Scholarships

Detroit Mercy Law Scholarships

Detroit Mercy Law awards a variety of scholarships to students each year, including Dean's Scholarships for academic excellence, leadership scholarships, and endowed scholarships.

Dean's Scholarships 
Current students are notified in August - September regarding the renewal of merit scholarships, which do not require any application process. The requirements of the scholarship renewal are listed on the scholarship award letters that students received at the time of admission or at the time of last year's renewal.

Presidential Grants
Upper-level students involved in leadership positions at Detroit Mercy Law may be eligible for a Presidential Grant as a way to show our appreciation for your commitment to the School of Law. Current students are notified in the summer before classes begin about their Presidential Scholarship.

Detroit Mercy Law Named & Endowed Internal Scholarships 
The School of Law has several named and endowed scholarships available to students after their first year of law school. These scholarships have been made available by generous alumni and friends of Detroit Mercy. 
To apply for additional Detroit Mercy Law scholarships, upper-level students must complete the Detroit Mercy general application and the Detroit Mercy School of Law scholarship application found on the Detroit Mercy Opportunities page. Recipients of the awards will be notified by the end of Fall term and scholarships will apply toward Winter term tuition.

2023-24 Application Dates: Apply by October 18, 2023

External Scholarships & Writing Competitions

Funding your law degree is not limited to scholarships from Detroit Mercy and loans. A great source of additional financing to help reduce your total borrowing and the cost of law school is available through scholarship awards offered by philanthropic organizations. These awards are usually limited to particular populations of students based on geography, class year, area of interest in law, or ethnic background.

Students are encouraged to research external scholarships and funding by looking closely at organizations with which you and/or your family are already connected. This may include religious or community organizations, local law firms, parents' employers, greek life, and high school and undergraduate alma maters. Many organizations award merit and need-based scholarships to affiliated students.

It does take time and effort to seek outside funding but not trying to secure the funds assures you won't receive them

Detroit Mercy Law is contacted by outside organizations seeking applications from our students. We post these scholarships as we are notified. Additionally, we do our best to find scholarships that are available to our law students. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information on our external scholarship listings, we encourage students to confirm the details with the sponsoring organization. If you receive notice that the information we have is incorrect, please email the Law Financial Aid Office so that we can update the information.

Scholarship opportunities are listed for informational purposes only. The listing of scholarships does not represent an endorsement of any organization. 

Scholarship Category: Bar Study | General | Diversity | International Students | Location | Subject/Concentration | Veterans or Active Military | Women

External Scholarships by Category

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    Bar Study

    List of Bar Study Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria
    BARBRI Public Interest Scholarship 2023 BARBRI Bar Review course at a $1,899 or $2,299 scholarship tuition rate. Applicants must be: 
    1. Graduating law school in Winter 2023 or Spring 2023
    2. Sitting for the bar exam in 2023, immediately following graduation
    3. Employed or committed to be employed in the public interest sector with a salary of <$75,000
    Community Fund for Black Bar Applicants  $500 grant Students are eligible to apply if identify as Black, African-American, or Pan African and are preparing to take a bar exam in the United States in 2023.
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    General

    List of General Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Aaron Wersing Employment Discrimination Scholarship December 1, 2022 $1,000 Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited law school fall 2021 (proof of enrollment is required). Candidate must submit a 500-word essay about what employment discrimination law is and how job discrimination rates can be reduced and mitigated.
    Avnet Law Scholarship July 15, 2023 $1,000

    Applicants must be:

    A US citizen or permanent resident,

    Currently enrolled in law or graduate school,

    A volunteer in the community.

    Must submit:

    A 1,000 word essay on the benefits of community service,

    A letter of recommendation from a professor who can reference applicant's community service.

    Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner Scholarship April 30, 2023 $1,000

    Accepted to, or enrolled in an accredited law school in the U.S.

    300 to 400 word essay on: "' Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world' - Nelson Mandela. Describe a change you would like to make in the world. Tell us about how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way."

