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.
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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.
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Full a full list of lodging recommendation, check out our list of non-casino and casino resorts close to campus.
Meet The Team
NALSA E-Board
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.
The competition will take place on February 14-15, 2025.
Registration will be available starting October 18, 2024.
Registration will be $400 per team.
The Moot Court Administrator and the Director of the Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program are dedicated to accommodating as many teams as possible for the 2025 Competition. To achieve this, a team cap will be implemented to ensure fair and equal participation across schools. If you are a local NALSA chapter president or Indian Law program coordinator, please complete the following survey using the provided link to share your input on team participation. Submitting the survey promptly will help us finalize a team cap that maximizes the number of teams we can host.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/GLtLpHmYx9JDGBHWA
The 2025 Moot Court Competition Problem will be released on October 18, 2024.