Outside Scholarships
To assist you in your search for free money, we have provided a list of scholarship opportunities awarded by outside agencies. All outside agency scholarships have specific application procedures, criteria and deadlines. We encourage you to let us know of any other scholarships you find that may be available to others.
If you are awarded any outside agency scholarship, please advise the Office of Student Financial Services so that we may assist you in determining how the scholarship will affect your cost of attendance.
Scholarships and prize money are offered in a variety of categories:
Categories
Daniel J. Curtin, Jr. Fellowship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The Planning and Law Division of the American Planning Association are proud to offer fellowship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, letter of recommendation, official transcript, resume, and personal statement.
- Website: planning.org/divisions/planningandlaw/fellowship/
The Fresno County Bar Association Memorial Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have a demonstrated connection to Fresno County.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
Live Mas Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Check the website
- Deadline: January
- Eligibility Requirements: The Taco Bell Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship. Applicants must submit a short video essay.
- Website: tacobellfoundation.org/live-mas-scholarship
Platta Law Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: August
- Eligibility Requirements: The Platta Law Firm proudly offers a scholarship to law students. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, essay, and academic transcript.
- Website: plattalaw.com/#student-with-disability-scholarship
The George Hopper Memorial Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: October
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must have a demonstrated connection to the San Joaquin Valley, and a desire to practice law in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, or Tulare County.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
CCBA Merit Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: The Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association are proud to offer fellowship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, official transcript, and personal statement.
- Website: laccba.org
Cabaniss, Johnston Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: The scholarship is awarded to a law student who is a resident of Alabama.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
Angeleno Accident Lawyers Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Angeleno Accident Lawyers Law Firm is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, academic transcript, and an essay.
- Website: caraccidentlawyerlosangeles.com/scholarship
Carole Bailey Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association proudly offers a law student a scholarship. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, an unofficial transcript, a resume, and an essay.
- Website: cfcbar.org/programs
Lemon Law Experts Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: August
- Eligibility Requirements: The Lemon Law Experts are proud to offer a scholarship to law students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Applicants must submit an application, an essay, and their academic transcript.
- Website: lemonlawexperts.com/lemon-law-experts-scholarships
The Doyle Foundation Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Doyle Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship. Applicants must submit an application, essay, two letters of recommendation, and transcript.
- Website: doylefound.org/applications
First Generation Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The Law Offices of David A. Kadzai, LLC is proud to offer a scholarship. Applicants must submit a short video essay.
- Website: kadzailawgroup.com/scholarship
The Behan Law Group Military Veteran Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C., an Arizona law firm, is proud to offer a scholarship to law students who are U.S. military Veterans, current service members, or children of a Veteran. Applicants must submit an application, an essay, and an academic transcript.
- Website: missduiarizona.com/military-veteran-scholarship
General Counsel First Generation Law Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,500
- Deadline: October
- Eligibility Requirements: The General Counsel, PC Law Firm proudly offers a scholarship to a first-generation law student. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, a law school academic transcript, an essay, and a resume.
- Website: generalcounsellaw.com/resources/gcpc-first-generation-scholarship
CUHK Law Masters of Law (LLM) Global Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check the website
- Eligibility Requirements: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK LAW) are proud to offer scholarships to LLM students.
- Website: scholarships#VCPHD
The Roy A. Gustafson Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Roy A. Gustafson Scholarship is awarded to Ventura County residents. Applicants must submit an online application, essay, letters of recommendation, official academic transcript.
- Website: vccf.org/scholarships/student-applicants/
NW Corporate Law Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The NW Corporate Law Scholarship is open to continuing law students with a demonstrated interest in business law.
- Website: nwcorporatelaw.com/law-scholarship/
The Dominguez Legal Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: The Dominguez Firm is proud to offer a scholarship to law student must demonstrate superior academic performance. Applicants must submit an application, academic transcript, and an essay.
- Website: dominguezfirm.com/scholarships
The Dan Bradley Fellowship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The Legal Aid Association of California is proud to offer a fellowship to a law student with a demonstrated interest in the public sector. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, resume, references, and personal statement.
- Website: laaconline.org/award/dan-bradley-fellowship/
Advocate for Justice Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, LLC Law Firm proudly offers a scholarship to law students. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, essay, and academic transcript.
- Website: cghlawfirm.com/denver-car-accident-lawyer/#scholarship
The Diversity in Law Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $15,000
- Deadline: January
- Eligibility Requirements: The Zelle LLP law firm is proud to offer a scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to diversity community involvement, financial need, academic transcript, and personal statement.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
Law Preview Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: BARBRI Law Preview and LexisNexis are proud to offer a scholarship to a first-year law student. The scholarship recipient must submit an online application and attend a BARBRI Law Preview summer session.
- Website: lawpreview.barbri.com/scholarships/
American Intellectual Property Law Association- Robert C. Watson Award
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must submit articles on a subject relating to the protection of intellectual property.
- Website: aipla.org/resources/programs-awards/robert-c.-watson-award
The O'Connor, Runckel & O'Malley Law Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: The law firm of O'Connor Runckel & O'Malley is proud to offer a scholarship to law students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, an essay, and their academic transcript.
- Website: orolawfirm.com/law-school-scholarship.html
Legal Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: August
- Eligibility Requirements: The Moses and Rooth at Law, a Criminal Defense Law Firm are proud to offer a scholarship to law students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Applicants must submit an application, an essay, and their academic transcript.
- Website: mosesandrooth.com/legal-scholarship/
The Baumgartner Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $3,000
- Deadline: August
- Eligibility Requirements: The Baumgartner law firm is proud to offer a scholarship to a full-time student who demonstrates financial need and giving back to their community through volunteer service.
- Website: baumgartnerlawyers.com/baumgartner-law-firm-scholarship-application/
Dwyer Williams Potter Attorneys, LLP Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: The Dwyer Williams Potter Attorneys, LLP Scholarship is awarded to students accepted for enrollment to an accredited law school, who have graduated from an Oregon University and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Website: www.roydwyer.com/scholarship/
Rhode Island Bar Foundation-Thomas F. Black, Jr Memorial Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $25,000
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: The Thomas F. Black, Jr Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Rhode Island residents who demonstrated financial need and superior academic performance.
- Website: ribar.com/For%20the%20Public/GrantsAndScholarships.aspx
Trial Advocacy Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $3,000
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded by the American Association for Justice, this scholarship is open to all second and third-year AAJ law student members.
- Website: justice.org/community/caucuses/law-students/trial-advocacy-scholarship
Leesfield Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $1,500
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded by the American Association for Justice, this scholarship is open to first and second-year AAJ law student members.
