To receive a law school scholarships, you need to be a new and first year (1L) law student in a Juris Doctor degree program. Many schools consider admitted students for merit scholarships while need based awards require you to fill out a FAFSA.
If you got this far, you likely took your LSATs already. The LSAT is accepted for admission purposes by many ABA accredited law schools. A high LSAT score may help you qualify for full funding for a three year Juris Doctor program. The highest possible score of the test is 180.
Schools generally use these scores as a metric for acceptance and the amount of scholarship money they offer you. As a college student, an impressive GPA plus high test scores may help you when it comes to getting graduate scholarships for law.
Once you earn your JD degree and pass the Bar Exam, one option may be to pursue a career at a law firm. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many lawyers today earn a median annual salary of $135,740 per year.
How To Apply for a Law Scholarship?
Besides your test scores, each scholarship program comes with a set of criteria to meet. These awards could be for women, minority groups and specific law majors. But in most cases are for U.S. citizens.
Eligible law school students who qualify have to fill out a scholarship application form. It is wise to follow the directions and apply by or before the application deadline.
Along with the form, you might need to supply transcripts, resume, and explain your goals. Some providers seek a very strong community service background too. If there is an essay, be clear and use the directions as a guide.
10 Scholarships for Law Students You Can Apply for in 2024
Are you wondering what scholarships are available for graduate students attending law school? You’re in luck because we have hundreds of law school awards. These awards may help you pay for law degree and reduce your school debt by the time you graduate. Check out these ten scholarships that you can apply for now!
Anhelo Dream Project Scholarship
Legal Opportunity Scholarship
Earl Warren Scholarship
Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
MALDEF Law School Scholarship
Attorney Ken Nugent Legal Scholarship
ABA Academic Merit Scholarship
LimNexus Scholarship
La Raza Foundation Scholarship
Warner Norcross & Judd Law School and Paralegal Scholarship
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF LAW SCHOOL?
The cost of law school may vary depending on where you study. Tuition and fees differ across institutions and whether you are in state vs out of state. Additional college expenses such as housing, books, and transportation contribute to the cost of law school.
According to the NCES, the average tuition cost of a graduate degree is $11,617 per yea at a public school. If you choose a private school, you are likely to pay more at $26,551 per year at a nonprofit college. The difference between tuition and fees at private schools and public schools is huge: around $14,900.
The NCES also found that 75% of students who completed a professional doctorate such as a law degree had student loans. They also report the average total loan balance was about $145,500 per borrower.
Are There Full Ride Scholarships to Law School?
Full ride law scholarships are more common. These pay tuition and mandatory fees for all three years. Most schools make them available to first year students who may qualify.
For example, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School awards full tuition through the Toll Public Interest Scholars program. You also a receive a stipend to fund unpaid public sector internships. Eligible scholars must be in good academic standing, commit to work in public interest and the community.
Which Law Schools Offer Scholarships?
University of Chicago, New York University, and University of Virginia provide scholarships for admitted law students. Other major universities in the United States with Juris Doctor programs offer scholarships for graduate students studying law. Here are two prestigious law schools and their scholarships to check out.
University of Chicago
University of Chicago School of Law offers a Juris Doctor as well as a Joint JD /MBA program. In the first year of the JD, your courses may teach you about contracts, torts, property, criminal law and civil procedures. As you get into the upper level courses, you may study equality, civil rights, health law and taxation.
Every admitted student is automatically considered for scholarships. One to try for is the Tony Patiño Fellowship. Each year there are 1 to 2 Fellows, chosen on the basis of merit. Eligible students must exhibit leadership, academic success and initiative. Each recipient receives at least $10,000 per year for their studies and takes part in Fellowship events as a side benefit.
University of Virginia
University School of Law offers a JD that includes core courses in the first year. Second year law students focus on patent and administrative law, the federal courts and independent research. Year three is research focused and explores areas like trusts and estates. Students also have access to study abroad, dual degree options and externships.
You may qualify for graduate scholarships as a new law student such as the Karsh Dillard Scholarships. A Karsh Dillard Scholar receives a sufficient amount to cover full tuition and fees for three years of their legal education. Awardee must be in good academic standing in order to receive the scholarship.
Do Law Schools Give Merit Scholarships?
Yes, some law schools give merit scholarships. University of Pennsylvania and UCL
A are some universities where you may receive merit based awards. Sometimes, there is no separate application and eligible graduates may be automatically considered when applying for admission.
Many law schools look at your LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, community service and school activities. The admissions office typically reviews eligible applicants for merit based aid. You may also request more financial aid based on admissions and scholarship offers from other schools.
University of Pennsylvania
Penn Law has a full time program leading to the JD. Penn Law also offers an LLM and other law graduate degrees. The JD course plan includes externships, pro bono duties, and senior research and writing project.
To help those who qualify, the school offers merit scholarships such as the Dean’s Scholarship. These awards range from $9,000 to $120,000 in tuition coverage. In addition to academic achievements, eligible students must show leadership, service, and personal or work experience.
