Save the Date!
The Advisors Training
Identifying and Preparing Students
for the Path to Law School
March 3-4, 2026
Albuquerque, NM
A training for advisors and mentors with an array of titles and responsibilities:
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Tribal Education Departments & Tribal College counselors
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Educators & school administrators
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Counselors & pre-law advisors
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University academic advisors
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Those who advise American Indian and Alaska Native students interested in applying to law school
This training is not for those interested in applying to law school. The focus is on advisors who support or encourage the path to law.
If you are interested in applying to law school, please visit our Pre-Law Resources. If you are interested in the Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI), please go the the PLSI Important Dates and Application.
Topics Include:
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The Need for Native Attorneys
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Preparing Students for Law School
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Resources and Best Practices for Advisors
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Native Student Perspectives
Hotel information and conference details will be provided after registration. Attendees are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements.
*Travel Reimbursements & Waivers available for Tribal Education Departments, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and academic advisors for tribal citizens. If you have questions, please email slee@ailc-inc.org.
Tentative Conference Agenda
This tentative agenda is subject to change.
March
2
4:30-6:00 pm | Registration and Hotel Check-in Hotel Albuquerque
March
3
TUESDAY, March 03
| 8:00-8:30 am | Registration and Breakfast Buffet |
| 8:30-8:45 am | Welcome and Introductions |
| 8:45-9:30 am |
The Need for Native Lawyers Sherri Thomas, Associate Dean and Professor of Law, The University of New Mexico School of Law |
| 9:30-10:30 am | Putting Your Students in the Best Position for Law School Admission: Why This Workshop Matters |
| 10:30-10:45 am | Break |
| 10:45am-12:00 pm |
What Do Pre-Law Students Need From You? Moderator:
Panelists:
|
| 12:00-1:00 pm | Lunch with Native Law Students |
| 1:00-1:30 pm | Application 101: Timeline, Cost, Preparation (includes Pathway) |
| 1:30-3:00 pm | Advising on Application Materials: Resume, Personal Statement, Supplemental Statements and Letters of Recommendation |
| 3:00-3:15 pm | Break |
| 3:15-4:15 pm | Advising Students on Law School Selection |
| 5:15-6:30 pm | Reception (Fireplace Room), Door Prizes! |
Dinner is on your own
March
4
WEDNESDAY, March 4
| 8:30-9:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00-10:00 am | Financial Aid 101 |
| 10:00-11:00 am |
The Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) Rodina Cave Parnall, Executive Director, American Indian Law Center, Inc. |
| 11:00-12:00 pm |
Ask me Anything
|
| 12:00-1:00 pm | Lunch with Native Attorneys |
| 1:00-3:00 pm | Mock Law School Application File Review |
| 3:00-3:30 pm | Wrap up / Resources / Evaluations |
2026 Speakers
Sherri Tomas
Associate Dean and Professor of Law, The University of New Mexico School of Law
Jeremy Aliason
J.D. Admissions Evaluator, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
Renée Ferrell
Director, Admissions and Financial Aid, The University of New Mexico School of Law
Myka Curtis
Associate Director, Admissions & Pathway Initiatives, The University of New Mexico School of Law
Mikaela Bledsoe Downes
3L, Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Haley Abrahamson-Fernandez
1L, University of Idaho College of Law
Hunter Mallinger
PLSI 2023, 3L, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
Samara J. Jackson Tobey
1L, University of New Mexico School of Law
Kate Rosier
Assistant Dean, Community Engagement and Executive Director, Indian Legal Program, Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Kristen Talbert
Assistant Director, Indian Legal Program, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
Joseph Lindsay
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
Cameron Lue Sang
Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
Rodina Cave Parnall
Executive Director, American Indian Law Center, Inc.
Are you interested in applying to law school but don’t know where to start?
The Pre-Law Summer Institute suggests that you start with workshops that are specially designed for prospective law students.
PLSI prepares you for law school after you have applied, but these programs show you how to pick a law school and how to apply.
Check out the following:
The Native American Pathway to Law Initiative
This program features 5 days of in-person workshops including a practice LSAT test, cohort development, explanation of the law school admissions process, mock application review, attorney mentors, and a review of your personal statement and resume. PLSI is a partner in this pathway program. Apply early! The application is usually in mid-March, and the workshops are in June or July.
CILA Pathways to the Law
This program features a two-day workshop and pairs you with an attorney mentor. You will also learn about PLSI in this workshop.