- Website: justice.org/community/caucuses/law-students/leesfield-scholarship
The Justice Hollis G. Best Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,000
- Deadline: January
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to law students who have successfully completed at least one year of law school, who have financial need and demonstrated leadership capabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Amount (estimated): $15,000
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund looks for students that are involved in civil rights struggles, economic justice, international solidarity, or other progressive issues.
- Website: davisputter.org/apply/apply-for-scholarships/
Justice Stephen K. Tamura Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,500
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The Justice Stephen K. Tamura Foundation offers scholarships to students who overcame financial barriers and demonstrate financial need.
- To apply: Contact UCI Law Financial Aid Director
Jackson Lewis Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: August
- Eligibility Requirements: Jackson Lewis LLP, one of the nation's largest labor and employment law firms, offers a generous scholarship to second or third-year law student who demonstrates an interest in, or aptitude for, employment or labor law.
- To apply: Contact UCI Law Financial Aid Director
Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Fund
- Amount (estimated): $3,000
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: Currently enrolled graduate student who is pursuing a degree in environmental law with career goals that coincide with an interest to communicate and interpret the wonders of nature.
- Website: bigtrees.org/events-programs/scholarship-fund/
American Association of Law Libraries Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The American Association of Law Libraries is committed to providing opportunities for professional growth. Each year, the Association awards scholarships in significant amounts in the categories listed on the web site to assist individuals in achieving their goal of becoming a law librarian. Minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Website: aallnet.org/education-training/scholarships/
The Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Bremer Whyte Brown & O’Meara LLP law firm is proud to offer a scholarship to a first-year law student. Applicants must submit an online application, community involvement, official transcript, and personal statement.
- Website: bremerwhyte.com/about/diversity-fellowship/
JABA Educational Foundation Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Japanese American Bar Association Educational Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student connected to the Japanese American and/or Asian/Pacific Islander (API) community who demonstrated a commitment to community service.
- Website: jabaonline.org/jef
USLAW NETWORK Foundation Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: The USLAW Network Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, letter of recommendation, official transcript, resume, and personal statement.
- Website: uslaw.org
Jaime & Blanca Jarrin and Los Defensores Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: November
- Eligibility Requirements: The Jaime and Blanca Jarrin Foundation and Los Defensores are proud to offer a scholarship to a law student. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, academic transcript, recommendation letter, and Latino community service.
- Website: losdefensores.com/scholarship
Hispanic Bar Association Bar Stipend Award
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check Application
- Eligibility Requirements: The O.C. Hispanic Bar Association proudly offers a bar stipend to a third-year law student. Applicants must submit an application, resume, personal statement, and proof/receipt of registration for the February or July California Bar Exam.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP’s Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: Please check website
- Eligibility Requirements: The Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP law firm is proud to offer a scholarship to second-year law students and a salaried summer associate position at one of the firm’s 33 offices.
- Website: nelsonmullins.com
Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: The Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation proudly offers a scholarship to prepare for the Bar exam. Applicants must be Black female law students committed to careers as prosecutors.
- Website: saritaandclairefoundation.org/scholarship
Hon. Arthur Nakazato Memorial Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,000
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: The Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA) is proud to offer a scholarship to law students who must demonstrate leadership in the Asian Pacific American community. Applicants must submit an application, a personal statement, and a law school academic transcript.
- Website: ocaaba.org/lawstudents
African American Single Mother’s Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,000
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Golden State Worker’s Compensation Law Firm is proud to offer a scholarship to single African American mothers. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, academic transcript, and personal statement.
- Website: workerscompensationlawyerssandiego.com/golden-state-workers-compensation-diversity-scholarship
Equity and Inclusion Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student. The scholarship recipient must be interested in working in an area of natural resources and/or energy and submit their law school academic transcript and financial needs.
- Website: apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/EquityandInclusionScholarship
Raymond L. Ocampo Jr. Family Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The NFALA Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, two letters of recommendation, an academic transcript, a 500- word essay, and a resume.
- Website: nfala.com/scholarships
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) is offering a scholarship to California Native American law students. Applicants must submit certified copies of original birth or death certificates for each generation of the applicants’ ancestry, linking them to a person with a CDIB showing a California tribal affiliation on the California census rolls of 1928 or 1933 or the California Judgment Fund Rolls of 1953 or 1972. The scholarship recipient must submit an application and provide the required supporting documentation.
- Website: gratonrancheria.com/ucscholarship
Marshall-Motley Scholars Program
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Marshall-Motley Scholars Program is offered to first-year law students who intend to pursue a career in Civil Rights law. Applicants must submit an application, essay, academic transcript, resume, and personal statement.
- Website: marshallmotleyscholars.org
OCAABA Scholarship: Outstanding Student Award
- Amount (estimated): $2,000
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: The Orange County Asian American Bar Association (OCAABA) is proud to offer a scholarship to law students who must demonstrate leadership in the Asian Pacific American community. Applicants must submit an application, a personal statement, and a law school academic transcript.
- Website: ocaaba.org/lawstudents
Community Fund for Black Bar Applicants
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check the website
- Eligibility Requirements: The Community Fund for Black Bar Applicants was founded by Octavia Carson, J.D., a 2020 law school graduate. The scholarship opportunity is provided to applicants who identify as Black/African American/Pan African and if they are preparing for a bar examination. The scholarship applicant must submit an online application.
- Website: blackbarapplicantfund.com/
The Keker, Van Nest & Peters Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP law firm is proud to offer a scholarship to a first-year law student. Applicants must submit an application, letter of recommendation, official transcript, resume, and financial need.
- Website: keker.com/careers/diversity/Diversity-Scholarship
Arent Fox LLP Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Arent Fox LLP Firm is proud to offer a second-year law student scholarship who demonstrated leadership qualities, work experience, and community involvement. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, current resume, legal writing sample, official academic transcript, and an essay.
- Website: arentfox.com/careers/diversity#scholarship
NFALA President’s Annual Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,000
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The NFALA Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, two letters of recommendation, an academic transcript, a 500- word essay, and a resume.
- Website: nfala.com/scholarships
The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check website
- Eligibility Requirements: The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley (APABA) is proud to offer a scholarship to a law student who has demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of the Asian Pacific American community. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, resume, and essay.
- Website: apabasv.com/awards-scholarships/#achievement-scholarship
Goodwin 1L Diversity Fellowship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check website
- Eligibility Requirements: This fellowship is open to a first-year law student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and involvement in diverse organizations, and commitment to community service. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, a personal statement, resume, and undergraduate academic transcript and copy of the current law school transcript.
- Website: goodwinlaw.com/careers/diversity-fellowships#1L
Goodwin 2L Diversity Fellowship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: This fellowship is open to a second-year law student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and must contribute to diverse backgrounds, community service, and commitment to practice law in a corporate law firm setting. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, a personal statement, a resume, and an academic transcript.
