Scholarships and Financial Aid

 

Merit Scholarships for Entering J.D. Students

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.

Scholarships are paid in two equal installments each year, one each for the fall and spring semester. No payment is made for summer enrollment.  The scholarship will be applied to the student’s university financial account.

Dean's Award Ceremony

Each year, the UHLC offers several scholarships to currently enrolled students.  During this ceremony, the Law Center recognizes student achievement in a number of areas. Please pay particular attention to the criteria/description stated in each scholarships on this application. Deadline: February 2018 TBA.

The 2017 Dean’s Awards Ceremony was held Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

 

Outside Scholarship Sources

Applicants are encouraged to search for outside scholarships. Some suggestions are www.fastweb.com, www.aie.org 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:

 

Fellowships/Internships

 

Scholarships

  • Katzman, Lampert, and McClune Aviation Scholarship $2000 - Write an essay, describing why you want to go to law school and pursue a career in aviation-focused law. Deadline: May 31, 2017.
  • Ed Edmondson Scholarship to the Sovereignty Symposium - Applicants should demonstrate an interest in and dedication to Native American law issues and the need for a scholarship in a simple letter of application. Deadline: May 31, 2017.
  • Law Student Diversity Scholarship $2000 - Essay topic: Describe your efforts to encourage greater racial or ethnic diversity within the student body of your law school and/or undergraduate program. Deadline: June 1, 2017.
  • Criminal Defense Attorneys Moses and Rooth Attorneys at Law Legal Scholarship $1000 - Essay topic: Do you feel that all restrictions on firearms impact the second amendment? Deadline: June 1, 2017.
  • American College of Employee Benefits Contest Writing Prize $1500 - Topic: Employees Benefits. Deadline: June 1, 2017.
  • Matthew L Sharp Need-Based Scholarship $2000 - Need based. Submit a PSA video (maximum of 2 minutes) on: Do you think an injured party should be entitled to a trial by jury? Deadline: June 1, 2017.
  • Gordon Law Group Need-Based Scholarship $1500 - Need based. Essay topic: Should the federal income tax code be changed to a flat tax of 18% with no deductions so that every person pays the same tax rate? Deadline: June 1, 2017.
  • Keller Law Office Scholarship $2000 - Topic: A 19-year-old is convicted of statutory rape with a 15-year-old. Should the 19-year old be required to register as a sex offender? Deadline: June 1, 2017.
  • Rosengren Kohlmeyer Law Office Scholarship $1500 - This scholarship is judged primarily on need basis, but does not exclude achievement standards. Deadline: June 30, 2017.
  • Law School Diversity Student and Problem Solving Scholarship $2500 - For minority students (Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Eskimo, or Hispanic); Create a 2-4 minute video answering the following prompt: If you had one million dollars, what problem would you try to solve? And how would you do it? Who would you work with? Why would you try to solve that particular problem? Deadline: June 31, 2017.
  • USAttorneys.com Immigration Scholarship Essay Contest $1500 - Essay Topic: Deportation, How to Apply for a Work Visa H1B, The Importance of Having an Immigration Lawyer, Investment Visas or Explain the different types of visas. Deadline: July 1, 2017.
  • Michael P. Fleming Law Scholarship $1000 - Submit an essay on an area of personal injury or civil litigation law with an emphasis on why they deserve the award. Deadline: July 1, 2017.
  • Spouses of Houston Barristers (SHB) $2500-$10K - Applicant must be a US citizen, an ethnic minority and will be registered as a second or third year law student for the 2017 fall semester. Deadline: July 10, 2017.
  • Future Leaders of Law Scholarship $500 - Applicant must demonstrate rigor in their studies and a record of contributing to their school community. Deadline: July 30, 2917.
  • Gerben Law Firm Scholarship $2500 - Awarded to the student with the most compelling story of why they are interested in becoming a trademark attorney. Deadline: July 31, 2017.
  • Steinger, Iscoe & Greene Latin Heritage Law Student Scholarship $1000 - Awarded to one student of Hispanic descent seeking to obtain a law degree. Deadline: July 31, 2017.
  • Robert Helfend Law Scholarship $500 - Essay topics choices: Discuss the role of confidentiality in legal practice; Discuss a case study in either criminal law or business law; Discuss the procedures regarding the disclosure of evidence in criminal cases; Discuss differences in federal and state cases. Deadline: July 31, 2017.