    Charles J. Cohen Jewish Bar Association of Michigan Scholarship

    (see Phil Krauss in the Student Service Center for application instructions)

    January 27, 2023 $1,500

    Criteria to apply:

    Enrolled in an accredited Michigan law school (2L at time of application),

    3.0 minimum GPA,

    commitment to practicing law in Michigan,

    demonstrated history of involvement in the Jewish community.

     

    No essay but a letter of interest, a resume, an official transcripts and 1 or 2 letter(s) of recommendation, are required as part of the application.

    Community Leadership Scholarship December 15, 2023 $2,500

    Candidate must:

    Be enrolled in an accredited college, university or graduate (law) school,

    Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (unofficial transcript required to verify),

    Be involved in leadership positions in school and/or the community.

    Candidate must submit a 500 to 1000-word essay on one of the following:

    What motivated you to seek one of your leadership positions?

    What lessons has serving in a leadership role taught you?

    What advice would you give to another student about serving in a community leadership position?

    Disaster Relief Scholarship TBD but usually June 1 $10,000 Candidate must have been a victim of a natural disaster and enrolled in a college, university, or graduate (law) school. 500 - 1000-word essay on the following topic: Should there be national reform of natural disaster insurers? Essay should focus on flood damage, fire damage or storm damage insurance policies.
    Excellence in Ethics Scholarship August 2, 2023 $1,000 Applicants must be U.S. permanent resident or legal non-citizen, currently enrolled in or accepted to a US law school. The essay should focus on the importance of providing free legal services to those who cannot afford it, and why this is beneficial to the community at large and to the legal system as a whole.
    Fob James Law School Scholarship December 15, 2022 $1,000 Students must be enrolled in an accredited law school through the fall semester of 2021. 300 - 400-word essay on how you plan on giving back to your community once you become a lawyer.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Scholarship June 15, 2023 $2,500 Applicants should be enrolled in an accredited college, university or law school and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

    1000-word essay answering the following question: "In what way has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder affected you or why do you have an interest in the topic? How have these challenges or your interest in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder shaped the future you see for yourself?

    Be sure you are addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and not Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

    Gary Stephens Scholarship (David Aylor Law) December 15, 2023 $1,000 Applicants must be nominated by other(s) who recognize the hard-work, determination, loyalty, and dependability of the nominee. The applicant must be enrolled in an accredited law school full-time. The nominator will be required to submit an essay of nomination.
    Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorney Collegiate Scholarship December 31, 2022

    $1,000

    Candidates must:

    Be enrolled in an accredited college, university or law school,

    Be a US citizen,

    Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (transcript required),

    Be able to demonstrate community involvement.

    600-800 words or a 1-2 minute video describing your aspirations for going to college or law school.
    Investor Fraud Awareness Scholarship December 1, 2022 $2,500

    Candidates must:

    Be enrolled in a law school fall 2022,

    Provide an academic transcript, or proof of enrollment.

    Submit an essay (500 words) about the dangers of investment fraud and how we can protect ourselves against fraud.
    JT Legal Group Law School Scholarship June 30, 2023 $5,000 Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited law school, have a GPA above 3.0 (transcripts required), and submit an essay. The applicant is asked to provide a 500 - 1000-word essay explaining the significance of Prop 213 and the potential exceptions that may come with the proposition. In addition, they will explain the importance of helping those not at-fault and what drivers should do if they did get into an uninsured accident.
    KJ Williams Scholarship (David Aylor Law) December 15, 2023 $1,000 Applicants should have a commitment to volunteer work, community service and positive outreach. Must be enrolled in an accredited law school. Essay about your student activities and community service in your undergraduate and law schools.
    Keith M. Fletcher Excellence in Ethics Scholarship July 1, 2023 $500 to $1,000

    Applicants must:

    Be a lawful US permanent resident or citizen,

    Be enrolled or accepted at a US law school,

    Submit an application and essay,

    Not have been a previous winner.