- Website: goodwinlaw.com/careers/diversity-fellowships#2L
Law Preview Diversity 1L Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: LexisNexis is proud to offer a scholarship to first-year law students at UC Irvine, School of Law. The scholarship recipient must submit an online application and attend a BARBRI Law Preview course.
- Website: lawpreview.barbri.com/scholarships/uc-irvine/
Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) is proud to offer a scholarship to incoming law students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, interest in corporate law, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community. The applicant must demonstrate financial need. The scholarship recipient must submit an online application, an essay, and their academic transcript.
- Website: mcca.com/resources/scholarship-program
The Islamic Scholarship Fund
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: The Islamic Scholarship Fund is open to Muslim students or active members of the Muslim community who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, letters of recommendation, resume, and academic transcript.
- Website: islamicscholarshipfund
California ChangeLawyers-3L Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to social justice, public service, and intent to pursue a legal career in California after graduating from law school. The applicant must demonstrate financial need. Interested applicants must contact the UCI School of Law Financial Aid Office for a statement of nomination.
- Website: changelawyers.org/changelawyers-scholarships
Mark T. Banner Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Richard Linn American Inn of Court is proud to offer a scholarship to law students who demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of a career in Intellectual Property Law. The scholarship recipients must submit an application, resume, essay, and academic transcript.
- Website: linninn.org/Pages/scholarship.shtml
Arnold & Porter Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: The law firm of Arnold & Porter LLP is proud to offer a scholarship to law students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and must contribute to the diverse background of the law school student body, and entering the legal profession. The scholarship recipients must submit an application, current resume, official law school transcript, and a 500-word essay.
- Website: Download the Application (PDF)
AABA Law Foundation's Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: February
- Eligibility Requirements: The Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area Law Foundation is proud to offer a scholarship to Asian Pacific American law students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of the Asian Pacific American community, and who will continue to serve the needs through pro bono, public interest, and/or public service legal work. The scholarship recipients must submit an application, resume, two letters of recommendation, academic transcript, and a 500-word essay.
- Website: aaba-bay.com/aaba-foundation
Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: The law firms of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC is proud to offer three scholarships to diverse law students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and simultaneous commitment to the community. Recipients will be awarded a salaried 2L Summer Associate position in one of the law offices.
- Website: bakerdonelson.com/diversity-scholarship-diversity-practices/
The Mexican American Bar Foundation- Scholarship Program
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: March
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to continuing law students who demonstrate financial need, community service, leadership experience, and any hardship experienced in pursuing an education.
- Website: themabf.org/
The Mexican American Bar Foundation- Bar Stipend
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: January
- Eligibility Requirements: The bar stipend is awarded to third-year law students who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, community service, leadership experience, and any hardship experienced in pursuing an education.
- Website: themabf.org/
Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: The Black Women Lawyers Association awards its scholarships on the basis of financial need, community service, academic achievement, and legal writing ability. Eligibility is limited to second- and third-year law students.
- Website: bwlfoundation.org/scholarships/
ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund encourages racial and ethnic minority students to apply to law school and provides financial assistance to the scholarship recipients.
- Website: americanbar.org/groups/diversity
Michigan Auto Law Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $2,000
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: Recipient must be a member of an ethnic or racial minority or demonstrate a defined commitment to issues of diversity within their academic career. Open to students currently enrolled in their first or second year of law school.
- Website: michiganautolaw.com/scholarships/diversity/
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: October
- Eligibility Requirements: This fellowship is for New Americans to provide opportunities for continuing generations to achieve leadership in their chosen fields.
- Website: pdsoros.org/apply
Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The scholarship program assists underrepresented minority students who intend to enter the intellectual property law field to attend law school.
- Website: diversityiniplaw.org/sidney-b-williams-jr-scholar-program
California ChangeLawyers - 1L Diversity Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $7,500
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: Any diverse student who plans to begin their 1L year this Fall at a California law school is eligible.
- Website: changelawyers.org/scholarships
Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County - Wallace (Wally) R. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: December
- Eligibility Requirements: The Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to Orange County Latino students who are presently attending law school and who have demonstrated involvement in the Latino community.
- Website: ochba.org/scholarships
The Orange County Women Lawyers Foundation Diversity Bar Stipend Award
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: Check Website
- Eligibility Requirements: Recipient must be a member of an ethical or racial minority who demonstrates financial need; community service, advancement of diversity in the legal profession; and involvement with the Orange County community.
- Website: ocwla.org/students
Trial LawHER Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The Trial LawHER Scholarship is offered to rising 3L female law students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and planning to become a Plaintiff Trial Lawyer. The scholarship recipient must submit an application, 1,500-word essay, closing argument video, law school transcript, and recommendation letter.
- Website: milestoneseventh.com/trial-lawher-scholarship/
The Honorable Patricia Herron and The Honorable Ellen James Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The Contra Costa County Bar Association’s Women’s Section is proud to offer a scholarship to honor the honorable Patricia Herron and the honorable Ellen James based on financial need and demonstrates leadership potential, academic success, and a commitment to women’s issues, and shows that they live in, intend to practice in, or a connection to Contra Costa County.
- Website: cccba.org/womens-section-scholarship
ChIPs Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The ChIPs Scholarship is awarded to a rising third-year female law student who has demonstrated commitment to ChIPs mission of advancing and connecting women in technology, law, and policy.
- Website: chipsnetwork.org/empower-future-generations/chips-scholarship
WLALA Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $7,000
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) Foundation is offering a scholarship to students who have demonstrated a commitment to issues affecting women, children, minorities, or other historically marginalized groups.
- Website: wlala.org/scholarships/
Latina Lawyers Bar Association Bar Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The Latina Lawyers Bar Association is offering a scholarship based on financial need, commitment to the Latina community, and academic achievement.
- Website: llbalaw.org/scholarships
Rachel Krevans Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $10,000
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: The Morrison & Foerster Law Firm is proud to offer rising 3L female law students interested in pursuing intellectual property careers.
- Website: chipsnetwork.org/hall-of-fame-inductees/rachel-krevans/
The Women Lawyers Association of San Luis Obispo Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: July
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded by the San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association, this scholarship is open to current law students or students accepted for enrollment in law school with a demonstrated connection to San Luis Obispo County.
- Website: wlaslo.org/scholarships
Nancy E. O’Malley Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $7,500
- Deadline: June
- Eligibility Requirements: The California Women Lawyers Association is offering a scholarship based on financial need and demonstrates a commitment to issues affecting women and/or children in the community. Applicants must submit an application, letters of recommendation, official transcript, resume, and personal statement.