University of California Los Angeles
UCLA School of Law offers two distinct merit scholarships. These scholarship opportunities use criteria such as grades, LSAT scores and leadership.
One is the the Distinguished Scholars Program. It is a binding merit based full tuition scholarship program. And, only for a few exceptionally qualified applicants.
Recipients of the award who are CA residents get full resident tuition and fees for three academic years. As long as they remain in good standing. Non CA residents will be awarded full non-resident tuition and fees for L 1. Then, full California resident tuition and fees for L 2 and 3.
Are There Scholarships for Minority Law Students?
Law school scholarships for minority law students and women help nurture diversity in the field. Such awards also provide valuable financial help to under served law graduate students towards their goals.
Doctorate degrees in legal professions and studies hold a 23% share of all degrees earned at this level. Recent NCES data shows a 50 /50 split in the number of men and women who attained law degrees. The numbers vary for various minority groups below.
Black – 23%
Hispanic – 33%
Asian – 13%
Pacific Islander – 24%
American Indian – 36%
Two or More Races – 26%
Law Scholarships for African American Students
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund Inc is one provider of law scholarships for African American law students. NAACP is the legal organization that fights for racial justice through litigation, advocacy and public education. One of the programs they run is the Earl Warren Scholarship.
This is an annual award that goes to rising law students committed to racial justice. Eligible applicants tend to show potential as civil rights and public interest attorneys. To qualify, you must be a first or second year full time law student at an ABA accredited school.
Earl Warren Scholarship awards are $10,000 per year for three years or for a total of $30,000. Along with the award there are two opportunities for an LDF internship, externship, or guided research project and an invitation to LDF’s Civil Rights Training Institute.
African American law students might also find scholarships that are location specific. The James W. Stoudt Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation is one example. It provides 3 scholarships of $3,000 each to support minority law students at a few partner schools.
Scholarships for Hispanic Law Students
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) may be a good resource for Hispanic students. MALDEF supports law students who seek to further advance the civil rights of the Latino community in the United States.
In the past years, MALDEF awarded from 5 to 15 law school scholarships of $2,000 each to deserving Hispanic law students throughout the nation.
The program is open to eligible law students currently enrolled full time at an ABA accredited school. Other criteria they look at are grades, financial need and outside school activities. Above all, eligible applicant must show dedication to advancing Latino civil rights in their careers.
MCCA or the Minority Corporate Counsel Association offers law scholarships for Hispanic women. They offer the Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program. It helps law students pay for tuition, books and fees. Eligible fellows receive $10,000 a year for three years to help defray the cost of a JD degree. They also receive a one time award of $10,000 to assist with 1L expenses.
Law School Scholarships for Women
Female law students may find law school scholarships through the AAUW or American Association of University Women. They offer several fellowships and grants each year.
BARBRI, a provider of legal exam prep courses, offers One Lawyer Can Change the World Scholarship. It is for eligible incoming first year law students for fall semester. To apply, you need to write an essay about “How you hope to use your law degree to change our world”. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and $5,000 for second place. There are also 8 runners up who take away $1,000 each.
Law Scholarships for Immigrants and Children of Immigrants
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program is an annual award. It honors immigrants and children of immigrants who are in pursuit of a graduate degree. This year, due to COVID 19 they’ve expanded their criteria to include online law degree programs too.
To be eligible, you must be an eligible New American graduate student who is 30 years or younger by the application deadline. You may either be a naturalized US citizen, green card holder, adopted immigrant, DACA recipient, refugee and asylee. You must plan to start or continue in an eligible program full time in the United States. Each Fellow receives up to $90,000 in financial support over two years.
List of Law School Scholarships
Check out our list of scholarships for law school worth .
Our firm hopes to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession by helping students pursue a career in law. Through the Salvi & Maher, LLP Scholarship, our legal practice presents current and prospective law students with the chance to win $1,000 to supplement their educational expenses.
While we appreciate the difference young leaders can make across the legal profession, we also greatly understand the costs of education. By providing this scholarship opportunity, we aim to assist law students in reaching their full potential.
The Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert is steadfastly committed to giving back to the community. We continue to stand by this commitment through different artistic, civic, academic, and philanthropic causes.
One of the fundamental ways we give back is by helping young people achieve their full academic potential so they can then have a positive impact within their community and those around them. To promote this idea we have created the Leifert & Leifert Right to Privacy Scholarship.
Shook & Stone is a full-service law firm comprised of skilled lawyers who are prepared to fight for your right to fair compensation.
No matter your legal needs, you can benefit from the unrivaled personal attention, dedication, and commitment of our passionate attorneys.
Shook & Stone is one Nevada’s premier personal injury lawyers specializing in auto accident, workers compensation, and social security disability claims. People continually choose our firm for the following reasons:
-Over 750 Million dollars recovered
-Thousands of clients helped
-No fee unless we win
-Award-winning attorneys
-Over 100 years of combined experience
About the Shook & Stone Scholarship
The lawyers at Shook & Stone understand that education is incredibly important for all generations. The experiences and lessons you learn are unrivaled. We want to help students in their paths to higher education, which is why we have created the Shook & Stone scholarship.
