Summer Law Program Open to Tribal College Students

The Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) is an intensive two-month program that prepares American Indian and Alaska Native individuals for the rigors of law school by essentially replicating the first semester of law school. The PLSI concentrates its content into eight weeks of instruction, research and study, teaching students the unique methods of law school research, analysis, and writing. The success of the PLSI in providing a nationally respected pre-law orientation can be traced to its original and continuing intent—that it be based on sound legal education principles, and not function as a philosophical, political, or cultural training ground. For more than five decades, the American Indian Law Center has remained dedicated to providing valid training in the skills required for the study of law.

Often referred to as a law school “boot camp,” PLSI challenges students to develop legal analysis and writing skills needed for law school success. There are three substantive law courses, including federal Indian law, and a legal writing course. By the end of the summer, students will have prepared an appellate case including oral arguments, and completed a cycle of midterms and final exams. Students will develop lifelong connections with professors, teaching assistants, speakers, and class colleagues.

Join future Native American lawyers and a network of Native American legal professionals at the oldest and most successful pre-law program for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Program completion also makes you eligible for scholarships, financial assistance, and bar exam support available only to PLSI alumni. To find out more, contact AILCinfo@law.unm.edu.