- Website: cwl.org/nancy-o-malley-scholarship
Mike Eidson Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: May
- Eligibility Requirements: The Mike Eidson Scholarship is awarded to a rising third-year female law student who has demonstrated a commitment to a career as a plaintiffs' lawyer or criminal defense lawyer.
- Website: justice.org/community/caucuses/law-students/eidson-scholarship
The Orange County Women Lawyers Foundation Bar Stipend Award
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Eligibility Requirements: The OCWLA Bar Stipend Award includes a demonstration of financial need; community service, the advancement of women or women's issues; and involvement with the Orange County community.
- Website: ocwla.org/students
The Orange County Women Lawyers Foundation Diversity Bar Stipend Award
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Eligibility Requirements: Recipient must be a member of an ethical or racial minority who demonstrates financial need; community service, the advancement of diversity in the legal profession; and involvement with the Orange County community.
- Website: ocwla.org/students
Selected Professions Fellowship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check Website
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to women of color who are underrepresented and who intend to pursue a full-time course of study during the fellowship year. Applicants must be U.S citizens or permanent residents.
- Website: aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/current-opportunities/selected-professions-fellowships
Trans/Nonbinary Law Graduates of Color Grant Fund
- Amount (estimated): $1,000
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Foundation is proud to offer a need-based grant to graduating transgender and/or nonbinary law graduates.
- Website: lgbtqbar.org/programs/law-students/law-school-scholarships
NFALA LGBTQ Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: The National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) LGBTQ Affinity Network offers a scholarship to a law student. Applicants must submit an application, two letters of recommendation, an academic transcript, a 500- word essay, and a resume.
- Website: nfala.com/scholarships
LGBT Public Interest Scholarship Program
- Amount (estimated): $5,000
- Deadline: April
- Eligibility Requirements: The ABA's Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is proud to offer scholarships to students who have secured an internship or job for summer with a public interest organization engaged in legal or policy work that directly impacts LGBTQ individuals. Applicants must submit an application, a 500-word essay, a resume, a law school transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
- Website: americanbar.org/groups/diversity/sexual_orientation/SOGI/
M. Katherine Baird Darmer Equality Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: September
- Eligibility Requirements: Awarded to current or incoming law students, who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality for the LGBT community in Orange County.
- Website: oclba.org/darmer-equality-scholarship
Point Foundation Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: January
- Eligibility Requirements: This scholarship is designed to help promising LGBTQ students achieve their full academic and leadership potential despite obstacles. Scholars must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, and financial need.
- Website: pointfoundation.org/point-apply/apply-now/
Pride Foundation Scholarship
- Amount (estimated): Varies
- Deadline: Check Website
- Eligibility Requirements: For applicants enrolled in a full-time graduate program. The scholarship recipient is selected on the basis of academic achievement, and promote diversity in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, or Ally (LGBTQA) community.
- Website: pridefoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships/apply/
General Student Writing
- Competition Website: https://www.scribes.org/brief-writing-award
- Sponsor: The American Society of Legal Writers
- Deadline: September
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Check the website
Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship
- Competition Website: scholarships/phillip-robinson-memorial-scholarship
- Sponsor: Max Robinson
- Deadline: April
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $4,235
Terry Bryant Law School Scholarship
- Competition Website: terrybryant.com/about-us/scholarships/law-scholarship
- Sponsor: Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Office
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,500
Emery Reddy Scholarship
- Competition Website: emeryreddy.com/scholarship
- Sponsor: Emery Reddy, PLLC
- Deadline: November
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,000
The David E. Jones Scholarship
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: Ogletree Deakin’s ODBAR (Black Attorney Resource Group)
- Deadline: March
- Essay Topic: Check PDF
- Prize Information: $10,000
Selma Moidel Smith Student Writing Competition
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: The California Supreme Court Historical Society (CSCHS)
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Check the website
Affordable Housing & Community Development Law Student Legal Writing Competition
- Competition Website: americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/events/affordable_housing/rules-ah-1213.pdf
- Sponsor: Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law (Forum) of the American Bar Association (ABA)
- Deadline: March
- Essay Topic: Any legal issue regarding affordable housing, fair housing and/or community development law.
- Prize Information: Check the website
John F. Renner, P.C. Scholarship
- Competition Website: jfrlaw.com/scholarship
- Sponsor: The John F. Renner, P.C. Law Firm
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
Margot Pickering Aspiring Attorney Scholarship
- Competition Website: scholarships/margot-pickering-aspiring-attorney-scholarship
- Sponsor: Margot Marie Pickering Bogner
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,500
The Stewart J. Guss Scholarship
- Competition Website: attorneyguss.com/annual-stewart-j-guss-college-student-scholarship
- Sponsor: Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers Firm
- Deadline: August
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
Austin Hagee Law Scholarship
- Competition Website: austinhageelaw.com/law-school-scholarship
- Sponsor: Austin Hagee Law Firm
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,500
Daniel Kim Scholarship
- Competition Website: usaccidentlawyer.com/the-law-offices-of-daniel-kim-scholarship
- Sponsor: Daniel Kim Law Firm
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,500
One Lawyer Can Change the World Scholarship
- Competition Website: awpreview.barbri.com
- Sponsor: BARBRI Law Preview
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Varies
Make the World Better Scholarship
- Competition Website: butlerfirm.com/about-the-firm/scholarship
- Sponsor: The Butler Kahan Law Firm
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Varies
The Fob James Law Firm Scholarship
- Competition Website: callfob.com/law-school-scholarship-contest
- Sponsor: Fob James Law Firm
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
The Gladstein Scholarship
- Competition Website: gladsteinlawfirm.com/the-gladstein-law-firm-scholarship
- Sponsor: Gladstein Law Firm
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
D’Amore Law Group Scholarship
- Competition Website: damorelaw.com/elle-damore-law-school-scholarship
- Sponsor: The D’Amore Law Group
- Deadline: July
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,500
Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Scholarship
- Competition Website: recordingacademy.com/entertainment-law-initiative
- Sponsor: Recording Academy
- Deadline: January
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Varies
Aaron D. Wersing Federal Employment Rights Scholarship
- Competition Website: fedemploymentattorneys.com/federal-employment-rights-scholarship-contest
- Sponsor: The Federal Employment Law Firm of Aaron D. Wersing
- Deadline: November
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,500
Hartley Law Scholarship
- Competition Website: hartleylawtx.com/the-hartley-law-firm-scholarship-contest
- Sponsor: The Hartley Law Firm
- Deadline: January
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
Brown Award
- Competition Website: https://www.brownsims.com/about-brown-sims/affiliations/judge-john-r-brown-award/
- Sponsor: Judge John R. Brown Scholarship Foundation
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: No topic restriction except that writing must be on legal subject.