    Applicants will submit a 1000-word essay about the importance of providing free legal (pro-bono) services to those who cannot afford it. You must also discuss the benefits of pro-bono work to the community and the legal profession.
    Law Offices of Daniel Kim Scholarship December 31, 2022 $5,000

    Enrolled in an accredited graduate or law school.

    3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.

    In good academic standing.

    US citizen.

    1200-word essay evaluated on originality and quality answering: After graduating, how will your career benefit your community?
    Legal Leaders Scholarship December 31, 2022 $500 Applicant must be: legal US resident and a current law student studying in the United States with a GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, applicants must submit all law school transcripts and a short letter of introduction. N/A
    Leukemia & Lymphoma Law School Scholarship July 31, 2023 $1,000 Applicants must meet the following criteria:
    • 18 years of age,
    • US citizen,
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (will need to provide proof),
    • Enrolled or planning to enroll fall 2022 in an accredited law school,
    • be affected (self or family) by leukemia or lymphoma.
    1 - 2 page essay describing how your life was/is impacted by leukemia or lymphoma.
    Macomb Bar Association March 17, 2023

    Three $3000 scholarships: the Trustee, the Kimberly M. Cahill, and the Philip F. Greco.

    Requirements:

    Enrolled in a Michigan law school,

    Resume,

    Academic transcript,

    Two letters of recommendation, and

    A completed applications.

     

    Personal statement from applicant discussing interest in a legal career, particularly in Macomb County, and the student's need for a scholarship (see the flyer attached to the website).
    Magna Carta College Scholarship (Whittel & Melton Law Firm) December 15 $1,215

    Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate or professional (law) institution.

    Maximum 750-word essay on several possible topics (for example: How has the Magna Carta shaped your daily life on campus? What is the Rule of Law and why is it important in our daily lives? See website for other topic questions.).
    MARST Scholarship July 31 $500 - $3,000

    Applicants must:

    • Be a Michigan resident;
    • Be enrolled full time and interested in real estate (real estate law);
    • Exemplify character and good citizenship.

     

    Candidates will submit a resume, cover letter (no essay), official transcripts, and letter of reference.
    Melmed Law Group February 15 $5,000 Applicants must be a US citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled in law school. Students must submit a 500 -1000-word essay on the topic of how they were impacted by an issue of workplace fairness; this can be a reaction to a news story, a personal anecdote, or anything else. What does workplace fairness mean to you in the context of a larger social and economic structure?
    Nava Law Group (NLG) Scholarship December 1, 2022 $1,000

    Applicants must meet these criteria:

    Citizen of the US or permanent resident,

    Enrolled fall 2022 (preferably 1L),

    3.0 or higher GPA (transcripts required).

    Must submit a resume and a 1 - 3 page essay on the subject matter related to the area you intend to pursue.
    OVC Market Yourself Scholarship January 24, 2023 $1,000

    Applicants must:

    Be a US citizen,

    Be enrolled at an undergraduate college or university or law school for the 2022-2023 school year,

    Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

    Resume and headshot are requested.

    Submit a 300 to 500 word overview that would promote your own legal practice (on a website for example).
    Paying It Forward Scholarship June 15, 2023 $2,500

    Applicants must:

    Be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate or professional (law) institution,

    have a 3.0 or higher GPA (unofficial transcripts okay).

    500 to 1000 word essay on what the student's ideal educational and/or professional journey would look like. What degree is the student pursuing and why? What is the student planning to do differently as a result of their education?
    Reeves Law Future Lawyer Scholarship December 1, 2022 $2,500 Candidate must be a legal U.S. resident and enrolled in an accredited U.S. law school, or law school applicant. A 750-1000 word essay telling your story: who you are, your interests and involvements, and how you will use your legal degree to improve society.
    Robert Wayne Pearce Investor Fraud Awareness Scholarship December 1, 2022 $2,500 Applicant must be a college, university or law student fall 2022. Submit a 500 word essay about the dangers of investment fraud and how we can protect ourselves against fraud.
    Scott Jay Senft Scholarship Fund November 15, 2023 $1,500 Applicants must be US residents or citizens enrolled or admitted to a US Law school without a full academic scholarship. Verification of enrollment required (transcripts). Submit an essay outlining your future goals and what you plan on doing with your law degree. The essay should be limited to 850 - 1,150 words
    Shook & Stone Scholarship July 1 and December 1 $2,500 Applicants must be enrolled undergraduate or law students.

