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.
The 2015 National Native American Bar Association study of Native Americans in the legal field (The Pursuit of Inclusion: An In-Depth Exploration of the Experiences and Perspective of Native American Attorneys in the Legal Profession), concluded that the Native American law student population is lower than the rate of Native Americans in the overall U.S. population. The study found that pathway projects reaching students in earlier stages of education are essential to continuing the gains in Native American law student numbers and success. In response to the issues identified in the 2015 National Native American Bar Association survey, the Indian Legal Program and the Indigenous Law Program are joining together to strengthen the Native American pathway to law.
This important initiative has been funded by grants from Access Group, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Register now for the for 7th Annual Native American Pathway to Law workshop.
This Virtual workshop will be held for 90 minutes every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from June 8 – July 15, 2021. Space is limited so submit your registration today.
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
Survey for Attorney Mentors Needed
We are offering two types of mentoring opportunities - chapter mentorship and individual mentorship. You may sign up for one or both options.
Chapter mentors will be matched with a NALSA chapter at a local law school. If matched, you commit to participate in 3 mentoring events with your chapter during the calendar year. Individual mentors have the option to be matched with one or more law students. For each student, you commit to edit the student’s resume and then connect twice via phone or skype during the calendar year.
Testimonials
Kris Beecher (’20)
“By attending the Pathway to Law workshop my LSAT score was better, my personal statement was stronger, and my application to my dream school was the best that it could be. I would recommend any Native American students interested in pursuing their dream of going to law school to take the time to get the facts and support, and attend the Pathway to Law workshop.”
Candace Begody (’20)
“The Pathway to Law Program helped me to plan out a timeline that worked for me that would increase my chances of getting into a law school. The program was truly instrumental in my law school admissions process – they made it realistic and worked with me to make it a smooth process.”
Janet Bill (’20)
“My experience with the Native American Pathway to Law program was beyond my expectations. I would not have been able to navigate the law school application process without this program. I was able to create a more competitive application and get accepted to the law school of my choice.”
Allison Gloss (2L)
“I am so thankful that I was able to participate in the Pathway to Law program because it made me excited to apply to law school. The program leaders are very approachable and know all of the in’s and out’s of the law school admissions process. They tell you everything you need to know to get into law school and what to do once you are there, and they are available for questions if you need clarification on anything.”
MacArthur L. Stant II (3L)
“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 (MSU 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 (UCLA 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.”