basic knowledge of the issues involved when appearing before or negotiating with an Indian Tribe. The hope was to assist the attorney who normally works outside Tribal structures to anticipate some of the issues he or she may encounter.

Each scheduled presenter worked with an Indian Tribe(s) in some capacity. They represented a wide range of expertise and experience in Indian Law. These professional Tribal advocates provided valuable insights into the practice of Indian Law.

Each Tribal legal system operates much the same as other localities, with its own court rules and customs. The program outlines were designed as a single reference guide for information that is not otherwise available in one text.

This was the first collaboration between the Indian Law Section and the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin. We hope that these outlines provide you with important and interesting information, and we appreciate any input you may wish to give us, so that we may improve future endeavors.

• Basic Principles of Tribal Jurisdiction
• Tips for Successful Practice in Tribal Court
• Tribal Courts in Wisconsin
• The Indian Child Welfare Act
• Application of the Indian Child Welfare Act