Boulder, Colorado – The University of Colorado Law School’s American Indian Law Program (AILP) proudly announces the appointment of Hannah Ahders, a second-year law student, as its fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. In her new role, Ahders will collaborate with faculty, students, and community members to advance the rights of American Indian and Indigenous Peoples.
Kristen Carpenter, the Council Tree Professor of Law and the AILP’s director, expressed excitement about Ahders’ appointment, noting her impressive contributions as a law student. Carpenter stated that Ahders’ dedication aligns perfectly with the program’s mission and initiatives.
The AILP, established in 1992, ranks among the world’s premier institutions focused on legal issues affecting American Indian and Indigenous Peoples. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum, including clinics and certifications in Indian law, along with extensive opportunities for research, pro bono work, and conferences. Alumni have pursued careers in tribal and federal governments, private law firms, and various international organizations.
Previous AILP fellows have made significant impacts in their respective fields. Notable former fellows include Daniel Cordalis, who leads the Tribal Water Institute, and Edyael Casaperalta, a legal advisor at the Federal Communications Commission, illustrating the far-reaching influence of the AILP on legal practices related to Indigenous rights.
The program maintains robust partnerships with several American Indian tribes, the Native American Rights Fund, and important organizations such as the Grand Canyon Trust and the United Nations. These collaborations are essential in fostering research and advocacy to protect Indigenous rights.
Ahders’ journey to the fellowship has been shaped by her background in nonprofit and social justice work. Initially uncertain about her fit in law school, she discovered a passion for transformative social change that resonated with her Indigenous identity. Through her coursework in American Indian and International Law, she found a pathway to effect meaningful change within legal frameworks.
Reflecting on her time at Colorado Law, Ahders highlighted her experience working as a student attorney in the American Indian Law Clinic as pivotal in her development. Under the mentorship of Clinic Director Christina Stanton, she honed her legal skills while working with diverse international clients, deepening her understanding of justice and advocacy.
Looking towards her future, Ahders envisions a dynamic career in American Indian Law. Her aspirations range from serving as general counsel for her tribe to possibly opening her own law firm or entering academia. She believes her fellowship will provide the foundation needed to explore these multifaceted opportunities.
So far, Ahders has appreciated the mentorship and support from AILP faculty and fellow students. She emphasized the importance of being guided by those who have previously held the fellowship, which has helped her transition into her new role with confidence and respect.
For ongoing updates about the American Indian Law Program, interested individuals can follow along on LinkedIn and Facebook or reach out via email at ailp@colorado.edu.
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