Scholarships
The Northwest Indian Bar Association (NIBA) was founded in 1991 as a non-profit organization of Native attorneys, judges, and Indian law practitioners. One of the stated goals of NIBA is to foster the education of Native attorneys and law students. The NIBA scholarship was established to support Native law students who are committed to advancing the goals and visions of Native communities and people through legal representation and advocacy. There are several scholarships, including travel stipends, available ranging from $500-$1,500.
NORTHWEST INDIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Deadlines: Completed Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
Available Scholarships: Scholarship amounts depend on available funds. Past scholarships have ranged from $500 to $1,500
Eligibility: Preference will be given to students attending a law school in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Any student who is enrolled in a Tribe located in one of those states and is attending a low school outside of that service area is also eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native, a descendant of a federally recognized Tribe or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian. Applicants must also be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school.
Application Requirements
1. A fully completed Scholarship Application form
2. A resume
3. Proof of tribal affiliation
4. A copy of an admission statement from and accredited law school
5. Two letters of recommendation (copies of recent letters submitted for law school admission, other scholarships, or internships)
Any questions or concerns regarding the application process should be directed to NIBAscholarships@gmail.com
NORTHWEST INDIAN BAR ASSOCIATION
BAR EXAM STIPEND APPLICATION
NIBA offers bar stipends to Native law students who are: (1) set to graduate, or have graduated, from an accredited law school, (2) registered for the Winter or Summer Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington State bar exams, and (3) intend to work in the field of American Indian law or policy in the Northwest. Bar stipend funds come from NIBA membership dues and our annual dinner, along with charitable donations from law firms, tribes, and tribal organizations.
Deadlines: Completed Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
Available Scholarships: Stipend amounts depend on available funds. Past stipends have ranged from $500 to $1,250
Mission Statement
NIBA offers bar stipends to members or verified descendants of federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians who are set to graduate, or have graduated, from an ABA-accredited law school in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and are registered for the Winter or Summer bar exam. Stipends are also available to any student who is enrolled in a Tribe that is located in one those states, including Alaska, and who is attending a law school outside of that service area. Preference will be given to those that are registered for the Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington State bar exams and intend to work in the field of American Indian law or policy in the Northwest.
Application Requirements
A Native applicant must be (a) set to graduate, or have graduated, from an accredited law school, (b) registered for the Summer 2024 or Winter 2024 Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington State bar exams, and (c) intend to work in the Northwest. The applicant must submit all of the following information:
1. A fully completed Bar Stipend Application form
2. A resume
3. Proof of tribal affiliation. You must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe
4. Proof of graduation or anticipated law school graduation
5. Proof of registration for a Summer or Winter2024 bar exam
6. A one-page essay describing your commitment and career goals as they will benefit or provide service to American Indian, Alaska Native and/or other indigenous people residing in the Northwest
Any questions or concerns regarding the application process should be directed to NIBAscholarships@gmail.com
NORTHWEST INDIAN BAR ASSOCIATION 