Lillian Alvernaz is driven by a passion to support and empower Native people litigation and policy development and implementation. Her background of voting rights, education, and freedom of speech has built a strong foundation to advocate on behalf of Native people in various realms. Ms. Alvernaz’s experience also includes criminal jurisdiction and prosecution, tribal code development, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and policy analysis concerning violence against Native women. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2013 with a B.A. double major in Social Work and Native American Studies, and from the University of Montana Blewett School of Law in 2018.

What originally inspired you/your family to choose the UM PLP?

I chose UM PLP because I am the first in my family to pursue the legal field and therefore had no idea how to navigate the process.

Which aspect(s) of the UM Pre-Law Program contributed the most to your success in matriculating at the law school of your choice?

Assistance with my application statement and LSAT preparation.

Which aspect(s) of the UM Pre-Law Program would you say contributed the most to your career success?

Building, understanding, and expanding on the importance of discipline.

What aspects of the campus culture at UM helped you successfully prepare for applying to law school?

There is a large population of Indigenous students.  Being surrounded by students from similar backgrounds made me proud to pursue the legal field and helped keep me connected to my identity.

Professors in my field of study expected a lot from me, increasing what I expected from myself and what I believed I was capable of.

Would you share a specific moment or experience that had a significant impact on your time in the Pre-Law Program at UM?

I remember when logic games started to “click” for me – LSAT preparation became fun.

Aside from the academic substance, I met two great people who became my best friends throughout law school and in life.

Is there any advice you would offer prospective students considering joining the UM PLP community?

Why wouldn’t you join a program to ultimately make the entire process easier and increase your likelihood of success?

Become familiar with hard work and take pride in this pursuit.