Native American Pathway to Law Initiative

03/17/2025

03/17/2025

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].

03/15/2025

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!

03/13/2025

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

02/20/2025

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

02/17/2025

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

02/08/2025

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.

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...

02/08/2025

Sapphire Carter participated in a Pathway to Law workshop in 2020 and is a third-year law student at the University of Montana School of Law J.D. She will be moderating a dynamic panel discussion on Indigenous political activism, resilience, and advocacy, highlighting the strength and impact of Indigenous voices in shaping policy and driving change.

Join the American Indian Governance and Policy Institute on February 21 at 12:00-1:45 PM in the Payne Family Native American Center for a powerful panel discussion on Indigenous political activism, resilience, and advocacy.

Featuring:

Frank Ducheneaux
Cheyenne River Sioux
Key figure in major Indian legislation, former Counsel on Indian Affairs, National Congress of American Indians

LaNada WarJack
Shoshone-Bannock
A pivotal figure in influencing government-funded policies regarding their ill-treatment of Tribes and broken treaties

Krystal Two Bulls
Oglala Lakota and Northern Cheyenne
Indigenous organizer and advocate for Tribal sovereignty, LANDBACK, social and racial justice issues

Moderated by: Sapphire Carter, J.D. candidate 2025 (Chippewa Cree)

Why Attend?

Hear from leaders who have fought on the front lines—from Alcatraz to Congress—shaping Indigenous policy and sovereignty. Be inspired to amplify your voice for the future.

Free & Open to the Public

Artwork by John Pepion, Blackfeet

About the art: This piece is inspired by all the broken treaties and the way Indigenous people are mistreated by the U.S. Government. It also points to the mass incarceration of Indigenous People in the United States. The piece is done on antique prison ledger paper because a lot of original Plains Indian ledger art was created while Plains Indian warriors were incarcerated. The image pays tribute to all the warriors who continue to stand up for our rights as Indigenous people. We are still here! Women are the backbone, always holding us up, and holding onto our pictures while we are imprisoned. Will we ever be free?

02/08/2025

It's truly powerful to have an Indigenous voice in our caucus, bringing representation to a community whose voices are too often overlooked. Representative Brian Garcia participated in 2015 and is ensuring that Indigenous issues, stories and Tribal sovereignty are not just acknowledged but actively heard and supported.

02/08/2025

Troi Madison Newman is redefining narratives, challenging legal frameworks and amplifying the voices of a community too often overlooked. Troi participated in a Pathway to Law workshop in 2021, a graduate of the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law and served on the Harris-Walz campaign.

01/21/2025

06/07/2024

Today marks day 4 of the Pathway to Law Program, currently being held at Berkeley Law. 📚 The program has gathered 36 Native American students to learn about the law school admissions process and acquire tools and resources to support their legal careers.