- Prize Information: $15,000 First Place, $7,500 Second Place, $5,000 Third Place, $2,500 Finalist, $2,500 Finalist, and $5,000 to the Scholarship Fund selected by the Dean of the law school in which the First-Place candidate is enrolled.
Access to Justice
- Competition Website: https://www.citizen.org/article/2022-2023-law-essay-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: Public Citizen
- Deadline: April
- Essay Topic: “Ensuring Access to the Right to Vote”
- Prize Information: The winner will receive $5,000. Only one winning paper will be chosen and only one prize awarded.
OC ABOTA Scholarship
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: The Orange County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (OC ABOTA)
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic: The importance of the Jury Trial in our justice system or the importance of civility in the legal profession.
- Prize Information: Varies
Armstrong & Lee LLP Diversity Scholarship
- Competition Website: albtriallawyers.com/diversity-in-law-scholarship
- Sponsor: Armstrong & Lee LLP Law Firm
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,500
Administrative Law
- Competition Website: acslaw.org/get-involved/awards-and-competitions/the-richard-d-cudahy-writing-competition
- Sponsor: American Constitution Society
- Deadline: February
- Essay Topic: Submissions should be focused on American regulatory or administrative law, broadly construed.
- Prize Information: Winner will receive cash prize of $1,500. Winning papers will receive special recognition at ACS National Convention and on ACS website.
The Constance Baker Motley National Student Writing Competition
- Competition Website: acslaw.org/get-involved/constance-baker-motley-national-student-writing-competition
- Sponsor: American Constitution Society
- Deadline: Check the website
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Varies
Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Law
- Competition Website: http://www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org/essay-contest/
- Sponsor: Center for Alcohol Policy
- Deadline: February
- Essay Topic: Prohibition of alcohol was tried in 1920 but ultimately rejected by the United States. Similarly, pure laissez-faire treatment of alcohol and the industry that profits from it has not been the policy of the federal or state governments. As the nation seeks the proper pubic health balance in response to Covid-19, can this national's alcohol history help shape and inform government health policies related to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic?
- Prize Information: Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in the amounts of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000, respectively.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Competition Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/awards_competitions/james_b_boskey_law_student_essay_contest_on_dispute_resolution/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution
- Deadline: Check the website
- Essay Topic: Any aspect of dispute resolution practice, theory, or research.
- Prize Information: $1,000 and the winning essay will be considered for possible publication in Dispute Resolution Magazine.
American Indian (Native American) Law
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: American Indian Law Review
- Deadline: February
- Essay Topic: Papers will be accepted on any legal issue specifically concerning American Indian law or indigenous peoples.
- Prize Information: The first place winner receives $1,500 and publication by the American Indian Law Review, an official periodical of the University of Oklahoma College of Law with international readership. The second place winner receives $750, and third place receives $400.
Each of the three winning authors will also be awarded an eBook copy of Cohen's Handbook of Federal Indian Law, provided by LexisNexis, and will be recognized online by the American Indian Law Review.
Animal Law
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: Committee on Animals and the Law of the New York State Bar Association
- Deadline: July
- Essay Topic: Any topic on animal law.
- Prize Information: First place: $1,000 and a Certificate of Achievement. Second place: $500 and a Certificate of Achievement. Third and Fourth place: A Certificate of Recognition.
- Competition Website:http://www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law/awards_fellowships/l_student_writing_competition.html
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law
- Deadline: February
- Prize Information: $2,500 award and free admission and round-trip airfare to Spring Meeting in April, Announcement in upcoming issue of Antitrust, the Section's magazine and the section's e-magazine.
Business Law
- Competition Website:americanbar.org/groups/business_law/initiatives_awards/mendes_hershman
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Business Law Section
- Deadline: January
- Essay Topic: "Business Law" is a broad category. Without attempting to define the area precisely, the subject is intended to include matters within law school curricula in courses entitled: Agency; Bankruptcy; Business Law; Business Organizations; Commercial Law; Consumer Law; Contracts; Corporate Finance; Corporate Governance; Corporations; Creditor's Rights; Employment Law; Financial Institutions; Insurance Law; Oil and Gas Law; Professional Responsibility; Remedies; Secured Transactions; Securities Regulations; and Uniform Commercial Code.
- Prize Information: $1,000 cash prize
Civil Liberties
- Competition Website: https://lgbtbar.org/programs/awards/michael-greenberg-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: LGBT Bar Association
- Deadline: Check the website
- Essay Topic: Legal issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or intersex community.
- Prize Information: First-place winners will also receive a $500 cash prize. If attending our 2023 Lavender Law® Conference and Career Fair, first-place winners will receive free registration, travel assistance to Chicago, and a free hotel stay at our conference venue.
Consumer Financial Services Law
- Competition Website: http://www.accfsl.org/writing-competition/
- Sponsor: American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers
- Deadline: November
- Essay Topic: An aspect of U.S. consumer financial services law. Topics that relate principally to securities regulation, bankruptcy, insurance, or the safety and soundness aspects of banking regulation are not eligible, but works on subjects within these (or other) areas will be considered if they bear directly on U.S. consumer financial services.
- Prize Information: Cash payment ($5,000 for books, $3,500 for articles, reviews, or book chapters; and $1,500 for student work), a certificate or other token of recognition, and (if applicable) travel expenses to attend the College’s annual dinner (if held, typically in conjunction with the Spring Meeting of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association).
Criminal Law
- Competition Website: https://calawyers.org/Sections/Criminal-Law/Student-Writing-Competition
- Sponsor: Criminal Law Section of the California Lawyer's Association
- Deadline: April
- Essay Topic: Criminal law and/or criminal procedure, with a particular focus on contemporary issues of concern in the State of California.
- Prize Information: Grand prize of $1500, publication in the Criminal Law Journal, and a one-year student membership in the Criminal Law Section. Three honorable mention prizes will include an award of $500, publication in the Criminal Law Journal, and a one-year membership in the Criminal Law Section.
- Competition Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/criminal_justice/awards/writing_competition/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section
- Deadline: July
- Essay Topic: 4th Amendment & Parallel State Constitutional Protections
- Prize Information: $2,500.
Disability Law
- Competition Website: https://law.mercer.edu/academics/legalwriting/milani-writing-competition.cfm
- Sponsor: Mercer University School of Law and the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Submission may address any aspect of disability law, theory, or practice. Other permissible topics include issues arising under any of following statutes: Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Family and Medical Leave Act; or any state statutes or municipal ordinances prohibiting discrimination on basis of sexual orientation.
- Prize Information: 1st prize will range between $300 and $1,000, depending on whether multiple awards are given.