    Submit a maximum 2,000 word essay on one of the following topics:

    How do personal injury attorneys benefit society?

    Why is it important for injured individuals to have legal representation?

    What poses the biggest personal injury risk for individuals?

    What options do injured individuals have, whether legal, physical, etc.?

    Tobin Injury Law Chai X 66 Scholarship Contest June 1, 2023 $1,188 Any student enrolled at an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional program in the United States. Write an essay between 600 to 1,000 words explaining what you are studying and what you are planning on doing with your education that will help others. As part of your essay, explain what the Hebrew word “CHAI” means to you.
    The Warren E. Burger Prize July 1

    $5,000

    Essay to be published in the South Carolina Law Review

    The American Inns of Court invites judges, lawyers, professors, law students, scholars, and other authors to participate in this writing competition. 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.
    Wolverine Bar Scholarships February 17, 2023

    Varies by scholarship.

    The Damon J. Keith Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to law students who emulate the type of commitment to social equality and combating racism demonstrated by Judge Keith throughout his career.

    The Victoria A. Roberts Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to law students who have ties to Detroit and have demonstrated a commitment to community service and overcoming obstacles.

    The Wolverine Bar Foundation Scholarship is awarded to law students who have exhibited leadership and dedication to the community.

    Law students of all ages, ethnicities, gender, and racial backgrounds are encouraged to submit applications for these prestigious scholarships.

    Applicants must be: in good standing, currently enrolled in law school in the state of Michigan, or from any Michigan resident currently enrolled and in good standing in a law school out-of-state. 

    Applicants must submit the online application and upload the following documents: 

    • Resume
    • Official Law School Transcript and Letter of Good Standing (if not indicated on transcript)
    • Personal Statement
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation (to be submitted separately by the individual by the recommended)
    See application for more details regarding the personal statement requirements.
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    Diversity

    List of Diversity Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt

    American Bar Association LGBT Public interest Scholarship

    April 28, 2023 $5,000

    1. Must be either a law student in good standing in an ABA accredited law school, or recent graduate (transcript is required).

    2. Have secured an internship or job for Summer 2023 (which may extend beyond Summer) and/or Fall 2023 with a public interest organization engaged in legal or policy work with a direct impact on LGBTQ individuals.

    500-word personal statement.

    Black Law Student Scholarship (Foray Firm)

    June 6, 2023 $1,000

    Criteria are:

    1. African American law student,
    2. Demonstrated interest in family law,
    3. enrolled in an ABA accredited law school,
    4. Member of the BLSA,
    5. 3.0 or higher law school GPA,
    6. 18 years of age.

    5 minute video addressing one of the following prompts:

    1. How have your life experiences helped you develop the necessary skills to excel as an attorney in family law?
    2. What principles will be important to you in your future legal practice and why?
    3. Domestic violence is an issue that affects people regardless of race, class, or culture. How do you hope to approach this issue as an attorney and address the cross-cultural factors that play a role in these cases?

    BSP Law Foundation Joel Stern Scholarship

    See Phil Krauss in Financial Aid for the application.

    February 17, 2023 $5,000 Candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited law school, must be from a historically underrepresented background, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through volunteer work, charity, mentorship, etc.

    500 word essay each on three questions:

    How can we work toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive legal community?

    Describe your involvement in your community through charity or volunteer work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    Why do you believe you are a qualified candidate for the BSP Law Joel Stern scholarship?

