"Got a Minute?" with M.J. student Tia Barnes

Welcome to the second season of UW Law’s “Got a Minute?” series. Like last year, we’ll find students throughout William H. Gates Hall and ask them 20 questions about their law school experience, a bit about themselves and occasionally drop in a pop quiz or two.

This week, we’re featuring Tia Barnes, an M.J. student.

UW Law: Are you originally from Seattle, and if not, where?

Tia Barnes (TB): I'm not originally from Seattle. I'm originally from the Puyallup, Washington area.

UW Law: What's one interesting fact about where you're from?

TB: I'm a Puyallup Tribal member, and so Puyallup is basically home to the Puyallup Tribe. We are hosting the FIFA World Cup this year, so we're going to have a lot of cool events. We're going to be having a couple of events on the reservation at first and then, I think, we're having the big powwow at the stadium.

UW Law: Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?

TB: I went to the University of Oregon.

UW Law: Did you take time off between undergrad and the M.J. program?

TB: Yes, I took a year off and worked at my Tribe's health clinic where I connected patients with health services.

UW Law: Why did you decide to go to law school?

TB: I always knew I wanted to be in law school. My major goal is to work for Tribes as a legal advocate. Then I saw that UW had the M.J. program and that I was able to take courses in federal Indian law and other specialized courses.

UW Law: What's one thing that every M.J. student should do while in law school?

TB: I would say get to know the professors. I feel like a lot of them have really cool niches and hobbies, and I feel like I've connected with a lot of the professors here, even though this is just my second term. And so I would definitely say go to their office hours and get to know them.

UW Law: What's one interesting thing you've learned recently in a class?

TB: I took federal Indian law last term, and I learned more about congressional plenary power. It was really interesting to see how that works in terms of Tribes, and especially in the context of treaty rights.

UW Law: If you could come up with a new class at UW Law, what would it be?

TB: Oh, definitely Tribal gaming law. A lot of Tribes operate casinos, so I think it would be awesome to know about the history and how it all works. I know we have an indigenous economic development class, but having a more specialized course would be pretty cool.

UW Law: How many justices made up the first Supreme Court?

TB: Seven?

UW Law: Six, actually. Do you have any secret talents?

TB: I'd say I'm pretty good at video games. I've been playing a lot of Fortnite and Call of Duty in my free time.

UW Law: What area of law would you like to pursue after you receive your M.J.?

TB: Definitely Tribal law. I know that I want to work for Tribes. I'm just not sure at which level yet, but I definitely want to give back to Tribes.

UW Law: In 30 seconds, list as many UW Law professors as you can.

TB: Cadaret, Myhre, Kuszler, Mills, Wildermuth, Bosch, Knudsen, Schnapper. Oh shoot, I know there's one that I'm forgetting.

UW Law: Eight, not bad! What achievement or accomplishment are you most proud of?

TB: I would definitely say being a first-generation native college grad and now law student. I'm the first one in my entire family to go off into higher education, which I'm very thankful to have the opportunity to and so I definitely want to take advantage of that and be able to come and get my education and then give back to my community.

UW Law: Do you have any fun plans for spring break?

TB: It's going to be Tribal shrimping and crabbing season coming up here, so I'll be out on the water for most of spring break. I’ll probably take some time to relax and watch some shows too.

UW Law: What's the address of William H. Gates Hall?

TB: Is it 4002 Memorial way?

UW Law: You’re on the right track. It’s 4293 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195. Which law school is the oldest in the United States?

TB: Oh, wait, I know this one. Is it William and Mary?

UW Law: Yes! You're the first person to get that correct. Congratulations. What's been your favorite class so far, and why?

TB: Federal Indian law because it aligns with what I want to do. And Professor Mills is just so awesome. I feel like he teaches the concepts in a way that's easy to understand. He really laid a good foundation for us and made it interactive and interesting. It was an amazing class. I definitely think it should be a requirement.

UW Law: If you weren't pursuing a law degree, what would you be doing instead?

TB: I would be working for my Tribe. I'm very passionate about child welfare and so possibly working for Tribal CPS protecting Tribal children.

UW Law: What's your favorite memory from law school so far?

TB: I'm a part of NALSA, the Native American Law Student Association, and we just had a D’nei elder come in and talk about her experiences in boarding school. That was very impactful to hear. We're also hosting Salmon Bingo. So, I think that's going to be a big one too.

UW Law: What's one interesting thing about you that people may not know?

TB: I'm a part of a canoe family, which is part of something called Canoe Journeys. Tribes from all around the Pacific Northwest travel across the waters to a host Tribe, and we have something called Protocol, where you do all your Tribal customs, your songs, your dances, all that sort of thing. And it's basically a time where you share culture with other Tribes. And in two years an Alaskan Tribe will be hosting canoe journeys, so we'll all be traveling to Alaska.