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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

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

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

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

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: April
  • 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

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

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

Trans/Nonbinary Law Graduates of Color Grant Fund

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/ 

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General Student Writing

Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship

Terry Bryant Law School Scholarship

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

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

The Stewart J. Guss Scholarship

Austin Hagee Law Scholarship

Daniel Kim Scholarship

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

The Fob James Law Firm Scholarship

The Gladstein Scholarship

D’Amore Law Group Scholarship

Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Scholarship

Aaron D. Wersing Federal Employment Rights Scholarship

Hartley Law Scholarship

Brown Award

Access to Justice

The Hogan/Smoger Access to Justice Essay Competition

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

Administrative Law

The Constance Baker Motley National Student Writing Competition

Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Law

Center for Alcohol Policy Annual Essay Contest

Alternative Dispute Resolution

James Boskey Dispute Resolution Essay Competition

American Indian (Native American) Law

American Indian Law Review National Writing Competition
  • 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

Robert Pitofksy Law Student Writing Competition

Business Law

Mendes Hershman Student Writing Contest

Civil Liberties

Michael Greenberg Student Writing Competitions

Consumer Financial Services Law

American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers Writing Competition

Criminal Law

Marshall M. Schulman Competition for Student Papers in Criminal Law and/or Criminal Procedure 
William W. Greenhalgh Student Writing Competition

Disability Law

Adam A. Milani Disability Law Writing Competition

Diversity & Inclusion

Robert T. Matsui Annual Writing Competition

Labor and Employment Law

Louis Jackson National Student Writing Competition

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 
Energy Law Writing Competition
Brownfields, Pesticides, Superfund and Toxic Torts Writing Competition
Native American Resources Writing Competition
Smith-Babcock-Williams Student Writing Competition 

family Law

California Lawyers Association Family Law Scholarship

H. Thomas Austern Writing Competition

Health Law

Epstein Becker Green Health Law Writing Competition
  • Competition Website: http://ebglaw.com/healthlawwriting

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

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

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
Tannenwald Writing Competition

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.  

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

California Lawyers Association Labor and Employment Law Section & California Lawyers Foundation

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Diversity Fellowship 

Robert Masur Fellowship in Civil Liberties

 

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

South Asian Bar Association of New York

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County

Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association

NWCL Scholarship

Alaska Bar Association Law School Scholarships

West Coast Trial Lawyers Scholarship

American Council of the Blind's Scholarship Program

Jan Jancin Competition

Japanese American Bar Association Scholarship 

Korean American Scholarship Foundation

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.

Related Links

Contact

Student Financial Services
401 E. Peltason Dr.
Suite 1000
Irvine, CA 92697-8000

finaid@law.uci.edu
Phone: (949) 824-8080

Schedule an appointment with Nasreen Zia

Director of Student Financial Services; click here.

 

Schedule an appointment with Jennifer Terrazas

Assistant Director of Student Financial Services; click here.