    Diversity in Law Scholarship July 28, 2023 $1,500 Applicants must be a minority and accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited law school. Candidates must write an essay explaining how your law degree will help your community.
    Flores Tawney & Acosta Diversity in Law Scholarship Contest December 15, 2022 $2,500 Must be a member of a historically underrepresented group in the legal profession and enrolled in an ABA law school 250 to 500 word essay on the importance of diversity in the legal profession and government.
    Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law Equity and Inclusion Scholarship February 28, 2023 $4,500 to $6,000

    Candidates must be:

    • enrolled in a US law school;
    • a student of color;
    • interested in working in natural resources or energy law.

    The scholarship committee will also consider other factors like leadership and academic performance, though no criteria was given.

     

    No essay required but a complete application is required.
    Islamic Scholarship Foundation Law Scholarship Program The application is open from November to March. $3,000 - $10,000
    • Muslim or active member of the Muslim community
    • Enrolled at an accredited university in the U.S. by Fall semester
    • Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA
    • A U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
    Essay prompt changes yearly.
    McDowell South American Heritage Scholarship June 10 $1,000 To apply for this scholarship you must satisfy these requirements:
    • Be accepted or enrolled in an accredited law school.
    • Be of South American Heritage
    • Maintain a minimum 2.9 GPA
    All applicants have to write an essay of at least 900 words about how their experience studying law in the United States impacted the way they think about legal systems in South America
    Michigan Auto Law Diversity Scholarship June 1 $2,000 Candidates must be 1L or 2L law student fall 2023, must be a member or an ethnic or racial minority, must be a US citizen or attending an accredited US law school, and must have an undergraduate cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA. Submit a 3 page maximum essay describing your efforts to encourage greater racial or ethnic diversity within the student body of your law school or undergraduate program.
    Miller Johnson Michigan Diversity Law School Scholarship March 1 $5,000 This scholarship is awarded to law students of color currently residing in Michigan, with preference to those with West Michigan residence. Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. N/A
    Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans October 29 $25,000 1L or 2L first-generation American or immigrant under the age of 30. To be considered a first-generation American, both of your parents must have born outside of the US as non-US citizens, and both parents must not have been eligible for US citizenship at the time of their respective births* N/A
    Steinger, Greene & Feiner Hispanic Heritage Law Student Scholarship June 31 $1,000 Must be currently enrolled at an accredited law school or intend to be enrolled for Fall 2021 and have a cumulative 2.8 GPA or better. Please choose one of the questions below and write an essay of 500-1000 words.
    • How has your Hispanic heritage shaped your career goals?
    • What are the most important issues the Hispanic community are facing today?
    • Describe how your experiences have shaped your view on immigration.
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    International Students

    List of International Student Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    AAUW Educational Foundation: International Fellowship November 15 $20,000 Women pursuing full-time graduate or professional study in the US who are not US citizens or permanent residents. N/A
    Future Leaders in Law Scholarship

    August 1 for new law students

    June 1 for returning law students

    Up to $10,000 per year

    Applicants must be:

    • A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
    • African Canadian, African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino or other Black group;
    • First Generation college graduate;
    • Interested in business law.
    Applicants must submit a 1-2 page cover letter describing the applicants educational and career goals. Applicants will also be required to submit official transcripts and letters of reference.
    MPower Global Citizen Scholarship January 15, 2023 Grand Prize: $10,000; Runner-Up/Honorable Mentions (2): $2,000 Recipients must be enrolled in a full-time degree program in the US or Canada
    • For study in the US, the recipient must meet one of these criteria: Be an international student (US permanent resident, protected under DACA, have a valid visa to study in the US) enrolled as a full-time student.
    • For study in Canada, the recipient must meet one of these criteria: Be a Canadian permanent resident, have a valid Canadian study permit
    N/A
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    Location

    List of Location Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    John S. Beagle Scholarship May 1 Varies Residents of Genesee County (MI) who are either admitted to law school or who have successfully completed one year of law school are eligible to apply. Preference is to students studying at one of Michigan's law schools. Not to exceed 1500 words, 12 size font. It must include reasons for requesting the scholarship, but can also include personal
    strengths, community service work, extracurricular activities including non-academic sports (high school
    and/or college), employment history, financial need, and academic grades and achievements.
    Macomb County Bar Foundation Scholarships March 17

