Law school admissions workshop

Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative

Supporting aspiring law students on their journey to law school

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, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of New Mexico 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, Native American Rights Fund and the National Native American Law Students Association.

Initiative supporters

Logos for the Native American Bar Association; Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community; American Indian Law Center, Inc.; Native American Rights Fund; AZ Native American Bar Association; University of New Mexico School of Law; Michigan State University College of Law Indigenous Law and Policy Center; and Berkeley Law School; Test Masters

Thank you to our sponsors

 

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community logo; Mdewakanton logo; MacArthur Foundation logo

13th Annual Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative workshop

Apply by April 2, 2027

Held on June 9-12, 2027, at the University of New Mexico School of Law located in Albuquerque, NM, this workshop will assist participants in preparing competitive applications. Come learn how to successfully apply to law school and network with law school professionals.

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

Apply for workshop

Law School Admissions Workshops

The Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative 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

Chad Edwards

Chad Edwards

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, ASU

“Not only were all the workshops extremely important to my applications down the road, but to me, the most important was just giving me some confidence and understanding about the process of applying to law school. As a first-generation law student, I had no idea what it would take to apply and get into law school.”

Ariana Romeo

Ariana Romeo

Stanford Law School

“My experiences working in Indian Affairs policy inspired me to apply to law school but at the time, I was going to be the first in my family to do so. Since I had no idea where to begin, I applied to the Pathway to Law Workshop after hearing about the program from other Native professionals I had worked with––and I’m so glad that I did. The Workshop not only provided me with a detailed overview of the admissions process, but it also connected me with supportive mentors and supplied me with the LSAT training I needed to feel confident on my test day.”

Frequently asked questions

Applications for the Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative open on Monday, January 4, 2027. The frequently asked questions (FAQ) is dedicated to questions that you may have about applying to the Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative. This welcoming and engaging 4-day program is designed to help prospective law students explore the admissions process, strengthen their applications, prepare for the LSAT and build meaningful connections with law school representatives, legal professionals, program alumni and fellow aspiring law students. We look forward to supporting you as you take the next step toward law school.

View full FAQ document

The application opens on Monday, January 4, 2027. You can apply here.

The application will close on Friday, April 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m., so be sure to get your application in as soon as possible. You will be notified on Friday, April 23, 2027, if you are accepted.

The program will be hosted at the University of New Mexico School of Law in Albuquerque, NM. The program will be June 9-12, 2027. Attendance is mandatory for the duration of the program.

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

The program is free. Lodging and most meals will be provided. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel to and from Albuquerque.

A limited number of travel-reimbursement scholarships are available. Accepted participants will receive additional information about eligibility and the reimbursement process.

Please note that recipients must pay their travel expenses in advance. Approved expenses will be reimbursed after the participant completes the program.

Applicants should be prepared to submit a:

  • Résumé
  • Statement of interest
  • Perspective statement
  • Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB)

If submitting a CIB, please include clear copies of both the front and back and confirm that the document is current.

  1. 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. 
  2. Networking Opportunities: Students can connect with peers, current law
    students, faculty and professionals, which can benefit their future careers. 
  3. 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. You will also take a free practice LSAT to better understand the test-taking process.
  4. Mentorship and Guidance: Having mentors who can offer advice and support throughout the law school journey is invaluable. 
  5. 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.
  6. Workshops and Skill Building: Workshops on critical thinking, writing and other essential skills for law school can help students feel more prepared and confident.
  7. Free LSAT Test Prep Course: Once you complete the program, when you feel ready to prepare for the LSAT, the program will cover the cost of the LSAT test prep course of your choice as long as it meets certain criteria. 

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.