The William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV in conjunction with the Indian Nations Gaming and Governance (INGG) Program and UNLV Native American Law Student Association are proud to host the 2025 NNALSA Moot Court Competition on February 14-15, 2025.

The National Native American Law Student Association (NNALSA) Moot Court Competition is the only national law school competition that focuses on issues relating to Tribal Nations and federal Indian law. The competition simulates an appellate argument before the U.S. Supreme Court. Participants work in teams of two students and collaborate on a written appellate brief and the subsequent oral argument. 

Each team must submit a complete registration packet to the Competition Administrator by the deadline in accordance with the directions provided on the National NALSA and host school site. The registration packet must include: the registration form, payment of the entry fee, letter(s) as described in 4.2(c), and any additional requirements. With the exception of Rule 5.2, all applicants are reminded to send NNALSA membership applications, individual dues, and chapter dues to the NNALSA Treasurer before the brief submission deadline of the first Friday in January, in accordance with Rules 4.2 and 5.1.

 

Registration is capped at one hundred (100) teams total and four (4) teams per school.

Teams shall consist of two (2) students from the same law school who meet all individual eligibility requirements in Section 4.

Please fill out the registration form and payment of entry fee on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-national-nalsa-moot-court-competition…

Please submit your Rule 4.2 letter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-P6DNMrtZCNDHz3f9GXDJwIJoPzP…

If a team cannot be assembled from the same school, the applicants must submit a letter requesting an exception to Rule 5.2 with their registration packet (see Appendix for example letter). This letter will be reviewed by the Rules Committee for approval. It must include:

  1. an explanation of why the exception is necessary;
  2. a description of efforts to produce a team from the same school; and
  3. an explanation of why those efforts either failed or are unreasonable.

 

Please fill out the registration form and payment of entry fee on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-national-nalsa-moot-court-competition…

Please submit your Rule 4.2 letter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-P6DNMrtZCNDHz3f9GXDJwIJoPzP…

For law students planning to attend but will not be competing, please fill out the below form. Note: This option is only for law students. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfROMTMxawN27HDIg79wYtg5_K2YyV…

Please click on the below link to access the 2025 NNALSA Moot Court Competition problem:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UQhHlsaBnarY6mUanOrGHbcpqxRvjZuE/view?…

Please click on the below link to access the rules for the 2025 NNALSA Moot Court Competition:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tnNleMdo8hYMYmjvtj3Q-eVZxYqd5Rx2/view?…

Meet The Team

NALSA E-Board

NALSA eBoard in front of Welcome to Las Vegas Sign

President Makai Zuniga is a dedicated law student currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, with an expected graduation in May 2025. Throughout his academic journey, Makai has distinguished himself through various honors and activities. Makai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Ethnic Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). His commitment to Native American issues is evident through his involvement with the Indigenous Student Organization and the Native American Political Leadership Program during his time at UNR. He participated in the American Indian Law Clinic's Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) in 2022, attended the White House Tribal Youth Forum, and serves as a Senior Staff member for the Nevada Law Journal. He is actively involved in several organizations, including the California Indian Law Association (CILA), the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA) at UNLV, and the National Native American Law Student Association (NNALSA), where he holds leadership roles. Makai's professional experience includes law clerk positions at the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, where he focused on Federal Indian Law, tribal law, and environmental justice. He also served as a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, contributing to policy development on issues affecting Native American communities. In addition to his legal pursuits, Makai is dedicated to community service, volunteering with Kids' Court School and serving as Secretary for Tribal Minds Incorporated, a nonprofit supporting Tribal communities in Northern Nevada.

Vice President Celina Stops is currently in her second year of law school at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law. Prior to law school, Celina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Marketing from UNLV. Celina is honored to have been selected as a Justice Douglas Pre-Law Fellow in 2023. Celina is involved in a number of student organizations, including the Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) and the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA). Celina previously served as NALSA's First Year Council Member, reinforcing her desire to take on a larger leadership role in the future. Celina gained valuable professional experience in tribal law and governance as a summer law clerk for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, where she deepened her understanding of legal issues affecting Native communities. This experience strengthened her commitment to pursuing a career in law and being an advocate for Indian Country. 

Treasurer Evan Richardson is a first-year law student at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, expecting to graduate in May 2027. With a major in Finance and minors in Economics and Accounting, Evan brings a strong analytical foundation to the study of law. As the Treasurer, Evan is excited to contribute to the organization’s financial management and assist in planning impactful events for members. Although this is his first year in law school and he is just beginning to explore opportunities outside the classroom, Evan is eager to connect with peers and engage in activities that further his passion for the legal field and native rights.

External Affairs Director Aidan McNulty is a first-year student at Boyd Law pursuing a J.D. and MBA at the Lee Business School. He is also interested in receiving his LL.M. in Gaming Law after graduation in the Spring '27. Aidan received his B.S. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2021 with a major in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Aidan is the first person from his family and tribe to attend law school and delicate himself to Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups. He has a passion for community and social justice. Voices must be heard, rights protected and obstacles overcome. As External Affairs Director of Boyd’s NALSA, Aidan is dedicated to growing NALSA and ensuring that the club fosters a welcoming environment for Native and non-Native students. He wants to highlight Indigenous issues, celebrate Native culture, lift up Indigenous voices and educate the larger community about inclusivity and diversity.

First Year Representative Will Moeller is pursuing a Juris Doctor at the William S. Boyd School of Law with an expected graduation in May 2027. Will holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Will is a licensed CPA and his professional experience includes over ten (10) years in corporate and public accounting, including five (5) years working closely with over twenty Native American tribes and tribal casinos across the western United States, where he assisted in conducting financial and federal grant audits and consulting.

Travel Information

For more information on the Harry Reid Airport (LAS), visit their website.

For the best routes to take you to Las Vegas, check out these driving recommendations.

Las Vegas is more than just the famous Strip! Visit museums such as the Mob Museum and the Atomic Museum, get in nature by visiting the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Springs Preserve, or visit local sites like the Fremont Street Experience and Area 15. For other recommendations, check out these ideas. 

We would recommend using Uber or Lyft to get to the campus. For your destination address, set it for: E Harmon Ave (UNLV - Lot I) (998 E Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, 89119). Your driver will most likely try to drop you off in front of the Lied Library, but ask instead to be dropped off further down Harmon Ave in the parking lot loop.

If you bring your own transportation, use this interactive map to find parking on campus.

The average February temperature in Las Vegas has highs of mid-60-degrees and lows of mid-40-degrees. Visit the Weather Channel for the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Full a full list of lodging recommendation, check out our list of non-casino and casino resorts close to campus.

FAQs

The competition will take place on February 14-15, 2025.

Registration will be $400 per team and $200 per individuals.

Yes. There is a limit of four (4) teams from each school that can register.

The 2025 Moot Court Competition Problem is now live and is entitled "Nuwaka Tribe v. State of Nivara No. 25-102 United States Court of Appeals for the 12th Circuit."