CILJ Scholars Program
Launched in 2024, the CILJ Scholars Program provides a $10,000 scholarship to incoming Berkeley Law students with a demonstrated interest in Indigenous law, tribal justice, or advancing the rights of Native Nations. Up to five students are selected annually.
This scholarship is part of the mission of the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice and its dedication to deepening understanding of Native Nation sovereignty within the American legal system, promoting tribal self-determination, and standing in solidarity with Native Nations in their pursuit of justice. Through initiatives like the CILJ Scholars Program, the Center supports the next generation of legal advocates committed to working across federal, state, and tribal legal systems.
Learn more and apply through Berkeley Law’s Entering Student Scholarships page.
2025 CILJ Scholars
Natasha Frazier
Inaugural CILJ Scholar
Natasha Frazier is an enrolled citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and a member of Berkeley Law’s first cohort of CILJ Scholars. Her passion for law and policy was shaped by growing up in the D.C. area, where her father worked for the Indian Health Service, and by her graduate studies at The Fletcher School at Tufts University. She brings a strong background in public service, with experience working as a public defense investigator, as Assistant Clerk of Committees for her local city council, and as a Udall Native American Congressional Intern at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
This past summer, Natasha attended the Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives at the American Indian Law Center, where she won the book award for Federal Indian Law as the highest-achieving student in the course. At Berkeley, she looks forward to engaging with the Native American Law Students Association and building community among peers who share her commitment to Native Nation sovereignty and public service.
A grounding and powerful moment for Natasha was meeting Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. Haaland’s historic leadership and presence reflect what is possible and continue to inspire Natasha as she begins her legal education and advocacy journey at Berkeley Law.
Laurel Patrick
Inaugural CILJ Scholar
A 2021 graduate of Brown University with a degree in Political Science, Laurel Patrick brings to Berkeley Law a strong foundation in public service, advocacy, and Indigenous community engagement. Laurel is a proud tribal member of the Petersburg Indian Association. As a dedicated member of Native Americans at Brown, she helped foster a supportive space for Indigenous students, reflecting her deep commitment to Native community empowerment.
She chose Berkeley Law not only for its commitment to Indigenous law but also for its leadership and strength in intellectual property and patent law. As a CILJ Scholar, she is poised to continue building her expertise in these areas, while advancing her understanding of Federal Indian Law and tribal sovereignty in alignment with the Center’s mission to support future leaders committed to Indigenous justice.
Frickey Fellowship
The Frickey Fellowship supports current 1L and 2L students committed to serving tribal communities during their summer work. In coordination with the Edley Grant Program—Berkeley Law’s summer funding for public interest, public sector, or judicial externships—the fellowship provides additional financial support for students working with Native Nations or organizations that support tribal sovereignty and/or tribal citizens.
Named in honor of Professor Philip Frickey, a renowned scholar of Federal Indian Law, the fellowship reflects his legacy of advancing tribal sovereignty through practical, community-centered legal reform.
Recent Frickey Fellows
2025
- Brylee Flores – California Indian Legal Services
- Mexica Torrez-Miner – Office of Legal Counsel for the Office of the Governor of Michigan
- Kate Doorley – Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation
2024
- A.J. Shattuck – California Indian Legal Services
- Camryn Towle – California Indian Legal Services
- Alexander Ward – Pueblo of Isleta Legal Department
- Braden Hammond – Yurok Tribal Court
Read about the recent Frickey Fellows’ work, in their own words.
Native American Opportunity Plan at Berkeley Law
Berkeley Law is proud to be the first law school in the University of California system to fully implement the Native American Opportunity Plan (NAOP)—demonstrating our deep commitment to access, equity, and the advancement of tribal sovereignty.
The NAOP ensures that California-resident JD students who are enrolled members of federally recognized Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native tribes do not pay systemwide Tuition and Student Services Fees. In addition to systemwide tuition coverage, Berkeley Law also covers the Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST)—a substantial portion of the cost of legal education. Through a combination of university grants and scholarships, we ensure that eligible Native students pay no tuition or PDST.
Although NAOP applies only to members of federally recognized tribes, Berkeley Law remains committed to supporting all Native students. We help connect students from non-federally recognized tribes with funding from sources such as the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship Fund and other tribal or philanthropic awards.
Berkeley Law’s implementation of NAOP reflects the mission of the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice (CILJ)—to promote tribal sovereignty, Indigenous self-determination, and equitable access to legal education.
For more information, please visit Berkeley Law’s Native American Opportunity Plan page.