Merit Scholarships for Entering J.D. Students

New UH Foundation Scholarship Process Instructions

Dean’s Scholarships are offered to highly qualified students in each entering first-year class. These scholarships vary in number and amount each year, and are renewable under the terms outlined below. As part of the Dean’s Scholarship program, we also offer at least two Dean’s Teach for America Scholarships. The terms and criteria for the Teach for America Scholarships are the same as those for the Dean’s Scholarship program, except that only current or former Teach for America corps members will be considered. Every applicant accepted for admission to the J.D. program is automatically considered for available merit scholarships, and no additional application is required.

Criteria for Entering Student Scholarships:

Every J.D. applicant accepted for admission is automatically considered for available merit scholarships, and no additional application is required. The following factors are considered when awarding merit scholarships:

Applicant's academic record, including previous undergraduate and/or graduate institutions and test scores
Applicant's letters of recommendation
Applicant's demonstrated interest in obtaining an advanced degree as evidenced by the personal statement and other application materials
Other relevant qualifications

Merit scholarships awarded to entering full-time J.D. students, including Dean’s Scholarships and Dean’s Teach for America Scholarships, are renewable for all three years of the J.D. program, provided the student maintains continuous full-time enrollment and is in good academic standing. For part-time students, scholarships are for all four years of the J.D. program, provided the student maintains a continuous part-time course load and is in good academic standing. If the student transfers from the part-time program to the full-time program, the scholarship will expire upon graduation from the JD program or at the conclusion of the fourth year, whichever comes first.

The scholarship is paid in two installments each year, one each for the fall and spring semesters. Each semester’s payment is contingent on your enrollment in a full course load at the University of Houston Law Center. As a full-time student, the scholarship will expire upon the completion of 90 attempted credits towards your JD, graduation from the JD program, or at the conclusion of the third year, whichever comes first. The scholarship will be applied to your university financial account directly. For more information regarding merit scholarships, please visit law.uh.edu/financialaid/scholarships.asp.

Dean's Award Ceremony

The Dean’s Awards Ceremony is held annually during the spring semester. During the ceremony, the Law Center recognizes faculty, staff, and student achievement in several areas. Scholarships are also awarded. Information on how to apply for available scholarships will be provided to students during the fall of each academic year.

Outside Scholarship Sources (JD & LLM)

All scholarship criteria and selection determinations are set by each individual donor (not the Law Center).

Applicants are encouraged to search for outside scholarships with individual organizations, sororities or fraternities, social clubs, religious or business organizations, employers of a parent, spouse or friend, foundations, town or city clubs, community organizations and civic groups such as the American Legion, YMCA, 4H Club, Elks, Kiwanis, Jaycees or girl & boy scouts. Any organization connected with your field of interest. Other options:

Entering Students Opportunities

MAX Pre-Law by AccessLex® Scholarship Program for aspiring lawyers who will be starting law school in fall 2026.

Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program. The application process is open to individuals planning to apply to law school in 2027 and beyond. The Foundation awards a select number of $30,000 law school tuition grants, distributed over the three years of law school. A full description of the Scholar Program and the online application are available on the Foundation’s website.

Loan Repayment for Recently Appointed Peace Officers

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (The CB) announces Sept. 1 for a new loan repayment program benefitting recently appointed peace officers who have student loan debt.

Fellowships/Internships

All scholarship criteria and selection determinations are set by each individual donor (not the Law Center).

Law Center Scholarships

Outside Scholarships (JD & LLM) - All scholarship criteria and selection determinations are set by each individual donor (not the Law Center).