If you share our goal of helping individuals fully understand their rights and the benefits of hiring a skilled personal injury attorney, we want you to submit an essay for the chance to win $2,500.
At Sechler Law Firm, LLC, we are driven by a profound mission—to help families make great plans. Our commitment extends beyond estate planning; it encompasses a passion for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit. It is with this vision in mind that we proudly present the 2024 Veteran CEO Scholarship.
This scholarship is not just an opportunity; it’s a salute to the dedication of those who have served or are currently serving in the military. We recognize the sacrifices you’ve made for our country, and we believe in your potential to achieve your dream of owning a business.
Our inspiration for this scholarship is to empower individuals to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. We firmly believe that with the right support, education, and strategic planning, you can turn your business aspirations into reality. This scholarship embodies our commitment to making a positive impact on your journey.
From now until May 31, 2024, the 2024 Veteran CEO Scholarship will provide a $1,000 financial boost to deserving applicants. This scholarship isn’t just about monetary assistance; it’s about guiding you on the path to success. We invite you to share your aspirations, your business vision, and your timeline for achieving it.
Your service deserves to be celebrated, and your entrepreneurial spirit deserves to be unleashed. Continue reading to learn more about this scholarship’s eligibility and application requirements.
Both Corey Young and Tracy Pullan have dedicated a substantial amount of their careers to defending individuals accused of criminal offenses. At Pullan & Young, we understand how devastating these cases can be for the children and loved ones of those who have been accused of crimes, especially when a person ends up getting convicted.
The Pullan & Young Supporting Prisoners’ Families Scholarship was established to help students who have loved ones who have been convicted of criminal offenses. We believe that every student should have access to an education, regardless of their circumstances, and our goal is to help make college more accessible and affordable for those affected by incarceration in their family. Each semester, Pullan & Young aims to help these students achieve their educational goals and reach their full potential. This $1000 scholarship will be awarded to one student per semester.
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP Accident and Injury Attorneys are excited to announce the Who Inspires You Scholarship, awarding $1,000 to a student with a passionate story about who has inspired them most.
Throughout life, we are often blessed with someone who inspires us through their words or actions, directly or indirectly. Having someone who inspires you helps you continue striving and improving, whether in academics, hobbies, or any aspect of life. Whoever it is, a parent, grandparent, older sibling, celebrity, or sports star. There is value in reflecting on the people and relationships that inspired you to be who you are now.
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP is excited to hear about the inspirational people in your life and looks forward to congratulating a special winner for their reflection on that person and their impact on their life.
The attorneys at Moskowitz Law Group are excited to announce The Fair Divorce Legislation Scholarship. Our attorneys understand that divorce can be one of the most difficult emotional experiences someone goes through in their life, so we are dedicated to helping families overcome the challenges of divorce and making the process as painless as possible.
Through this scholarship, the attorneys at Moskowitz Law Group would like to give students the opportunity to express their thoughts on divorce legislation. The deadline for this scholarship is February 28, 2024. An amount of $1,000 will be awarded to a student who best describes their position on the subject and their reasoning behind it.
In a 750-1,000 word essay, discuss whether you believe divorce legislation in your state is fair. If so, explain your position. If not, discuss how you believe these laws can be reformed to provide solutions that reflect the best interests of all parties.
At Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega, we understand that experiencing a personal injury can be a challenging and life-altering event. Our dedicated team of experienced personal injury attorneys in South Carolina, is here to support and guide you through the complex legal process while tirelessly fighting for the compensation you deserve.
With our compassionate approach and proven track record, you can trust us to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and care.
It takes a lot of strength, resilience, and determination in order to endure the challenges and hardships that come with caring for an injured family member. Many are put in the position of caretaker, chauffeur, scheduler, and advocate in order to serve their loved ones’ best interests. These efforts deserve to be recognized, which is why we are proud to announce our Triumph Through Family Adversity scholarship.
This scholarship is meant to offer students an opportunity to manage the financial hardship associated with their educational pursuits so that they can remain committed both to their studies and the needs of their family. By sharing your story, you may be able to win $1000 to go towards your education. To apply for this opportunity before May 31, 2024, visit the scholarship page on our website.
Our team has worked tirelessly to provide service to those in our community since the start of our firm. We work together with individuals from all walks of life, each of whom possesses a unique and palpable story to tell.
The Outstanding Citizen Scholarship and Essay Contest aim to allow demonstrated community leaders and dedicated citizens to pursue education to inform and better their causes. We are proud to sponsor the discussion on good citizenship for the 7th year in a row. It truly means a lot to us to offer educational benefits to individuals who demonstrate outstanding citizenship.
This essay contest and the $1,000 scholarship associated with it are open to individuals throughout the U.S. who are enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution during the 2024-2025 school year.
