About AILC
The American Indian Law Center, Inc., (AILC) is the oldest existing Indian-controlled and -operated legal and public policy organization in the country, providing preparatory legal education to individuals, training and technical assistance to tribes and their courts, and policy analysis.
The AILC, over the years, has concentrated its principal efforts in two areas, the first being legal preparatory education. The Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI), begun in 1967, brings Native Americans who plan to attend law school the next fall to Albuquerque where they attend an 8-week version of the first semester of law school. Students not only receive a strong grounding in the skills needed for reaching their full potential in law school, but also form bonds with many of the Indian attorneys who will be graduating from law schools nationwide with their class. Because of its 35-year long success rate, PLSI is often recommended by law schools and, in some cases, is required for admission by law schools.
The second area is the development of tribal governmental institutions and the various relationships of tribal governments with federal, state, local, and other tribal governments. We provide services to tribal and other governments, as well as to Indian organizations in the areas of legal research, policy analysis, technical assistance and training, in addition to offering specific programs in professional and organizational development. In 1989, in cooperation with tribal and pueblo judges, AILC developed the Southwest Intertribal Court of Appeals (SWITCA) to provide a forum for the review of tribal and Pueblo court decisions and support services which strengthen tribal and Pueblo court systems.
Over the years, we have worked with officials from more than 20 states, hundreds of tribes and Native American organizations, and have trained thousands of professionals and paraprofessionals. As a result, AILC has a unique, in-depth knowledge about tribal institutions, including tribal courts and their place in tribal government, and about tribal, state, and federal relations.