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for need-based scholarship to Military Children. Please visit the site to explore eligibility and requirements. Scholarship awards levels are $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000 per academic year. Award amounts are based on factors including financial need, GPA, and available funding. Amounts are not guaranteed from year to year, and renewal applicants may be awarded different amounts in subsequent years.
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Simeone & Miller, LLP is proud to support future leaders of law through the Good Lawyers / Good People scholarship. Simeone & Miller, LLP will award two $1000 scholarships annually. One each for the fall and spring semester to students who are passionate about using the law to improve lives. Applicants must be enrolled in a law school and submit either a written statement (800-1000 words) or a 3-5 minute video describing how they aspire to use law to make a difference. Fall deadline - apply. May 15 – June 30 award announcements July 31st. Spring deadline apply - September 15 – October 31 award announcements November 30th.
Anita Hill Scholarship is accepting applications from law students committed to advancing democracy, civil rights, and gender equity. The program will award five $10,000 scholarships to eligible 2L and 3L students currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. law school who have at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Applicants should also demonstrate a commitment to the values of integrity, courage, and public service reflected in Professor Anita Hill’s legacy. The application deadline is September 22, 2026, and recipients are expected to be notified in November 2026.
Amarillo Area Bar Foundation (AABF) is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 scholarship program. Four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to eligible students attending an ABA-accredited law school during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters who were born, raised, or currently reside in one of the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Applicants must submit a completed application along with current college and law school transcripts, a résumé, and a brief essay describing why they chose to attend law school and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals. Deadline 5:00 p.m. on October 6, 2026, by email to director@amarillobar.org or by mail to the Amarillo Area Bar Foundation
The HKM Employment Attorney is offering the 2026 Houston Future Legal Leaders Scholarship and is now accepting applications. This $1,000 scholarship supports aspiring legal professionals enrolled in pre-law, paralegal, or J.D. programs at institutions located within 60 miles of Houston. Eligible students must be at least 18 years old, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be in good academic standing. Applications are open now and must be submitted by October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. The selected recipient will be notified by December 10, 2026, and scholarship funds will be provided directly to the student for education-related expenses in 2027.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers is offering a $2,500 Law School Scholarship to eligible students currently enrolled in law school. Applicants must submit a 500–1,000-word essay discussing a state or federal law they would change, why they would change it, and how the change could impact their community or society as a whole. The scholarship winner will be announced on or before January 20, 2027. For complete eligibility requirements and submission instructions, visit the website. Application Deadline: December 2, 2026
The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute (TCDLEI) is offering the Charles Butts Memorial Scholarship, a $6,000 award for 3L law students who have demonstrated a strong interest in criminal law and a commitment to practicing criminal defense in Texas. Applicants must submit a personal statement on the role of criminal defense in the criminal justice system, recommendation letters from both a TCDLA member and a law school professor, and a brief statement describing their background and/or financial need. This scholarship honors the legacy of Charles Butts and supports future advocates dedicated to the administration of justice. Applications must be submitted by December 20, 2026. Students interested in criminal defense are encouraged to apply.
RMD Law Scholarship – is offering the “If I Were in Charge” Scholarship offers a $2,500 award to students who are ready to share bold ideas and creative solutions to real-world challenges. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled in a U.S. college, university, or trade school, or be graduating from high school in 2026, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit a transcript and an original essay of up to 1,000 words responding to the prompt, “If I Were in Charge,” highlighting a problem they would solve and the innovative approach they would take. The application deadline is December 30, 2026, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on January 15, 2027.
Dominguez Firm, LLP is pleased to offer the 2026 Legal Scholarship Award, providing $2,500 to a student who demonstrates academic excellence and a commitment to their community. Students attending an accredited university are eligible to apply. The application deadline is December 31, 2026.
Nix Patterson, LLP is proud to announce the Nix Patterson Legal Scholarship Award, offering $5,000 to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to community service. We offer two legal scholarships each year, in July and December. Any student attending an accredited legal university is eligible to apply. The deadline to submit applications online is December 31, 2026.

Writing Competitions

All award criteria and selection determinations are set by each individual donor (not the Law Center).

American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers is pleased to announce its 2026 annual writing competition to recognize significant written contributions to the field of U.S. consumer financial services law in Books, publishable articles, book chapters, or substantial book reviews by a professional in the field, and publishable student case notes, articles, or comments. The awards include cash payments of $5000, $3500, and $1500 respectively for the above categories. The link to apply can be found here. Submissions must be submitted by Saturday, Nov 1, 2026.
Writing Competition Sponsored by American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers (ACCFSL) is pleased to announce its 2027 annual writing competition to recognize significant written contributions to the field of U.S. consumer financial services. Entries must have been written or published between November 1, 2026.

University of Houston Law Center
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
4170 Martin Luther King Blvd
Houston, TX 77204-6060
(713) 743-2269
School code 003652
lawfinaid@uh.edu