The Law Advocate degree program is intended to prepare students to successfully complete the requirements for admission to the Navajo Nation Bar Association and to work as legal advocates in the legal and judicial systems of the Navajo Nation. Classes will allow local community residents to receive training to acquire new job skills or enhance existing job skills. Classes are offered in criminal, civil, and family law; with an emphasis on court procedure and practical skills. Legal research, legal writing, and legal ethics will be stressed.
Degree Checklist (PDF) Enrollment Data
Law Advocate Requirements (60 Credits)
| General Education Requirements | Credits | Prerequisites | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English/Communication: ENGL 1110 | 3 | ENGL 098 or satisfactory placement scores | |
| Mathematics: MATH 1220 or higher | 4 | SEE CATALOG | |
| Diné Studies: NAVA 1110, NAVA 2210, OR NAVA 2230 | 3-4 | ||
| Natural or Physical Science Course: 1. |
4 | ||
| Social Science/Humanities Course: 1. 2. 3. 4. |
12 | ||
| Information Tech/Applied Computers: BCIS 115 or higher | 3 | ||
| SSC 100 | College Success | 1 | |
| Law Advocate Core Requirements | |||
| Semester One | Credits | Prerequisites | |
| LAW 105 | Advanced Legal Research and Writing | 3 | LAW 104 |
| BUSA 2420 | American Indian Law | 3 | |
| Semester TWO | |||
| LAW 201 | Consumer Law | 3 | |
| LAW 203 | Business Law | 3 | |
| Summer Internship | |||
| LAW 221 | Law Advocate Internship | 3 | |
| Semester THREE | |||
| LAW 204 | Advanced Business Law | 3 | LAW 203 |
| LAW 211 | Administrative Law | 3 | |
| LAW 212 | Trial Practice | 3 | |
| Semester FOUR | |||
| LAW 205 | Professional Responsibility and Ethics | 3 | |
| LAW 225 | Navajo Nation Bar Review | 3 | |
| Total Required Credit Hours | 60 | ||
Program Advisors
Joseph Hibbard, J.D., Associate Professor of Law Advocate
Email: jhibbard@navajotech.edu
Phone: 505.786.4154
J.D., Law, Washburn University
B.S., Business Administration, University of Kansas
Member of Navajo Nation and Kansas Bar Association
Robert Yazzie, J.D., Associate Professor of Law Advocate
Email: ryazzie@navajotech.edu
Phone: 505.786.4368
J.D., Law, University of New Mexico
B.A., Sociology, Oberlin College