Diversity & Inclusion
- Competition Website: https://www.aefdc.org/matsui-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: American Pacific Bar Association Educational Fund
- Deadline: January
- Essay Topic: A legal topic of important to the Asian Pacific American community.
- Prize Information: $5,000 and publication by the UCLA Asian Pacific American Law Journal (subject to APALJ's standard editorial process and copyright policy).
Labor and Employment Law
- Competition Website: https://www.kentlaw.iit.edu/institutes-centers/institute-for-law-and-the-workplace/louis-jackson-writing-competition
- Sponsor: Chicago‐Kent College of Law's Institute for Law and Workplace and Jackson Lewis LLP
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Workplace law, including employment law, labor law, employee benefits, and discrimination.
- Prize Information: 1st place $3,000 + web publication; 2 runners‐up receive $1,000 + web publication.
ABA Journal of Labor & Employment Law Writing Competition
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law and the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
- Deadline: December
- Essay Topic:
- Prize Information: 1st place $3,000, 2nd runners‐up receive $1,000, and 3rd $500.
Environmental/Land Use Law
Constitutional Environmental Law Writing Competition- Competition Website:https://www.eli.org/constitution-courts-and-legislation/diamond-constitutional-environmental-law-writing-competition
- Sponsor: Environmental Law Institute.
- Deadline: Check the website
- Essay Topic: A paper exploring current issues of constitutional environmental law.
- Prize Information: $2,000 and an offer of publication in ELI's flagship publication, the Environmental Law Reporter.
- Competition Website:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/membership/law_student_resources/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
- Competition Website:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/membership/law_student_resources/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
- Competition Website:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/membership/law_student_resources/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
- Competition Website: https://www.planning.org/divisions/planningandlaw/writingcompetition/
- Sponsor: The Planning & Law Division of the American Planning Association
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Any question of significance in planning, planning law, land use law, local government law or environmental law.
- Prize Information: The winning entry will be awarded a prize of $2,000, the second place paper will receive a prize of $400, and one Honorable Mention paper will receive $100. All three winning entries will be published in the semi-annual newsletter of the Planning and Law Division.
family Law
California Lawyers Association Family Law Scholarship
- Competition Website: calawyers.org/section/family-law/scholarship
- Sponsor: California Lawyers Association Family Law Section
- Deadline: October
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $1,000
Food and Drug Law
H. Thomas Austern Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://www.fdli.org/career/austern-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI)
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Topics are limited to FDA and regulated agencies' law and regulation. Papers should provide an in-depth analysis of a current legal issue concerning food, drugs, animal drugs, biologics, cosmetics, diagnostics, dietary supplements, medical devices, veterinary devices, cannabis, or tobacco.
- Prize Information: Winners are awarded: $750 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third. Top papers will be considered for publication in the Food and Drug Law Journal.
Health Law
Epstein Becker Green Health Law Writing Competition- Competition Website: http://ebglaw.com/healthlawwriting
- Sponsor: Epstein, Becker & Green
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Entrants should take advantage of the fact that health law is a very broad and diverse field, encompassing aspects of almost every area of law. Papers may address any traditional area of the law as applied to health care (e.g., antitrust, tax, corporate) or areas of law unique to health care (e.g., fraud and abuse, managed care, Medicare/Medicaid, clinical trials, telehealth/telemedicine).
- Prize Information: First Prize: $7,500; Second Prize: $4,000; Third Prize: $1000.
Human Rights Law
Holocaust Remembrance Essay
- Competition Website: https://www.ualberta.ca/law/campus-life/scholarships-awards/index.html
- Sponsor: University of Alberta Faculty of Law
- Deadline: July
- Essay Topic: Any topic addressing the relationship between law and the Holocaust.
- Prize Information: The best essay will be awarded a certificate and an honorarium in the amount of $500.00 CDN.
Infrastructure and Regulated Industries
K. William Kolbe Law Student Writing Competition- Competition Website:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/infrastructure-regulated-industries/awards/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Infrastructure and Regulated Industries
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Papers should address a current topic of general interest in a legal area covered by the Infrastructure and Regulated Industries Section (the “Section”).
- Prize Information: The winner will receive $2,500 cash, a free membership in the Section for one (1) year after admission to the bar, and coach-seat airfare and standard hotel accommodations to attend the Section’s Fall 2023 Council Group Meeting.
Intellectual Property Law
AALL/LexisNexis Law Librarianship Award, Student Division- Competition Website: https://www.aallnet.org/community/recognition/awards-program/aalllexisnexis-call-for-papers-awards/
- Sponsor: American Association of Law Libraries and Lexis/Nexis
- Deadline: March
- Essay Topic: Any subject relevant to law librarianship.
- Prize Information: $650, plus opportunity to present paper at the AALL Annual Meeting.
Hon. William C. Conner Intellectual Property Law Writing Competition
- Competition Website: https://www.nyipla.org/nyipla/ConnerWritingAwards.asp
- Sponsor: New York Intellectual Property Law Association
- Deadline: March
- Essay Topic: Any of the following subject areas related in intellectual property, i.e., patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, unfair trade practices, antitrust, and data security/privacy issues.
- Prize Information: 1st place $1,500; 2nd place $1,000. The winning paper will be considered for publication by the NYIPLA.
International Law
Albert S. Pergam International Law Writing Competition- Competition Website: http://www.nysba.org/pergamwritingcompetition/
- Sponsor: New York State Bar Association, International Section
- Deadline: November
- Essay Topic: Law Students (including J.D., LL.M., Ph.D. and S.J.D. candidates) are cordially invited to submit to the International Section an article concerning any area of public or private international law or practice.
- Prize Information: $2,000 and publication of article (subject to editorial approval).
Legal Ethics
Warren E. Burger Prize- Competition Website: http://www.innsofcourt.org/burgerprize
- Sponsor: American Inns of Court
- Deadline: July
- Essay Topic: Please submit an original, unpublished, essay of 10,000 to 20,000 words on a topic of your choice addressing issues of professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence.
- Prize Information: Winning author will receive cash prize that is presented annually at the American Inns of Court Celebration of Excellence at Supreme Court of the United States.
Smith-Doheny Legal Ethics Writing Competition
- Competition Website: Download the Application (PDF)
- Sponsor: Notre Dame Law School
- Deadline: April
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: $2,500
Legal History
CSCHS Selma Moidel Smith Student Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://www.cschs.org/programs/student-writings/
- Sponsor: California Supreme Court Historical Society
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Any aspect of legal history that deals significantly with best papers on California or pre-California legal history, broadly considered. Acceptable topics include those addressing constitutional, judicial, social, and/or cultural aspects of California's legal past.
