Law Clerks Wrap Up Successful Summer at ANJC

Second year of clerkship program hosts two law students

Alaska doesn’t have a law school. Recruiting attorneys from the Lower 48 is difficult, and finding attorneys with experience in Alaska Native law is even harder.

But the Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC) has a strategy to change that. With its new Native Law Clerkship and Fellowship programs, the organization is giving law students and recent law school graduates hands-on experience working in the field of Native law—and helping to create a cohort of Native legal professionals who can serve their communities across the country.

This year, CITC’s partner ANJC hosted two law clerks who gained hands-on experience working with Alaska Native people and others seeking justice and support. Meet Law Clerks Zoë Wise and Sam Schimmel below, then click through to learn more about their work this summer at ANJC:

For Zoë Wise, enrolled Tribal member of Muscogee (Creek) Nation, a law student with a remarkable background, her 10-week law clerk internship at ANJC provided an opportunity to delve into the world of Alaska Native law and solidify her aspirations for the future.

At 14, Sam Schimmel participated in Color of Justice, a program that strives to get young people interested in careers in the legal field. Fast forward seven years, and Sam has just finished a summer with ANJC’s Native Law Clerkship program.