Scholarships, Fellowships, & Pipelines for Female Future Lawyers
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. Unfortunately, COVID-19 wreaked havoc on female lawyers' careers at Big Law firms. Thus, enrollment numbers do not match employment numbers. Women remain underrepresented at large firms, and the pandemic forced many women to leave their jobs to tend to familial obligations. However, 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 Ms. 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 Ms. 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.
Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys (LIWOCA) Scholarship
Each year, the LIWOCA gives five $3,000 scholarships to women of color in their second or third year of law school. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in law school at the time of their application and be in "good standing". Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and have at least a GPA of 2.8. The LIWOCA scholarship deadline usually lands in early December, so it's best to keep an eye on their website and apply as soon as they reopen applications. Your application must include an official transcript and show you are committed to the legal profession. Also, they must prove they are active in your community and law school.
Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program (DAPP)
The DAPP Scholars program accepts first-year female law students from underrepresented communities for an intensive, one-year program to help them prepare for summer internships after their first year. The program, indeed, helps with placement and offers academic support, coaching, counseling, financial assistance, tutoring, seminars, workshops, professional development, and mentorship. Applicants must have an outstanding undergraduate record, demonstrated commitment to the community and leadership, and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in law. Typically, applications, which also require a personal statement, are due in early September. However, DAPP sometimes extends the deadlines, so keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
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 $5,000 and $18,000 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 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 occurs in late March each year.
The Pearce Law Firm - Empowering Women in Law Scholarship
This $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Philadelphia's Pearce Law Firm is open to women currently attending law school in the U.S. Each year, applicants must submit their materials by the end of May to receive the scholarship for the fall semester. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrated leadership, financial need, and complete one semester of law school. They encourage you to send letters of recommendation and a resume to supplement your application, but they are not required.
American Association for Justice (AAJ) Mike Eidson Law Student Scholarship
Each yard, 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. Typically, the AAJ accepts applications between February 1 and May 1 each 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.
Association for Women Lawyers (AWL) Foundation Scholarships
This Wisconsin legal organization awards scholarships to female future lawyers attending law school in Wisconsin. Eligible applicants include those who have unique life experiences or circumstances, are engaged in service to others, and performed well in their undergraduate studies. AWLF also considers applicants for two other scholarships: the Virginia A. Pomeroy Scholarship and the Shirley S. Abrahamson Scholarship. They then typically award the Pomeroy Scholarship to applicants who emphasize working with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups, civil rights law, appellate practice, public service, public policy, or public interest law. The Abrahamson Scholarship is for female scholarships who have demonstrated perseverance during life struggles. They also must want to work in legal areas that impact women and children. Applications are typically due by June 15, and recipients receive their award notice by July 31.
Find More Scholarships, Fellowships, & Pipelines for Female Future Lawyers
The previous list provides an excellent start for scholarships, fellowships, and pipeline programs for women who want to attend law school or are currently attending law school. Contact me for help with your law school applications and for more resources to help you overcome obstacles to attendance, enrollment, and completion.