The 2026 Pre-Law Summer Institute hosts 32 students

The American Indian Law Center (AILC), a non-profit housed by the School of Law, hosted the 2026 Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) for American Indian and Alaska Native law students this summer at the School of Law. Now in its 59th year, PLSI remains a nationally respected and transformative experience for Native students entering law school.

PLSI replicates many aspects of the first semester of law school, giving students an intensive introduction to the academic demands they will encounter. This summer, students took classes in federal Indian law, constitutional law, contracts and advocacy.

The intensive eight-week program began in late May and continued through July. The 2026 cohort included 32 students representing more than 20 tribes from across the country. This was the largest cohort in almost 20 years.

"The Pre-Law Summer Institute had another successful summer by providing Native students with the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed in law school. Watching this year's participants develop as scholars, advocates and future leaders was truly inspiring. Their dedication reminds us why this work remains so important," shared Assistant Director of Student Programs Naomi White Horse.

The program was directed by Rodina Cave Parnall and taught by School of Law Professor Emerita Barbara Blumenfeld, School of Law alumna Noelle Graney, School of Law Professor Paul Figueroa, Nazune Menka and Joel West Williams.