Do you want to become a law student but you have financial issue? scholarships for pre-law students are the opportunities and financial aid options for Explore scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application insights to kickstart your legal career affordably.
Navigating the journey toward a legal career is challenging, especially financially. Pre-law students face various expenses, from LSAT prep courses to law school tuition. However, scholarships designed explicitly for pre-law students offer financial relief and support, making legal education more accessible. Explore these tailored scholarships to ease the financial burden and pursue your legal aspirations.
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Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Law students devoted to advancing Latino civil rights are eligible for the MALDEF scholarship. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a recognized U.S. law school, legal U.S. residents, and submit a resume, recommendation letter, and a personal statement essay.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: January 31
Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarship
The Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarship is available to law school students dedicated to pursuing a career in intellectual property (IP) law. This opportunity is exclusively for U.S. residents and requires applicants to submit their FAFSA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 16
American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship
The American Bar Association encourages minority students to seek this scholarship opportunity. Spanning three years, it supports first-year law students in covering the costs associated with attending and completing law school. All U.S. residents and permanent citizens are eligible to apply.
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: TBA
Rizio Liberty Lipinsky Lawyer Scholarship
Funded by the Rizio Lipinsky Law Firm, this scholarship supports students aspiring to pursue law careers in personal injury, employment, and victim’s rights law. Applicants need to provide a 1,000-word essay explaining their motivation for pursuing a legal career. Eligibility is open to permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: May 1
Judge John R. Brown Award
The Brown Award recognizes excellence and dedication in the legal field. Students enrolled in a JD or LLB program at an accredited US law school are welcome to apply. Submission of a paper and a letter of recommendation is necessary. Applicants should be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 3
MCCA Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship
The LMJ Scholarship recognizes women and minorities admitted to an ABA-accredited law school, fostering diversity in corporate law. Winners benefit from mentorship from past scholars as they pursue their legal careers. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents to apply.
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Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 19
Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship
Law school is a crucial step toward shaping our legal future, yet its expenses and demanding curriculum pose financial challenges. The Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship aims to aid financially disadvantaged law students in their educational journey. Open to low-income undergraduates or graduates enrolled in law school or applying, this scholarship honors Phillip Robinson’s memory by supporting those in need.
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student, currently in law school or actively applying
Background: Low-income
Janean D. Watkins Aspiring Victim’s Rights Advocate Scholarship
This scholarship aims to empower individuals who’ve endured hardship to drive meaningful change within victim’s rights laws. It supports high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students who’ve overcome trauma and aspire to impact victim’s rights laws through careers in law, pre-law, criminology, or related fields. Preference is given to applicants with relevant work experience.
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Field of Study: A career that can impact victim’s rights laws (law, pre-law, criminology, etc.)
Background: Has overcome trauma or adversity
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15
Arent Fox Diversity Scholarship
The Arent Fox Diversity Scholarship is designed for second-year law students excelling at accredited US law schools. Recipients secure an internship at the firm’s summer program and a job offer upon graduation. Eligibility extends to US citizens or permanent residents.
