Searching for financial aid and scholarship opportunities to cover the cost of full tuition at law school is no easy challenge, particularly with the multitude of scholarships now available to cover some of your law school expenses.
Below is a list of scholarships I’ve found that provide financial support to college students considering law school (or law students currently in law school). Is something not on this list that should be here? If so, please send me an email and I’ll add it.
Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 31
Application: Click here
Students with a commitment to pursuing a legal career in Latino civil rights can apply for the MALDEF scholarship. They must also be currently enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited U.S. law school. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States. They must also provide a resume, letter of recommendation, and a personal statement essay.
Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 16
Application: Click here
The Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarship is open for students enrolled or are enrolling in law school. Selection is for students who are committed to pursuing a legal career in intellectual property (IP) law. This scholarship is for U.S. residents only. Applications must include their submitted FAFSA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better.
American Bar Association Legal Opportunity
Scholarship
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: TBA
Application: Click here
The American Bar Association encourages minority students to apply for this scholarship. It is available to first-year law students over three years to provide assistance for attending and completing law school. All U.S. residents and permanent citizens may apply.
Rizio Liberty Lipinsky Lawyer Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 1
Application: Click here
Sponsored by the Rizio Lipinsky Law Firm, this scholarship is available for students pursuing a legal career in personal injury, employment, and victim’s rights law. Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay on why they are choosing to practice law. The award is open to permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
Judge John R. Brown Award
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 3
Application: Click here
Scholarship winners receive the Brown Award for their excellence and commitment to the legal profession. Any student enrolled in a JD or LLB program at an accredited US law school are encouraged to apply. A paper and letter of recommendation are required to apply. Students must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Law School Budget Template
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. Anxious about incurring too much debt in law school? A simple budget will act as a guardrail and let you take control of your spending. We've developed this template over years of working with law students (and our own experiences) to put you on the right financial path.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Law School Budget Template | FREE |
MCCA Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 19
Application: Click here
The LMJ Scholarship is awarded to women and minorities who are admitted to an ABA-accredited law school with interest in a career in corporate law and demonstrate a commitment to diversity. Recipients also receive mentorship from past scholars as they pursue a legal career. Students must be US citizens or permanent residents to file an application.
Arent Fox Diversity Scholarship
Amount: $20,000 + a salaried position
Deadline: June 15
Application: Click here
The Arent Fox Diversity Scholarship is for second-year law students in good standing at an accredited US law school. Scholarship winners automatically receive an internship at the firm’s summer program and an offer of employment upon graduation. The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Attorney Ken Nugent Legal Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: December 13
Application: Click here
Awarded by Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C., applicants must be US residents, who are currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 or higher. Students must present an essay explaining why they are choosing to enter the legal profession, as well.
BARBRI Law Preview’s “One Lawyer Can Change the
World” Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 1
Application: Click here
The BARBRI Scholarship awards students with a commitment to act as a change agent in the legal field It is available to first-year law students to help them pay for their first year. Multiple awards are available for up to 10 winners after submitting a winning essay.
LSAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Writing
Competition
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 31
Application: Click here
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) provides this scholarship to minority, LGBTQ+, and disabled students enrolled or are enrolling in law school. It is designed for the advancement of minorities in the legal field. Students must be permanent residents or citizens of the US.
The NAACP Earl Warren Scholarship
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: May 1
Application: Click here
Law school students who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to civil rights and racial justice. Criteria to apply also includes applicants to be enrolled as a first-year law student with a proven financial need to attend school. Awards are given to US citizens or permanent residents.
The Han C. Choi Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 2
Application: Click here
Students with a commitment to the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. It is available to students attending an AALS-accredited law school during year one or year two. To meet the eligibility criteria, you must also be a United States permanent resident or citizen
The Sharon and Ivan Fong Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 30
Application: Click here
This scholarship is available to second-year law students with a demonstrated commitment to advancing the public interests in Asian-American Pacific Islander students who want to “pay it forward.” This scholarship is awarded to US permanent residents or citizens.
The UPS/NLF Gold Mountain Scholarships
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: September 2
Application: Click here
First-generation Asian-American Pacific Islanders attending law school are eligible to apply. They must also have an interest in pursuing a career as a pro bono or public interest attorney with a demonstrated financial need to attend an ABA-accredit law school. The award is given to US citizens or legal residents.
The Low Family Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 2
Application: Click here
Students with a commitment to the legal issues surrounding the Asian-American Pacific Islander are eligible to apply. Current law students can apply for this award annually to assist in paying the costs associated with attending law school and legal career advancement. You must be a permanent or legal resident of the United States to apply.
The Chris Nakamura Scholarships
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 2
Application: Click here
In memory of the foundation’s founder, Chris Nakamura. Students do not have to have an Asian-American Pacific Islander background to apply. However, students with experiential and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the scholarship program. It is open to all incoming and currently enrolled law school students. The scholarship is available to all US residents or legal citizens.
The LimNexus Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 2
Application: Click here
Funded by the Lim, Ruger & Kim Law Firm offers legal students a scholarship pursuing a career as an attorney. Eligibility requirements include being enrolled in a law school, strong academic achievement, and a demonstrated financial background. You must be a legal US resident or citizen to apply.
The Snell & Wilmer Fellowship for
Advancement and Resources
Amount: Cost of LSAT Prep, law school prep, and
$300 for books each semester
Deadline: June 1
Application: Click here
The concept of the Snell & Wilmer FAR prepares students for law school and helps them foster professional relationships. This program is for diverse students who need educational mentorship. Students who are US residents or citizens may apply. The firm will also provide the necessary tools and equipment to succeed in law school.
The Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline March 31
Application: Click here
Students entering an accredited law school are eligible to apply for the Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship. In addition to these conditions, students must also pursue a career in criminal law. Eligibility requirements include the student being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Submissions must also include a short essay on a pre-selected legal topic.
The Gordon Law Group Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30
Application: Click here
This scholarship is for students who take an interest in the practice of law. The money can be used for the cost of college tuition as undergraduates or law school students enrolled at an accredited US university. The Gordon Law Group Scholarship is for US citizens. You must also submit an essay on the topic of employee classification in the gaming industry.
The Aaron J. Boria, PLLC, Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 30
Application: Click here
Incoming law school students enrolled at an ABA-accredited institution are welcome to apply for this scholarship. Applications must accompany an essay, and funds are used for all law school-related expenses. Awards are given on educational merit and content. The Aaron J. Boria, PLLC, Scholarship is for US citizens or permanent residents.
Baumgartner Law Firm Law Student Scholarship
Application
Amount: $3,000
Deadline: August 31
Application: Click here
This annual scholarship is awarded to enrolled law students. They can use the funds for tuition, books, and any law school-related expense. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and professional commitment. A US residency or citizenship is required for the application.
The Carole Bailey Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: August 1
Application: Click here
Incoming law students who have an interest in pursuing a public service legal profession with a past commitment to public service can apply. They must also have current enrollment status with an ABA-accredited law school. You should also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Applicants must submit a CV, transcript, letter of recommendation, and an original essay.
The Cherepinskiy Law Firm, P.C. Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Application: Click here
This annual legal scholarship is for students who wish to pursue a career as an attorney. They must have a current enrollment at an accredited law school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. An essay submission is a requirement for this award. Applicants must be permanent, US residents or citizens for eligibility.
The Fleming Law Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 1
Application: Click here
The Fleming Law Scholarship is available to all first-year law students. Students applying for this award must submit an application an essay in the area of civil litigation or personal injury law while emphasizing why they are the best candidate for the award. You must be a US citizen or permanent resident to apply.
The General Counsel, P.C. First-Generation Law
Student Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: October 31
Application: Click here
This scholarship is available to second-year law students currently attending an accredited U.S. law school. The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0. You must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Only the first 50 applications will be considered due to the time required to review them.
“For the People” Scholarship by Morgan &
Morgan
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: December 1
Application: Click here
Morgan & Morgan awards an annual scholarship for students entering or currently enrolled in an ABA- or AALS-accredit law school. They pay scholarships directly to the law school and require applicants to submit an essay on the meaning of “For the People.” Students must be permanent or legal citizens of the United States.
Legal Scholarships by Moses and Rooth, Attorneys
at Law
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 31
Application: Click here
Students going into their first year of law school with a GPA of 3.0 or better are eligible to apply. Funds are released for the following year. Applicants must also be a legal US resident. You must also submit an introduction and short essay about how you plan to use your law degree.
NW Corporate Law Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 1
Application: Click here
Second- or third-year law school students are eligible to apply for the NW Corporate Law Scholarship. You must be currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited program. Funds are paid directly to the student for any law school-related expenses. An essay, application, and school transcripts are required with the submission.
The Patrick Malone & Associates Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 1
Application: Click here
This award is for students who want to impact the lives of people who need it most. If you are pursuing a degree in family, employment, personal injury, elder, or public interest law, Patrick Malone & Associates encourages first-year law students to apply with a personal essay and other qualifying documents for consideration.
The O’Connor, Runckel, & O’Malley Law
Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: July 15
Application: Click here
U.S. citizens currently attending school full-time at an accredited legal education institution can apply for this scholarship. You must possess a 3.0 GPA or better. The funding law firm requests that you provide your proof of citizenship, proof of acceptance, school transcripts, and a completed application to be eligible.
The Entertainment Law Initiative
Amount: $10,000 plus benefits
Deadline: January 2
Application: Click here
The Recording Academy is accepting submissions for promising lawsuits to participate in their annual writing competition. They want to hear from thought leaders regarding compelling research as it applies to the entertainment industry from a legal standpoint. The contest is open to LLM or JD candidates enrolled in an ABA-accredited program.
The Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: TBA
Application: Click here
Each year, Baker Donelson offers three scholarships to law school students with a diverse background. They can use the money to offset the cost of pursuing a Juris Doctor program. In addition to a scholarship, winners will also receive a salaried summer associate position after their second year in legal studies.
The Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School
Diversity Scholarship Program
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: October 1
Application: Click here
As part of Buckfire & Buckfire’s commitment to legal education, they provide this annual scholarship to one student. He or she must be a US citizen currently enrolled in law school and be a member of a protected class. A 3.0 GPA is required along with a completed application, short essay, and a copy of your law school transcripts.
The Mark T. Banner Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 6
Application: Click here
For scholars who wish to pursue a career in intellectual property (IP) law, the Mark T. Banner Scholarship is available to currently enrolled law school students. The application process involves completing the required forms, a resume, school transcripts, and a three-page essay on ethics and how diversity impacts the applicant’s life.
The Sons of Italy Foundation
Amount: Up to $25,000
Deadline: February 28
Application: Click here
Full-time law school students with Italian descent can apply for the Sons of Italy Foundation. Along with the application form, students must submit their college transcript and a non-refundable fee of $35. The fee also includes membership with OSDIA that offers at-large membership benefits.
The Zelle Diversity in Law Scholarship
Amount: Up to $30,000
Deadline: TBA
Application: Click here
The Zelle Diversity in Law Scholarship is one of the largest law school scholarships offered in the US. There are several programs under which you can apply, including minority corporate counsel scholarships and the “Just the Beginning” foundation pipeline initiative. Scholarships are available to first-year law students as a one-time award or as a fellowship for each year of law school.
