Native American law school admissions workshop

Pathway to Law Initiative

Helping students successfully navigate the law school application process

This Initiative is sponsored by the Indian Legal Program at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, the Indigenous Law Program at Michigan State University College of Law, Office of Admissions at University of California, Berkeley School of Law and the American Indian Law Center, Inc. This program also receives support from the National Native American Bar Association, Native American Bar Association of Arizona, TestMasters and the National Native American Law Students Association.

Sponsored by


11th Annual Native American Pathway to Law workshop

Held on June 3-7, 2025, this workshop will assist participants in preparing competitive applications. Come learn how to successfully apply to law school and network with law school professionals.

RSVP below by March 16, 2025.

Topics covered:

  • Learn about law school and career options
  • Obtain information about the varied admissions criteria for law school
  • Work with mentors to develop an effective application, resume and personal statement
  • Explore law school funding options
  • Receive test prep tips for the LSAT
  • Network with other participants, faculty and professionals
  • Hear from former and current American Indian Law Students

Register for workshop

Native American Law School Admissions Workshops

The Native American Pathway to Law Pre-Law programs educate and help students successfully navigate the law school application process. The workshops will assist participants in preparing competitive applications. Come learn how to successfully apply to law school and network with law school professionals.

Who should attend?
College Sophomores, Juniors/Seniors, master's students and college graduates preparing for law school.

Why attend?

  • Learn about law school and career options
  • Obtain information about the varied admissions criteria for law school
  • Work with mentors to develop an effective application, resume, and personal statement
  • Explore law school funding options
  • Receive test prep tips for the LSAT
  • Network with other participants, faculty, and professionals
  • Hear from former and current American Indian law students

 

Student testimonials

MacArthur L. Stant II

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, ASU

“I had thought about applying to law school for a long time and had serious doubts about it, my PTL Workshop experience was the encouragement and confidence that I needed to realize that I could get into law school. What was so assuring was that the coordinators and presenters were also Native American, and I knew that they had been where I wanted to go, and they wanted to make law school possible for me."

Cassondra Church

Michigan State University College of Law

“I learned about the law school admission process, what the law school experience was like, how to pay for law school, strategies for doing well on the LSAT, and career opportunities for Native American attorneys. Not only did I gain a plethora of knowledge and skills, but I also had the pleasure of meeting several professors that specialized in Indigenous law and other aspiring Native American Law students.”

Grace Carson

University of California, Los Angeles School of Law

“It was a wonderful opportunity not only to find the resources I needed for the law school application process, but in finding a community of Native students and adults in the same process as I am. The PTL workshop outlines the entire law school application process and exactly how to prepare for it. The PTL Workshop was essential in my acceptance.”

Frequently asked questions

The application for the Native American Pathway to Law Initiative is now open and will close on March 16, 2025. This frequently asked questions (FAQ) is dedicated to questions that you may have about applying to the Native American Pathway to Law Initiative. The Native American Pathway to Law Initiative covers everything you need, from admissions criteria, application reviews and LSAT preparation to opportunities to connect with law school graduates and past participants. We've got you covered! 

View full FAQ document

The application opened on January 13, 2025. You can apply here.

The application will close on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., so be sure to get your application in as soon as possible. You will be notified if you are accepted on April 4, 2025. 

The University of Wisconsin Law School located in Madison, WI. June 3-7, 2025. Attendance is mandatory for the duration of the program.

Anyone who lives in the United States and meets the eligibility criteria listed on the application is welcome to apply.  

The program is free. You do need to provide your own way to Madison, WI.

There are a few travel scholarships available. If you need one, contact the program coordinator, Kristen Talbert, at krtalber@asu.edu.

If you’re considering applying for the Native American Pathway to Law Initiative, you need to have your resume, your statement of interest, your diversity statement and your CIB (if you have one). If you have a copy of your CIB, the front and back need to be added and make sure that it is not expired.

Demystifying the Admissions Process: Participants get a clear understanding of what law schools are looking for in applicants, which can help them better prepare their applications.

Networking Opportunities: Students can connect with peers, current law students, faculty and professionals, which can benefit their future careers.

Access to Resources: Providing students with information on scholarships, financial aid and other resources can make a significant difference in their ability to pursue a legal education.

Mentorship and Guidance: Having mentors who can offer advice and support throughout the law school journey is invaluable.

Cultural Representation: Programs like this can ensure that Native American students see themselves represented in the legal field and understand the importance of their perspectives in law.

Workshops and Skill Building: Workshops on critical thinking, writing and other essential skills for law school can help students feel more prepared and confident. 

There are people from all walks of life in the program. They all share the common goal of attending law school. You will meet law school faculty, admissions professionals, attorneys, law students and other students interested in the law.