    $3,000 (each scholarship)

     

    Scholarships: Macomb County Bar Foundation Trustees Law Scholarship is awarded to a second or third-year law student who demonstrates a commitment to serve or contribute to the Macomb County legal community, a need for financial assistance, and high scholastic achievement.
    Kimberly M. Cahill Memorial Scholarship - is to be awarded to a second or third-year law student. The recipient should demonstrate outstanding qualities of leadership and the ability to inspire and effectively lead others to a defined objective. The recipient must also demonstrate a need for financial assistance and an academic standing (3.0 GPA or above).
    Philip F. Greco Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a second or third-year law student who demonstrates a commitment to serve or contribute to the Macomb County legal community, a need for financial assistance, good academic standing (2.5 GPA or better). Special consideration is given to non-traditional law students.
    N/A
    Peggy (Kommer) Novosad Scholarship Application opens December 1, 2022 Varies The student is a resident of Kent County currently completing or possessing an undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University or Michigan State University and will be pursuing a full-time law or business degree at any accredited university in Michigan with a minimum GPA of 3.5 N/A
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    Subject/Concentration

    Business Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    - - - - -

    Children's Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Steinger, Greene & Feiner Law Scholarship for Child Advocates July 31 $1,000 Applicant must be either a current law student at an accredited law school with a minimum 2.8 GPA.  Applicants must submit an unofficial copy of their transcript. Please choose one of the questions provided for your essay. Essays must be between 500 and 1000 words.
    • How has being a child advocate inspired you to pursue a career in law?
    • How has your personal childhood experiences affected your outlook on the legal system?
    • How did you become a child advocate?

    Consumer Protection Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Janet D. Steinger Fellowship December 16, 2022 $6,000 stipend Varies, but must be enrolled in an accredited law school (transcript required). Statement of interest and a writing sample (see website).


    Criminal Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Marshall M. Schulman Competition for Student Papers April 15 Grand Prize - $1500, the paper will be published in the Criminal Law Journal, and one-year student membership in the Criminal Law section.
    Honorable Mention Prizes - $500, the paper will be published in the Criminal Law Journal, and one-year student membership in the Criminal Law section.
    To be eligible, the paper must be written solely by the student enrolled in law school at the time of submission. The paper must pertain to criminal law and/or to criminal procedure, with a particular focus on contemporary issues of concern in the State of California. The paper should be original and scholarly. It should be appropriately and carefully annotated to reflect the authorities that support the author’s opinions and findings, and upon which the author otherwise relies. Papers should be between 1,500 and 4,500 words in length, including any citations.

    Disability Advocacy
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    ABC Law Centers Disability Advocacy Scholarship July 31 $1,000 Applicants must be planning to pursue a law or public policy career on disability advocacy. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants must complete one of the following:
    • Write an essay (not to exceed two typed, single-spaced pages) describing your interest and/or personal experience in disability advocacy
    • Submit a creative project focused on the same topic. Examples can include, but are not limited to:
      • Photo projects
      • Video or other multimedia presentations
      • Creative writing
      • Performance Pieces

    Entertainment Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition January 4, 2022 Grand Prize - $10,000, Two tickets to the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards®; Two tickets to MusiCares® Person of the Year honoring Joni Mitchell; Recognition at the Entertainment Law Initiative GRAMMY Week Event; Los Angeles roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for winner and guest Publication of paper in the ABA Entertainment & Sports Lawyer Journal; Mentorship session with an ELI Executive Committee attorney member Entrants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. To be eligible, the paper must be written solely by the student enrolled in law school at the time of submission. Essays should be no longer than 3,000 words in length, not including endnotes/footnotes The writing contest challenges students to identify, research, and write an essay with a proposed solution on a compelling legal issue confronting the music industry.

