This symposium explores the critical intersections between tribal sovereignty, energy governance, environmental justice, and climate resilience. It brings together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to examine how legal frameworks and governance systems can support sustainable, just, and inclusive energy futures within Indian Country and across Indigenous communities globally.
The program adopts a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, bridging U.S. federal Indian law with international and transnational perspectives on Indigenous rights, development, and environmental governance. By fostering dialogue across jurisdictions and legal traditions, the symposium highlights innovative approaches to energy transition and resource management.
Key themes include:
- Indigenous sovereignty and ESG frameworks
- Energy transitions and environmental justice
- Tribal governance and natural resources
- Critical minerals, nuclear energy, and renewable energy
- Artificial intelligence, data governance, and infrastructure justice
The symposium features an outstanding group of speakers from institutions across the United States, Europe, and beyond, offering diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives.
This event is made possible through collaboration with leading academic and professional organizations, including the American Society of International Law (ASIL), the European Society of International Law (ESIL), the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA), and gLAWcal – Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development, among others.
We look forward to welcoming participants to University of Tulsa, College of Law, for a timely and forward-looking conversation on the future of energy, law, and Indigenous governance.
For more information and registration: https://lnkd.in/gak3jkVa
Procedural Hegemony: Adaptation, Assimilation and Legitimacy in the History of Tribal Courts with Assistant Professor of Law (The University of Tulsa), Alexandra Fay.
This legal history project studies the imposition of Anglo-American legal procedure on tribal justice systems. It considers procedural assimilation as a product of both American imperialism and tribal self-preservation through strategic accommodation. The project is informed by a prior archival study on the Courts of Indian Offenses, as well as the Five Tribes’ written constitutions that predate those institutions. It considers historic forms of tribal legal adaptation alongside contemporary examples of strategic accommodation, namely the procedural compromises adopted by tribes implementing enhanced criminal jurisdiction under the Tribal Law and Order Act and the Violence Against Women Act. The project explores the functions of legitimacy and legibility in our colonial legal order.
Are you interested in getting your law degree while you finish your undergraduate degree? Come talk to us about the Accelerated Law Program!
If you are considering law school, curious about the profession or planning to apply in the next year or two, then we have a great opportunity learn more!
Join us on March 27, for the 2026 Judge Carlos Chappelle Vision Symposium to hear first-hand from law students and lawyers about their personal journeys into the field and discover if law school is the right path for you. The day will end with an optional practice LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
Prior registration is required.
The annual UTulsa Law Hall of Fame and Gala will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Southern Hills Country Club. The 2026 honorees include alumni: Neil E. Bogan (J.D. ’70) (1945-1990), Katherine G. Coyle (J.D. ’72), The Honorable John F. Heil, III (J.D. ‘94), Dr. Kathryn A. LaFortune (J.D. ‘83), and the Honorable William D. LaFortune, Sr. (J.D. ’83).
For ticket information and table sponsorships, please contact beth-peters@utulsa.edu.
Annual Veterans Day Reception at UTulsa’s College of Law. Help us recognize those who have served and are currently serving our country. Guest speakers: Allen Smallwood and Diana Cupps. Presentation of Colors by will Rogers High School JROTC. RSVP to Kelly Taylor at kelly-taylor@utulsa.edu
Note: This event has been postponed due to winter weather. A new date will be announced soon.
UTulsa Law Board of Advocates Chili Fest brings together attorneys and students for a networking event full of great food and friendly competition.
Join the Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office to learn about career paths as a public defender and to learn information about the UTulsa Law Public Defender Clinic.
Join a panel of attorneys who were the first in their family to attend law school and hear their advice on how to navigate the profession.
All law students are welcome to attend this informational session with Externships Director Kate Leber to learn more about the UTulsa Law Externship Program.
