Top Law School Scholarships to Apply For in 2024

What if I told you that your path to law school could be smoother, more affordable, and even exciting? Imagine walking into your first day of law school, knowing you’ve secured the financial support needed to make it all possible. It’s not just a distant dream—it can be your reality with the right knowledge and strategy.

From standout application tips to actionable strategies for maximizing your chances, we’ll help you navigate the law school scholarship process and turn your legal education into an achievable goal. We've put together a list of law school scholarships that offer financial support for college students thinking about law school, as well as current law students.

Law school can be a hefty financial commitment, with many students ending up taking out roughly $119,000 in student loans, according to the Education Data Initiative. But there’s a bright side: lawyers often earn impressive salaries, especially if they work in high-demand areas or top firms. That’s where law school scholarships can really make a difference. They help lighten the financial load, making it easier to focus on your studies and less on how you’re going to pay for them.

At Bold.org, we offer exclusive scholarships tailored specifically for 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. Numerous scholarship programs are available specifically for first-year law students, offering significant financial assistance and support for their legal education.

Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students in law can access a range of scholarships that help alleviate the financial demands of advanced legal education. These scholarships provide vital support, enabling you to concentrate on your studies and professional development without the added worry of expensive educational costs.

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.

Criminal Justice Scholarships

For students dedicated to a career in criminal law, specialized scholarships are available to help fund your education. These awards are aimed at those committed to addressing critical issues within the criminal justice system, whether through advocacy, reform, or prosecution.

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.

Graduate Scholarships for Women

Women pursuing graduate degrees in law have a variety of scholarships available to support their educational and career ambitions. These scholarships offer financial aid and can also provide valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. They are designed to help women advance in the legal profession by easing financial pressures and opening doors to professional growth.

Scholarships by Major

Many scholarships are tailored to specific fields of study within a law major. For example, corporate law, family law, criminal law, intellectual property law, etc. These scholarships provide targeted financial support based on your academic focus.

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.

Minority Student Scholarships

Minority scholarships are specifically designed to support minority students pursuing an education. By providing financial assistance to students who are underrepresented in the legal field, they aim to foster diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

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.

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.

Adhere to Application Submission Deadlines

Establish a structured timeline to manage your scholarship applications effectively. Record all submission deadlines and any ancillary requirements, ensuring you submit applications well in advance to mitigate risks associated with delays or unforeseen issues.

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

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. Articles and magazines offer strategies for managing stress and succeeding academically. Additionally, comprehensive toolkits address substance abuse and provide valuable support for students and their networks.

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. LSAC offers a variety of services and programs designed to make the application process smoother for those pursuing a legal education.

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. Their E-Guides on E-Professionalism offer tips on making the most of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and more. 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!