Scholarships, Fellowships, & Pipelines for Female Future Lawyers (2024)
The legal industry landscape has changed drastically over the last several decades. In 1960, women made up under four percent of students enrolled in law school. Today, women make up more than half of all enrolled in law schools. However, women remain underrepresented at large firms. Even with some setbacks, things are looking bright for female future lawyers. Admission to law school is likely with a robust application package.
The mission to retain more women in Big Law firms comes with many scholarships, fellowships, and pipeline programs. The list below highlights several opportunities for female future lawyers looking to fund their legal education.
Ms. JD Fellowships and Public Interest Scholarships for Female Future Lawyers
Ms. JD offers programs and resources for school-age children to female law school graduates in their early careers. The two main programs for law students are the Ms. JD Fellowship and the Public Interest Scholarship. Further, the Ms. JD Fellowship is for outstanding second-year law students. Each recipient then receives invitations and money to attend ABA and Ms. JD events, and they are paired with a mentor.
The Public Interest Scholarship provides a minimal stipend to second or third-year female law students who pursue careers in public interest law, including direct service, impact litigation, and policy work at home or abroad. The deadline to apply is currently closed, but you can join the waitlist to receive notice when they begin accepting applications again.
Agnes B. McGirth Scholarship Application
The Black Women Lawyers’ Association Scholarship Fund (BWLA-SF) endeavors to encourage African American women in the law through support in their legal education and to promote diversity in the legal profession. To qualify, applicants must complete and sign the application, including answering all application questions; attend an ABA-accredited law school as a 1L, 2L or 3L evidenced by a Letter of Good Standing from the school’s registrar; demonstrate a commitment to public service or diversity as evidenced by current leadership or participation in community service or outreach; have unmet financial need; and submit an official transcript. The application and all documents must be e-mailed to scholarship@bwla.org in ONE PDF document by Friday, March 15, 2024. One applicant will be rewarded $1,000.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships
The AAUW offers professional fellowships for women of color entering law. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and can submit their application as early as August 1, but no later than December 1. Recipients receive between $20,000 and must demonstrate financial need. The application, indeed, requires three letters of recommendation, a legal writing sample, and a detailed proposal with a study plan and career objectives. The review panel prefers those who wish to pursue public interest law, non-traditional students, and those who want to serve under-represented communities.
Women In Leadership Scholarship
The Women in Leadership Scholarship is offering $5,000 to support female students that are interested in pursuing a career in the environmental profession. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2024. Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of May. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a United States citizen or permanent resident, a full-time student enrolled in their Junior, Senior year or graduate program at an accredited college/university, declared major in civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical or environmental engineering or one of the environmental sciences (e.g. geology, hydrogeology, ecology), and identify as a woman who demonstrates leadership within the community. Applicants must submit their resume, a 250-word minimum essay, two references and an official transcript. This scholarship is great for women who are interested in environmental studies.
Women in Defense (WID) Scholar Program for Female Future Lawyers
The WID Scholar Program offers financial support to women who want to pursue careers focused on defense or foreign policy. Female future lawyers need to tie their interests to national security to receive the award. WID then chooses scholars based on their academic record, participation in defense and national security activities, work experiences, statements of interest, letters of recommendation, and financial needs. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 GPA, be U.S. citizens, and provide a 500-word essay with two letters of recommendation. The deadline for the WID Scholar Program is March 15, 2024
Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation Scholarship
The SCWLF awards $5,000 scholarships to Black female law students who have committed to careers as prosecutors. For these future prosecutors, the Scholarship program covers the cost of the bar application and preparation up to $5,000. The Scholarship program also offers a $5,000 incentive for scholarship recipients who secure employment as prosecutors. Students who are interested in applying for the Sarita and Claire Wright Lucas Foundation Scholarship are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2024. Criteria, elibility requirements, as well as the application can be found here.
American Association for Justice (AAJ) Mike Eidson Law Student Scholarship
Each year, the AAJ awards a $5,000 scholarship to one female third-year law student committed to being a trial lawyer and dedicates themselves to upholding and defending the Constitution. In addition to the scholarship, the winner also receives money for registration and travel to the AAJ Annual Convention. The AAJ is accepting applications until May 1st, 2024, this year. Applicants must be members of the AAJ who attend an ABA-accredited school; application packages must include a resume and personal letter that explains your desire to be a trial letter and your commitment to uphold Constitutional principles.
“I Matter” Scholarship
Every student should have the opportunity to pursue higher education and the opportunities it unlocks. Unfortunately, many underserved students don’t receive the assistance they need to pursue higher learning, making it difficult or impossible for them to achieve their goals for the future. As college costs continue to rise, minority students and those from low-income families must be provided with the resources and funding they need to access higher education. This scholarship seeks to support minority students and students with financial need so they can afford to pursue higher education. Any low-income and/or BIPOC high school student may apply for this scholarship opportunity of up to $1,080. To apply, please write a short summary OR submit a video describing a time when you helped someone in need and submit it here. The deadline for this scholarship is April 8th, 2024.
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