- Prize Information: First-place-$5,000, Second Place -$2,500 and Third-place-$1,000.
National Security Law
ABA‐National Security Law Student Writing Competition
- Competition Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_national_security/awards/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Standing Committee on Law and National Security
- Deadline: Check the website
- Essay Topic: Previous year's prompt: encourages scholarly debate on "The Future of Government Surveillance Law." Many experts agree that the longstanding legal framework for government surveillance and data collection is not well suited to the dynamic environment for digital collection and the myriad techniques and devices that will be developed in the future. Papers should consider one or more among many constitutional, statutory, and other legal responses that will prepare us for the future of government surveillance and data collection.
- Prize Information: Winning essay will receive a cash prize of $500 and free registration to Annual Review of the Field of National Security Law Conference held in Washington, DC. In addition to registration for conference, prize will include reimbursement for coach travel and one night’s lodging. Essay will be published in National Security Law Report.
Pharmacy Law
Larry M. Simonsmeier Writing Award- Competition Website: https://www.aspl.org/larry-m-simonsmeier-award
- Sponsor: American Society for Pharmacy Law (ASPL)
- Deadline: June
- Essay Topic: Related to the interests of ASPL published during the prior two years.
- Prize Information: Honorarium for winning submission is unspecified, but includes travel arrangements to ASPL Annual Meeting.
Professional Responsibility
Ed Mendrzycki Essay Contest- Competition Website:https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyers_professional_liability/awards/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Standing Committee on Lawyers' Professional Liability and Long & Levit LLP
- Deadline: February
- Essay Topic: Check the website
- Prize Information: Cash prize of $5,000, round-trip airfare and two-nights stay at the Conference hotel for the Spring 2024 National Legal Malpractice Conference, and complimentary registration to the Spring 2024 National Legal Malpractice Conference.
Public Contract Law
Public Contract Law Journal Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_contract_law/awards/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Public Contract Law
- Deadline: September
- Essay Topic: A topical issue of interest to the public contract and grant law community.
- Prize Information: $2,000.
Public Interest Law
Dorothy E. Roberts Public Interest Essay Competition- Competition Website: https://www.pennlawreview.com/public-interest-essay-competition/
- Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Law Review
- Deadline: February
- Essay Topic: Submissions must focus on a specific legal issue within the realm of public interest law, including any issue relating to social justice or advancing the general welfare and good of the public. In addition, the author must include a brief grant proposal for $5,000 to support public interest work related to the essay topic. Topics can be local, state, national, or international in breadth or impact.
- Prize Information: The winning essay will be published in the University of Pennsylvania Law Review Online. The author will receive a $5,000 grant to support their related public interest work or the work of a non-profit organization or pro bono clinic. In addition, the author will receive a $1,000 cash prize. If the winning essay is co-authored, the authors will split this cash prize.
Real Property/Trusts & Estates
ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Student Writing Contest- Competition Website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/fellowships-and-awards/law-student-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law
- Deadline: May
- Essay Topic: Current topic dealing with real property, trust and estate law.
- Prize Information: $2,500, full-tuition scholarship to the University of Miami School of Law's Heckerling Graduate Program in Estate Planning OR Robert Traurig-Greenberg Traurig Graduate Program in Real Property Development, one year free membership in the Section, and free round-trip economy-class airfare and weekend accommodations to attend the Section's Fall Leadership Meeting.
Rule of Law
Rule of Law Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://bhba.org/rule-of-law-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: Beverly Hills Bar Foundation
- Deadline: March
- Essay Topic: Entries should relate to the Rule of Law and may address any or all of the following: Define the Rule of Law or comment upon the attached definition; or Comment on the importance or the effects of the Rule of Law, any of its elements, or the lack of a Rule of Law on society
- Prize Information: Grand Prize is $2,500.00, with two Honorable Award prizes of $500.00 each.
Securities Law
James E. Beckley Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://piaba.org/2019-beckley-student-writing-competition-0
- Sponsor: Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA)
- Deadline: September
- Essay Topic: Submission may address aspect of Securities law; Securities arbitration; The Federal Arbitration Act, Title 9, US Code, Section 1‐14; or FINRA Code of Arbitration, effective April 16, 2007 and any changes or proposed changes to Code. Writing can be based in theory or in practice, but should ultimately advocate position on topic area chosen.
- Prize Information: First Prize: $1,000, Second Prize: $750, Third Prize: $500.
Tax Law
Donald C. Alexander Tax Law Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://www.fedbar.org/section-on-taxation/tax/donald-c-alexander-tax-law-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: Federal Bar Association Section of Taxation
- Deadline: January
- Essay Topic: Federal income taxation.
- Prize Information: 1st place $2,000 + expenses to attend FBA’s Annual Tax Law Conference; 2nd place $1,000 + expenses to attend FBA’s Annual Tax Law Conference.
- Competition Website: https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/tannenwald/tannenwald-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: The Theodore Tannenwald, Jr. Foundation for Excellence in Tax Scholarship, Inc. and The American College of Tax Counsel
- Deadline: July
- Essay Topic: Papers on any federal or state tax-related topic may be submitted in accordance with the Competition Rules.
- Prize Information: Cash prizes are awarded of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500 for the top three papers.
Technology Law
Berkeley Technology Law Journal Writing Competition- Competition Website: https://btlj.org/2023/03/2023-writing-competition/
- Sponsor: Berkeley Technology Law Journal
- Deadline: April
- Essay Topic: Submissions accepted on topics at intersection of law and technology, including but not limited to: intellectual property, antitrust, First Amendment, entertainment and new media, telecommunications, biotechnology, internet and cybercrime.
- Prize Information: First Prize: $1,000 and Second Prize: $500.
Trademark Law
Ladas Memorial Award- Competition Website: https:/www.inta.org/about/awards-competitions/ladas-memorial-award/
- Sponsor: International Trademark Association and Ladas & Parry LLP
- Deadline: February
- Essay Topic: Trademark law or a matter that directly relates to, or affects, trademarks.
- Prize Information: $2,500 and complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting.
For unpaid positions with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, students usually choose between receiving externship credit or PILF funding, as you cannot do both. These types of positions generally qualify for PILF funding, but you must also meet PILF's eligibility requirements to apply for a summer stipend. All questions regarding PILF stipends should be directed to PILF.
*The AccessLex Law School Scholarship Databank includes nearly 800 scholarship opportunities and writing competitions, including over 600 opportunities for returning law students. Select the filter “Returning Law Students” under “Scholarship Type” along with a specified “Location” (likely “No Location Required” or “California”). To narrow your search further, check out the “Interest Area” and “Applicant Attributes” filter options or choose between “Need Based” or “Merit Based” opportunities.
