The 2025 Pre-Law Summer Institute Hosted 26 Students
August 22, 2025 - Alexis Colter and Emily Romero
The American Indian Law Center (AILC) proudly hosted the 2025 Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) for American Indian and Alaska Native law students this summer at the School of Law. Now in its 58th year, PLSI remains a nationally respected and transformative experience for Native students entering law school.
This year’s intensive eight-week program began in late May and continued through July 25. A total of 26 students participated in the 2025 cohort, representing over 20 tribes from across the country. Students dedicated their summer to preparing for the rigors of law school, developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their first year and beyond.
PLSI replicates much of the first semester of law school, condensing its challenges into a concentrated two months. Students take Federal Indian Law, two first-year core curriculum subjects, and an advocacy and legal writing course. Throughout the program, they draft legal memoranda and briefs, engage in moot court arguments, and master critical reading, writing, and analytical techniques. It is also a deeply supportive and inspiring environment.
“This program gave me direction. For me, confidence in my legal career comes from a devotion to our community. Without PLSI, and my traditional support, I would not be able to strategize my place in our collective service of democracy and justice in the legal field. Our families, the AILC, our professors and classmates make this career feasible with the best academic support and legal network that truly prepares us to join a strong legacy of Native American/Alaska Native leaders. I'm thankful for the space this University offers to keep making my parents and grandparents proud of their hard work and investment in a better world for our future,” shared PLSI student Samara Julia Jackson Tobey, Mashpee Wampanoag.
PLSI student Geri Quisenberry also reflected on her experience in the program: “This program meant a lot to me. One of the most meaningful aspects of PLSI was connecting with Native students from across the country—it reminded me that there are so many of us, and that we are not alone. Being surrounded by others who share the same passions was incredibly empowering.”
She added, “We weren’t just studying law; we were learning how we could serve our communities and seeing how past PLSI students have already made a difference in theirs. It really is about the representation of Native voices. I left the program with so much clarity and feeling supported. Representation in law isn’t just important, it’s necessary. Programs like this create future leaders who understand the unique legal challenges our communities face.”
This year, the program was taught by PLSI Professors Sherri Thomas, Nazune Menka, Kip Bobroff, Kevin Washburn, Nell Newton, and Ann Tweedy. This year’s teaching assistants included Jamison Deese, Taressia Garcia, Brandi Trujillo, and Noelle Phillips.
PLSI Director Rodina Parnall shared, “This was a very talented class and we are proud to be part of the journey for this next generation of Native attorneys.”
Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 program.
