Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative

Tashina Emery (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community) is a 2023 Pathway to Law participant and now a law student attending the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Class of 2027.

Her journey reflects what happens when Tribal citizens are given space, mentorship and the right tools to succeed. Pathway to Law is designed to prepare, connect and empower the next generation of legal leaders from Tribal Nations.

🔗Apply for this FREE 4-day workshop: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Still thinking about law school? There’s still time.

Deadline has been extended to April 6!

The Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Workshop is your go-to guide — covering everything from applications and LSAT prep to connecting with people who’ve already been through it.

🔗 law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Sponsored by: J.D. Admissions Office, UC Berkeley School of Law | Indigenous Law & Policy Center at Michigan State University College of Law | American Indian Law Center, Inc. | University of New Mexico School of Law | Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU

Informational Session: Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative Workshop

Attend an Informational Session to learn more about the “Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Initiative Workshop,” a four-day program scheduled for June 3–6 that supports students who are considering law school. Learn what to expect, how to apply and whether the workshop is right for you.

Register for one of the online sessions:
Feb. 23, 12 p.m. MST
March 6, 12 p.m. MST
https://asu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g2IFDRzHTKOw0x53zSXG1A

Sponsored by: Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, J.D. Admissions Office at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at Michigan State University College of Law, the American Indian Law Center, Inc. and the University of New Mexico School of Law.

This year’s Pathway to Law for Tribal Citizens Workshop will be held at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law on June 3–6, 2026.

We encourage aspiring law students to apply. As a participant of the Pathway to Law Workshop, you’ll learn about admissions criteria, receive hands-on feedback, financing options, LSAT prep and more — all in a non-recruitment environment.

🔗 Apply for this FREE 4-day workshop: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Sponsored by: J.D. Admissions Office, UC Berkeley School of Law | Indigenous Law & Policy Center at Michigan State University College of Law | American Indian Law Center, Inc. | University of New Mexico School of Law | Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU

Damian Shapes Padilla (Pueblo of Isleta & Turtle Mountain Chippewa) pursued a law degree to make meaningful change and engage in politics and law that align with Native communities.

A Pathway to Law participant (2018) and American Indian Law Center, Inc. Pre-Law Summer Institute alum (2019), he earned his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2022. Now a legislative associate, Damian advocates for Tribal sovereignty, ensuring Native voices are heard at the highest levels of government.

The Pathway to Law team is raising funds to support students in our workshops. Committed to strengthening Native representation in law, we need more leaders who advocate for Indian Country and share this vision, like Damian. All proceeds will help cover travel expenses, lodging and program support. If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, contact Kate Rosier at [email protected].

Chad Edwards (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) is a 2023 graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. His journey into law was profoundly influenced by his participation in the Pathway to Law Workshop (2019). This experience not only introduced him to valuable connections but also to the Pre-Law Summer Institute (2020), which also played a pivotal role in his legal education.

Driven by a deep commitment to protecting Tribal Sovereignty, Chad chose a legal career to empower and protect Native communities. His experience highlights the power of mentorship, community and access to legal education in shaping the next generation of Native attorneys.

Take the first step toward your legal journey—apply to this year’s Pathway to Law: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Application is due March 16, don’t miss this opportunity!

Mexica Torrez-Miner, a first-year law student at UC Berkeley School of Law, is pursuing her degree to challenge statistics and inspire future generations—especially women and people of color—to seek positions of power in academia, the arts and law.

Once motivated by doubt, she now strives to create a more inclusive future, ensuring that aspiring professionals know they belong. To prepare for law school, she participated in a Pathway to Law workshop (2023), gaining essential insight and support.

Native voices belong in law—apply to this year's Pathway to Law workshop and make an impact: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Ariana Romeo (Tohono O'odham Nation) is a second-year law student at Stanford Law, driven by the need for greater Indigenous representation at the federal level. To prepare for law school, she participated in the Pathway to Law Workshop (2021) and the American Indian Law Center’s Pre-Law Summer Institute (2023), building a strong foundation in legal advocacy.

With continued practice and legal expertise, Ariana aspires to follow in the footsteps of leaders like Rep. Deb Haaland, becoming a trusted advocate for Indian Country and working to implement impactful policy solutions.

Shape the future of Indigenous advocacy—start with the Pathway to Law Workshop: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Asunción Hampson-Medina (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, White Earth Band of Chippewa) developed a passion for law in high school, recognizing its power to advance Indigenous rights and break cycles of oppression. Committed to empowering Native communities, he sees legal advocacy as key to protecting their people, lands and futures.

A 2023 UC Berkeley School of Law graduate, Asunción’s journey was shaped by Pathway to Law (2019) and the American Indian Law Center, Inc. Pre-Law Summer Institute (2020), where he first connected with Native students and mentors who shared his interest in clerking. These connections provided invaluable guidance, ultimately helping him secure a clerkship with Judge Sunshine Sykes, the first Native American to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California. His experience highlights the power of early mentorship and community support in fostering Native representation in the legal field.

Ignite your passion today, apply to this year’s Pathway to Law Workshop: law.asu.edu/pathwaytolaw

Morgan Oakes participated in a Pathway to Law workshop in 2021 and is a third-year law student at ASU Law. She recently played a vital role alongside Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Law Fellow Jordan Garcia (JD ’23) in shaping this process. Their submitted comments on behalf of ASU Indian Legal Clinic emphasized fairness and were directly referenced in the final rule—an incredible testament to their dedication and advocacy.

ASU Indian Legal Clinic Comments on New Federal Acknowledgement Re-Petitioning Regulations - Indian Legal Program The Indian Legal Clinic (ILC) has actively monitored the regulations governing the Federal acknowledgment process since 2009. Effective Feb. 14, 2025, the United States Department of the Interior (“Interior”) will implement revisions to these regulations – governing the process through … Con...