    Federal Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Robert A. McNew Law Student Scholarship November 1 $5,000 The scholarship is awarded to a current law student who is a Federal Bar Association law student associate member in good standing. Applicants must exhibit professionalism and high character in their personal and professional lives as demonstrated in application materials. Applicants must submit an application, a personal essay, transcript, and two letters of recommendation (these may include a letter from a professor). N/A

    Food & Drug Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Austern Writing Competition June 11 1st place - $750, 2nd place - $500, 3rd place - $250 Students currently enrolled in a JD program at any of the nation’s ABA-accredited law schools and 2020-2021 academic year graduates are eligible to participate

    Paper 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. FDLI welcomes the submission of papers prepared for course work, but entrants must pay attention to competition details and edit such papers accordingly.

    Students will submit an abstract.

    Papers may not exceed 100 pages (double spaced, one-inch margins).

    Papers must be unpublished.

    Health Care Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic And Prompt
    The Thomas J. Trenta Health Care Law Section Academic Achievement Award - State Bar of Michigan TBA

    Two students from every law school in Michigan will be awarded.

    $2000 - First Place

    $1500 - Second Place

    The winner must be committed to practicing law in Michigan upon graduation.

    Outstanding academic performance in the field of healthcare law.

    TBA

    Infrastructure & Regulated Industries
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    K. William Kolbe Law Student Writing Competition June 30 1st place - $750, $2,500 and free membership in the Section for one year after admission to the bar, and coach-seat airfare and standard hotel accommodations to attend the Sections' Fall 2021 Council Group Meeting. All law students who are enrolled in ABA-approved law schools and are members of the ABA Law Student Division. Papers should address a current topic of general interest in a legal area covered by the Infrastructure and Regulated Industries Section (the “Section”). The Section covers specific industries that provide certain important, in some cases, essential, services to the general public.

    Insurance Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    State Bar Association of Michigan Insurance & Indemnity Law Section Scholarship February 28, 2023 $5,000 All applicants must be enrolled in a Michigan law school. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies present both emerging risks and opportunities for insurers and consumers alike. As increasing numbers of companies worldwide begin using bitcoin and other digital assets for a host of investment, operational, and transactional purposes, it raises an important question: How is cryptocurrency defined for the purpose of insurance coverage? What are some of the coverage issues that could be anticipated for both businesses and consumers?

    In 2,500 words, analyze and advocate a position. See link for more submission requirements.


    Labor Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Aaron Wersing Employment Discrimination Scholarship December 1, 2022 $1,000 Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited law school (proof of enrollment is required). Candidate must submit a 500-word essay about what employment discrimination law is and how job discrimination rates can be reduced and mitigated.
    ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law and The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers Writing Competition December 1, 2022 1st place - $3,000; 2nd place - $1,000; 3rd place - $500 This competition is open to articles written while the author is an active student at an accredited law school in the United States. The authors may not have graduated from law school prior to December 1, 2020. The topic must be relevant, engaging, and useful to labor and employment lawyers. Submission must be between 20 and 30 pages.
    Charles E. Joseph Employment Law Scholarship May 15 $1,000 All applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. Applicants should submit a 750-word essay on the following topic: “What are the biggest challenges facing workers’ rights in the future?” The essay can consider current events, recent case law, social movements, historical developments, or any other aspect of workers’ rights. Working Now and Then will publish the winning essay and honorable mentions on its site.
    Michael Weiner Scholarship for Labor Studies MLB February 16 $10,000 To be eligible for awards, individuals must be Law Students enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the United States or Canada who will not graduate prior to December 2023.

    Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in, and wish to make a career out of, working in the labor movement and on behalf of workers’ rights.

    N/A

    Legal Ethics
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    - - - - -

    Malpractice Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. Writing Competition July 31, 2023 $1,000 All applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate-level program. Applicants should only answer the questions provided and use online articles and case law to support their essay.

    Each essay is at a maximum of 1000 words each.

