Less than 0.5% of U.S. attorneys are Native American. This program is working to change that.
Watch: How UNLV Is Preparing the Next Generation of Tribal Gaming Leaders
In this special TG&H On Air interview sponsored by the UNLV Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program, Professor Danielle Finn shares how UNLV is helping prepare future leaders in tribal gaming, governance, and law.
Finn serves as Program Director of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program and Assistant Professor-in-Residence at the William S. Boyd School of Law, and is also Chair of the Tribal Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada. In the interview, she discusses the mission behind the program and the opportunities it provides for students, tribal leaders, and industry professionals.
Why This Program Matters
Located in Las Vegas—one of the world’s gaming capitals—UNLV is the only law school in Nevada, a state home to more than 20 federally recognized tribes. Backed by the generous support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program was created to strengthen leadership, education, and policy expertise within tribal enterprises.
The need is significant. Today, fewer than 3,000 of the approximately 1.3 million attorneys in the United States identify as Native American—less than 0.5% of the legal profession. Programs like UNLV’s aim to help close that gap while building stronger representation in tribal governance and gaming leadership.
Opportunities Through the Program
Participants gain access to:
- Research focused on tribal gaming and governance
- Conferences, trainings, and educational webinars
- Executive education and certificate programs
- Fellowships, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities
UNLV’s Boyd School of Law currently offers in-person and part-time law programs, with an online J.D. launching in Fall 2027 to expand access across Indian Country. For tribal citizens who attend law school in person and obtain Nevada residency, tuition may be fully waived.
Watch the interview to learn more—and visit
law.unlv.edu/centers-programs/INGG to explore the program and opportunities available.