The PSJD Summer Funding Source list gets updated annually in late fall/early winter. This list includes sources from affinity groups, bar associations, and nonprofits. To create an account on PSJD, register by clicking on the "New Jobseekers" link at the top right of the home page in the Orange Box.
ABA AntiTrust Section Summer Diversity Stipend
- The American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s diversity committee has created a Stipend Program for diverse law students interested in pursuing antitrust and consumer protection careers by working for a federal agency or nonprofit organization that offers experience in these fields during summer.
- Students that accept an offer from a Washington, D.C.-based summer internship at the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division; Federal Trade Commission; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; American Antitrust Institute, Open Markets Institute, etc., can apply to their program for a chance to obtain funding for their living expenses over the summer.
- Summer Stipend Application
Dan Bradley Fellowship
- $8,000 scholarship award to those want to pursue a career in public interest law and who want to spend their summer working on a rural issue or a racial justice issue.
- Application Deadline: April
- Scholarship Application
- The Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee is proud to sponsor the Neiter Fellowship. The mission and vision for the Committee is to reflect our fundamental belief that diversity strengthens our practice and that all people deserve inclusivity, equity, and a chance to have a seat at the table. Pursuing these principles gives the bankruptcy community the opportunity to attract the best and the brightest professionals to our practice, by welcoming, recognizing, and supporting people of diverse backgrounds, especially those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged; by becoming a resource and ally within our region to pursue these goals; and by committing to diversity in our governance, structure, and decision - making.
- Recipients of the award will receive a stipend to assist with their living expenses as they pursue a full-time externship with a bankruptcy judge in the Central District during the summer.* To be eligible to receive the award, applicants must have accepted an offer of a full-time externship with a bankruptcy judge in the Central District of California (San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, Riverside, Santa Ana, or Santa Barbara division)
- Fellowship Application
California Lawyers Association Labor and Employment Law Section & California Lawyers Foundation
- $8,000 scholarship award to diverse law students pursuing employment or labor related work during the summer.
- Application Deadline: March
- Scholarship Application
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Diversity Fellowship
- This year’s program will provide up to $4,500 fellowships to law students who are interning with criminal defense office/practitioners.
- Application Deadline: March
- Fellowship Application
Robert Masur Fellowship in Civil Liberties
- The fellowship competition is open to first-year law students who intend to carry out significant activities during the summer (in between their first and second year) in the areas of civil rights and/or civil liberties. Fellows each receive a $2,000 honorarium.
- Application Deadline: April
- Application Portal
- Financial assistance to law students working in the public interest sector for the benefit of the South Asian community and the metropolitan D.C. area.
- Application Deadline: April
- http://www.sabadc.org/fellowship
California Lawyers Association Labor and Employment Law Section & California Lawyers Foundation Bar Scholarship
- $2,000 scholarship award to diverse law students pursuing employment or labor related work during the summer.
- Application Deadline: March
- Scholarship Application
South Asian Bar Association of DC Public Interest Fellowship
- SABA-DC provides its Public Interest Fellowship to law students working or interning at public interest organizations in the metropolitan D.C. area over the summer. The primary purpose of the Fellowship is to award a grant that offers law students financial assistance to pursue internships with a public interest organization for the benefit of the South Asian community and the metropolitan D.C. area. SABA-DC has provided grants up to $8,000 per fellow in past years and sponsors several fellows every year.
- Application Deadline: April
- https://www.sabaw.org/sabaw-scholarships
- Award several scholarships to Latinx students to help fund a public service oriented internship in Washington, D.C.
- Application Deadline: Check Website
- https://www.latinx44scholarship.com/about
- Public interest stipend to support students completing original summer projects that benefit the disadvantaged in the Los Angeles region.
- Application Deadline: April
- Fellowship Application
South Asian Bar Association of New York
- At least 3 grants from $2000 - $4000 to law students or recent law graduates working in unpaid public-interest jobs in New York City or the New York Greater Metropolitan area during the summer.
- Application Deadline: March
- https://www.sabany.org/2021-fellowship
Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County
- The APABA Public Interest Fellowship is a $7000 grant awarded to a law student who demonstrates leadership potential, maturity and responsibility, as well as a commitment to making a contribution to the Asian/Pacific Islander American community. at a Los Angeles County nonprofit organization
- Application Deadline: March
- http://apaba.org/Scholarships
Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association
- Fellowship funds externships/clerkships for qualifying non-profit organizations with special consideration given for organizations serving or working on issues that impact the APA community.
- Application Deadline: October
- https://www.sccla.org/Scholarships
NWCL Scholarship
- $1,000 scholarship to a 2L or 3L with interest in business law or entrepreneurship.
- Application Deadline: May
- https://www.nwcorporatelaw.com/law-scholarship/
Alaska Bar Association Law School Scholarships
- The Alaska Bar Association offers law school scholarships to current 1st and 2nd year law students who demonstrate ties to Alaska, and an intent to return to Alaska within two years of graduation.
- Application Deadline: March
- https://alaskabar.org/for-lawyers/law-school-scholarships/
West Coast Trial Lawyers Scholarship
- West Coast Trial Lawyers is proud to offer financial help to students and their families, in the form of $1,000 scholarships.
- Application Deadline: February
- https://westcoasttriallawyers.com/resources/scholarship/
American Council of the Blind's Scholarship Program
- This program awards students with scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,500 to help with post-secondary education financial needs.
- Application Deadline: February
- https://www.acb.org/scholarships
Jan Jancin Competition
- The Jan Jancin Awards are merit-based scholarships awards that recognize rising second and third year law students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities, who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career as an IP lawyer, and who have engaged in activities reflecting that interest. The winner of the Jan Jancin Award will receive a $5,000 cash award, and reasonable travel expenses to receive the award during the AIPLA Annual Meeting. The runner-up, and winner of the AIPLA Past Presidents Award, will receive up to a maximum cash award of $2,500, and an invitation to attend the AIPLA Annual Meeting. If unable to attend, the award will be mailed to the winner.
- Application Deadline: May
- https://www.aipla.org/resources/programs-awards/jan-jancin-competition
Japanese American Bar Association Scholarship
- The JABA Educational Foundation is pleased to offer up to four scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each for deserving law students.
- Application Deadline: February
- https://www.jabaonline.org/jef/
Korean American Scholarship Foundation
- KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to qualified Korean American students. If extra funds are available, other students may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served during the Korean War may qualify for scholarships.
- Application Deadline: Check Wesite
- https://www.kasf.org/scholarships/
Some or all instruction for all or part of the Academic Year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the Academic Year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
State of California Disclosure: Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options including some income-based repayment plans and loan-forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.