    Should insurance companies allow customers to stack insurance policies? (see site for further explanation)


    Public Service
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt

    Carole Bailey Scholarship

    (click on the scholarship in the left hand column - top)

    Application open June 15 - August 15 Any student who is enrolled in an accredited law school who has an interest in pursuing a public service legal career and has an interest in the subject matter jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims is beneficial but not necessary for an applicant to be selected. An original essay written by the applicant alone.  The essay is limited to no more than 500 words and should address any interests, experiences or other qualifications considered relevant by the applicant that demonstrate an interest in pursuing a public service legal career, or a past or present commitment to public service.

     


    Securities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    - - - - -

    Tax Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Christopher E. Bergin Award for Excellence in Writing June 30 $1,000 The competition is open to any student currently enrolled in a law, business, or public policy program. Each student may submit only one paper. Co-authored papers will be accepted. Submissions should focus on an unsettled question in federalstate, or international tax law or policy.  Entries should be a minimum of 2,500 words and a maximum of 12,000 words, including footnotes.

    Trademark Law
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Gerben Law Firm, PLLC Assisting the Next Generation of Trademark Attorneys Scholarship July 31 $1,500 Applicants must demonstrate an interest in Trademark Law. Applicants must be currently enrolled at an ABA-accredited law school for at least one semester, with a GPA over 2.5 GPA of 3.0. N/A
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    Veterans or Active Military

    List of Veterans or Active Military Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    Chisholm Chisolm & Kilpatrick LTD Law School Scholarship for Veterans July 1 $1,500 Veterans of all branches of the U.S. military are eligible to apply. Applicant must be enrolled for the Fall 2022 term; may be an incoming or current law student. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (incoming students - undergrad GPA and current students - law school GPA).

    Please answer one of these essay prompt (1000 word essay):

    • How did your experience in the military inspire you in your education and career aspirations?  
    • How did your military experience prepare you for law school and a career practicing law?
    Nick Becker Scholarship (David Aylor Law) December 15, 2023 $1,000 Applicant must be active duty military or a veteran enrolled at an accredited law school. Applicants must submit an essay about their military experience and how that experience and their education qualifies them for law school.
    Veterans and Military Family Scholarship June 15 $1,000

    Must be on active duty, be a veteran, or have a spouse or parent who is either.

    Must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, graduate school, or law school.

    Must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.

    500 to 1000 word essay on any of the following:

    • How has being in the military affected your ability to pursue an education?
    • What do you wish the American people better understood about military service or military families?
    • What sacrifices have you and/or your family made because of military service?
    • When you reflect on your/your family member’s military service, what are you most proud of and what are you most grateful for?
  •  

    Women

    List of Women Scholarship Opportunities
    Name Deadline Amount Eligibility Criteria Essay Topic and Prompt
    AAUW Educational Foundation: Selected Professions Fellowship December 1 $20,000

    Must be a 3L student.

    Fellowships are awarded to women who intend to pursue a full-time course of study at accredited U.S. institutions during the fellowship year in one of the designated degree programs where women’s participation traditionally has been low.

    Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

    N/A
    Impact Scholarship: American Business Women's Association, Greater Oakland Charter Chapter May 15 $2,000

    Applicants must be female, U.S. citizens with primary residence in Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Livingston, Washtenaw, or Wayne counties.

    Applicants must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.0 and intend to be enrolled for the Fall 2021 term.

    As the scholarship can only cover tuition, fees, and books the applicant must demonstrate financial need.

    N/A
    Empowering Women in Law Scholarship May 31 $1,500 A female applicant who has successfully completed at least one semester of law school but will not have graduated by Fall 2021 N/A
    Mike Eidson Scholarship - an AAJ Scholarship May 1 $5,000 Applicants must be a rising 3L or 4L female student who has demonstrated a commitment to a career as a plaintiff lawyer or criminal defense lawyer. The recipient must be present at the Annual Convention for American Association of Justice July 11-14, 2020 in Washington DC; travel and accommodations will be paid for as a part of the award. N/A

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