Amount: $20,000 + a salaried position
Deadline: June 15
Attorney Ken Nugent Legal Scholarship
Kenneth S. Nugent, P.C. presents this award to US residents enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. Applicants should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above and submit an essay elucidating their choice to pursue a legal career.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: December 13
BARBRI Law Preview’s “One Lawyer Can Change the World” Scholarship
The BARBRI Scholarship supports first-year law students dedicated to driving change in the legal sphere. It offers multiple awards for up to 10 winners based on a winning essay submission.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: June 1
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
LSAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Writing Competition
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers this scholarship to empower minority, LGBTQ+, and disabled students pursuing or planning to enroll in law school. It aims to advance diversity in the legal profession. Applicants should be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 31
The NAACP Earl Warren Scholarship
This scholarship is available to first-year law students showcasing academic excellence and a dedication to civil rights and racial justice. Applicants should demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Amount: $30,000
Deadline: May 1
The Han C. Choi Scholarship
Those dedicated to the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community are invited to apply for this scholarship. Eligibility requires enrollment in an AALS-accredited law school during the first or second year and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 2
The Sharon and Ivan Fong Scholarship
Second-year law students committed to advancing public interests within the Asian-American Pacific Islander community are eligible for this scholarship, designed for those eager to give back. Applicants must be U.S. permanent residents or citizens to qualify.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 30
The UPS/NLF Gold Mountain Scholarships
First-generation Asian-American Pacific Islanders enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and interested in pursuing a pro bono or public interest legal career may apply for this scholarship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: September 2
The Low Family Scholarship
Law students dedicated to Asian-American Pacific Islander legal issues may apply annually for this award to help cover law school expenses and advance their legal careers. Applicants must be permanent or legal residents of the United States.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 2
The Chris Nakamura Scholarships
In honor of the foundation’s founder, Chris Nakamura, this scholarship program is open to incoming and current law school students, regardless of their ethnic background. Students with diverse experiences are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is available to all US residents or legal citizens.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 2
The LimNexus Scholarship
Supported by the Lim, Ruger & Kim Law Firm, this scholarship assists law students aspiring to become attorneys. Eligibility criteria include enrollment in a law school, excellent academic performance, and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be legal residents or citizens of the US.
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 2
The Snell & Wilmer Fellowship for Advancement and Resources
The Snell & Wilmer FAR initiative prepares diverse students for law school while fostering professional connections and mentorship. This program, available to US residents or citizens, equips participants with essential tools and support to excel in their legal education.
Amount: Cost of LSAT Prep, law school prep, and
$300 for books each semester
Deadline: June 1
The Zelle Diversity in Law Scholarship
The Zelle Diversity in Law Scholarship is among the most substantial in the US, offering various programs like minority corporate counsel scholarships and the “Just the Beginning” foundation pipeline initiative. First-year law students can apply for a one-time award or a recurring fellowship throughout their law school journey.
Amount: Up to $30,000
Deadline: TBA
The Sons of Italy Foundation
Law students of Italian descent can seek support from the Sons of Italy Foundation. The application process involves submitting college transcripts along with the application form and a non-refundable $35 fee, which also includes membership benefits with OSDIA.
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Amount: Up to $25,000
Deadline: February 28
The Mark T. Banner Scholarship
Law students aiming for a career in intellectual property (IP) law can apply for the Mark T. Banner Scholarship. To be considered, applicants must complete the required forms, provide a resume, school transcripts, and submit a three-page essay on ethics and the impact of diversity in their lives.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 6
The Baker Donelson Diversity Scholarship
Every year, Baker Donelson provides three scholarships to law students from diverse backgrounds, aiding their pursuit of a Juris Doctor program. Successful candidates not only receive the scholarship but also secure a salaried summer associate position after their second year of legal studies.
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: TBA
The Entertainment Law Initiative
The Recording Academy is welcoming entries from aspiring legal minds for their annual writing competition. They seek insights and research on legal aspects within the entertainment industry. Eligible participants include LLM or JD candidates enrolled in an ABA-accredited program.
Amount: $10,000 plus benefits
Deadline: January 2
The Patrick Malone & Associates Scholarship
This award is dedicated to students aiming to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Patrick Malone & Associates invites first-year law students pursuing degrees in family, employment, personal injury, elder, or public interest law to apply with a personal essay and necessary documents for review.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 1
NW Corporate Law Scholarship
Law students in their second or third year are eligible to apply for the NW Corporate Law Scholarship, available to those enrolled in an ABA-accredited program. The funds, provided directly to the student, can cover various law school-related expenses. Applicants must submit an essay, application, and school transcripts for consideration.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 1
Conclusion on scholarships for pre-law students
Scholarships for pre-law students offer invaluable support for those aspiring to pursue a legal career. Whether through financial aid, mentorship, or specialized programs, these scholarships open doors to education and experiences that shape future attorneys. By easing the financial burden and fostering opportunities, they empower talented individuals to access legal education and contribute meaningfully to the legal profession.