West LA Times

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has awarded a $2.2 million grant to the UCLA School of Law's Tribal Legal Development Clinic. This funding will support the clinic's operations for five years, covering expenses such as salaries and program costs. The clinic provides free legal services to Native American tribes and plays a significant role in training future lawyers specializing in Indian law.

"San Manuel views this investment in the Tribal Legal Development Clinic as critical to strengthening sovereignty for all tribal nations," said Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "Students of the clinic are destined to become vital advocates for the sovereign rights, powers and authorities for tribal nations as they seek to determine their futures."

Mica Llerandi has led the clinic since 2023, focusing on connecting students with tribal leaders and attorneys to promote tribal sovereignty through legal services. The students often engage directly with tribes by visiting them and participating in relevant meetings.

The clinic undertakes projects that affirm tribal sovereignty, including drafting governing documents and building court infrastructure. A notable project involved collaboration with the Yurok Tribe on a publication titled "Tribal Broadband," which helps tribes develop broadband services.

"For decades, UCLA Law has been a proud leader in Indian law, scholarship and advocacy," said Michael Waterstone, dean of UCLA Law. He emphasized the importance of partnerships like that with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

This grant continues a history of contributions from the tribe totaling $7.5 million over two decades. Previous grants have helped expand UCLA Law's impact on Native communities by creating positions such as that of the clinic director.

"The enormous generosity of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has enabled UCLA Law to become one of the nation’s leading legal institutions in training future lawyers," said Angela Riley, professor at UCLA Law and director of its Native Nations Law and Policy Center.