Top Law School Scholarships to Apply For in 2025

A legal education opens doors to careers as attorneys, judges, policymakers, and legal consultants, shaping the future of law and advocacy. Whether you aspire to work in corporate law, public interest, or government, law school provides the foundation needed to succeed in the legal profession.

However, law school comes with a significant financial commitment. On average, students take on approximately $119,000 in student loans, according to the Education Data Initiative. While a law degree can lead to high-earning potential, especially in specialized fields or top firms, managing tuition costs can be overwhelming.

As a trusted scholarship and student finance platform, we connect aspiring legal professionals with legitimate scholarship and grant opportunities to help them pay for their law degree. Alongside our exclusive scholarships, we've researched top resources, including the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), to help students find relevant and important resources to help students find relevant and important resources to navigate law school admissions, access financial aid, and prepare for a successful legal career.

Keep reading to uncover top law school scholarships, strategies for securing funding, and insights to support you while pursuing a law degree.

At Bold.org, we offer exclusive scholarships tailored specifically for current and incoming law students like you. Sign up today to explore the scholarships available and see which ones you can apply for right now.

The Best Law School Scholarships

There are plenty of law scholarships that you can explore, many of which require applicants to plan to enroll in an ABA-accredited law school or another accredited law school to qualify.

1. Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students pursuing law degrees face significant educational expenses. Bold.org donors create and fund scholarships for graduate students to help alleviate the costs of advanced studies. They range from various fields of study including law.

2. ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship offers financial assistance to diverse law students entering law school. It’s a resource designed to help manage the cost of legal education and support diversity in the legal profession.

3. Criminal Justice Scholarships

For students dedicated to careers in criminal law, specialized scholarships help fund their education. Bold.org donors create these scholarships to support future advocates, prosecutors, and reformers who are committed to making an impact on the justice system.

4. MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program

MALDEF awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to law students who are dedicated to advancing the civil rights of the Latino community.

5. Graduate Scholarships for Women

Women pursuing graduate degrees in law can access scholarships specifically designed to support their educational and career ambitions. Bold.org donors fund these scholarships to provide financial aid to female graduate students in various fields of study, including law.

6. Scholarships by Major

Many scholarships are tailored to specific fields of law, such as corporate law, family law, criminal law, and intellectual property law. Bold.org donors scholarships supporting various majors to provide financial support based on students’ specialties and career aspirations.

7. 7Sage 7K Law School Scholarship

The 7Sage 7K Law School Scholarship provides a $7,000 award to help with law school expenses. It’s an excellent option for students seeking additional financial support as they begin their legal education.

8. Minority Student Scholarships

Minority scholarships are specifically designed to support minority students pursuing an education. Many Bold.org donors want to help minority students reach their potential by offering scholarships specifically to underrepresented groups.

9. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship

The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship is a national award granted annually to undergraduate and law school students. Established in 1964, the scholarship honors Herbert Lehman, a former New York Governor and U.S. Senator. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund also provides a select number of scholarships for law students who are passionate about building careers in public interest law.

10. Earl Warren Scholarship

The Earl Warren Scholarship honors Earl Warren, the 14th Chief Justice of the United States and former Governor of California, whose leadership of the Warren Court played a pivotal role in ending school segregation and shaping the nation’s legal system.

How to Apply for Law Scholarships

Conduct a Thorough Scholarship Search

Investigate opportunities from legal institutions, bar associations, and private entities. Search scholarship databases like Bold.org, attend legal informational sessions, and liaise with financial aid offices to discover eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application requirements. Look for year specific scholarships as well (e.g., first-year law students).

Draft an Impactful Personal Statement

Draft a persuasive personal statement that aligns with each scholarship's focus. Articulate your academic goals, legal career objectives, and personal experiences relevant to the scholarship's criteria. Highlight any pertinent legal internships, pro bono work, or leadership roles that underscore your dedication to the legal profession.

Compile and Organize Essential Documentation

Assemble and meticulously organize all requisite documentation. This often includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial need verification. Ensure all documents comply with specified formatting guidelines and submission protocols, adhering to the scholarship's explicit requirements.

Obtain Persuasive Letters of Recommendation

Gather letters of recommendation from credible references who can vouch for your legal and professional potential. Ideally, these should be from legal academics, employers, or mentors familiar with your scholarly and professional endeavors. Provide them with a concise summary of the scholarship's focus to facilitate tailored and impactful endorsements.

Customize Your Application Materials

Customize your application materials to reflect the specific legal focus and objectives of each scholarship. Address the scholarship’s mission and legal impact in your essays and personal statements. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of how your career trajectory aligns with the scholarship’s aims to enhance your candidacy.

Execute a Rigorous Proofreading Process

Conduct a meticulous proofreading process to ensure the accuracy and professionalism of your application materials. Eliminate any typographical errors, inconsistencies, or omissions. Engage a peer or mentor with legal expertise to review your application and provide constructive feedback.

Looking to attend law school? Students interested in a legal career should read our guide on pre-law requirements!

Tips for Applying for Law School Scholarships

Utilize Expert Insights

Consult with mentors or advisors who have experience with legal scholarship applications. Their insights can help refine your approach and improve the quality of your submissions.

Stay Organized and Timely

Keep track of all deadlines and requirements to avoid any last-minute complications. A well-organized approach will ensure you meet all deadlines and submit complete applications.

Network with Legal Professionals

Engage with legal professionals and alumni who may have insights into available scholarships and application strategies. Networking can provide valuable advice and potentially lead to recommendations or opportunities.

Be Authentic and Genuine

Be honest and authentic in your application materials. Genuine responses about your experiences, motivations, and goals resonate more with selection committees than overly polished or rehearsed responses.

Are you a second-year law student looking for financial aid opportunities? Learn ways to pay for law school in our guide, How to Pay for Law School.

Additional Resources for Law Students

1. American Bar Association

The ABA provides a wealth of resources to support law students. These include practical advice on navigating bar admission requirements and insights from podcasts on how faculty can better support students.

2. Law School Admission Council

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing law and justice by promoting fairness and accessibility in law school admissions. They support candidates and schools throughout the admissions process and work on innovative solutions to broaden the range of prelaw students, improve law school outcomes, and aid legal professionals throughout their careers.

3. The National Association for Law Placement

The NALP has some great resources for law students and grads. You can use the NALP Directory of Legal Employers to find and connect with potential employers. There’s also a handy guide called Understanding How Small Firms Hire, which gives you the scoop on how small law firms pick their staff. For job seekers, JD Job Seekers can help you navigate your job search, and if you’re interested in clerkships, they’ve got info on Judicial Clerkships, too. Plus, look into a summer associate scholarship program.

Are you seeking a legal career? Go beyond Federal Student Aid and apply for external scholarships to maximize your funds to pay for law school!