  • Strong law Offices College Scholarship $500 - Essay topic: How I can use a law degree to advance the rights of an injured worker. Awarded to an incoming student for fall 2017. Deadline: August 1, 2017.
  • Frederick J. Brynn Criminal Law Scholarship $500 - Must have an interest in criminal law. Deadline: August 1, 2015.
  • Cannon Hadfield, LLC Civil Justice Scholarship $1000 - Essay topic: Who Should the Civil Justice System Serve? Deadline: August 1, 2017.
  • National Tax Law Scholarship $500 - Awarded to a 2L or 3L U.S. law student with a demonstrated interest in tax law. Deadline: August 7, 2017.
  • National Business Law Scholarship $500 - Awarded to a 2L or 3L U.S. law student with a demonstrated interest in business law. Deadline: August 7, 2017.
  • Jon Friedman Scholarship $500 - Submit an essay of your choice related to an area of law that interest you. Deadline: August 15, 2017.
  • Charles J. Argento and Associates Scholarship $500 - Submit an essay on the subject matter related to the area of law you intend to pursue. Deadline: August 15, 2017.
  • David Kestenbaum Scholarship $500 - Recipient will be entering law school in the fall of 2017 with a focus on criminal defense. Deadline: August 15, 2017.
  • Gurovich, Berk & Associates Scholarship $500 - An essay relating to your chosen area of law. Deadline: August 15, 2017.
  • Judge John R. Brown Award $10,000 - Submit a current legal writing paper on any legal subject. Deadline: August 18, 2017.
  • Baumgartner Law Firm Law Student Scholarship Application $3000 - This scholarship will be awarded based on need and commitment to helping others. Deadline: August 31, 2017.
  • Sigmon Law, PLLC “Truth and Justice” Scholarship $1000 - The scholarship is designed to recognize and financially assist outstanding law students and/or undergraduates interested in pursuing a career as civil trial lawyers–legal professionals committed to using the courtroom to fight for the rights of those who can’t fight for themselves. Must submit a two question essay. Deadline: August 31, 2017.
  • Criminal Attorney Scholarship $750 - Essay topic: Why is it important to provide expert legal defense to anyone who is accused of a crime in the United States? Deadline: August 31, 2017.
  • Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship $1000 - Candidates must demonstrate their passion to use justice to improve their community and help real people.  Ideal candidates must exhibit related values within their research, volunteer work, prior job experience, or extra curricular activities. Deadline: August 31, 2017.
  • Benson & Bingham Scholarship $2000 - Essay on multiple topics. Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident with a cumulative gpa of 3.0. Deadline: August 31, 2017.
  • Bajaj Law Scholarship $2500 - The scholarship will be based on an essay and can be done on any topic. Deadline: September 1, 2017.
  • Scholarship for Justice $1000 - Must be an incoming student. Essay topic: Detailing the reforms necessary to restore integrity in American police forces and to minimize institutional racism, the abuse of the mentally ill, and reduce deaths and injuries by violent police misconduct. Deadline: September 1, 2017.
  • Wilshire Law Firm Scholarship $1000 - Submit a typed essay describing: a) your professional goals in a legal career, b) how you intend to contribute to the community, and c) why you believe you are deserving of this scholarship. Deadline: September 30, 2017.
  • Hartsoe Law Firm Law School Scholarship $500 - Essay topic: The decline of civility in political discourse in the United States and how you think this problem should be corrected. Preference to individuals that (a) have held various jobs to help support themselves through school (b)overcome personal adversity or (c) are concerned about the the rancorous tenor prevalent in American politics.
  • Criminal Attorney Scholarship $750 - Essay topic: Why is it important to provide expert legal defense to anyone who is accused of a crime in the United States? Deadline: December 1, 2017.
  • The Reeves Law Group Scholarship $3000 - The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who best demonstrates a genuine desire and goal of using the legal system to fix problems or improve conditions in our society. Worthy deeds that you have already performed will be considered. Deadline: December 15, 2017.
  • Altman & Altman Law School Scholarship $2000 - Essay topic: Based on your research, do you support the installation of visible speed enforcement cameras? Why or why not? Preference to individuals that are (a) from the Boston metropolitan area, or (b) received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in the Boston metropolitan area, or (c) are attending a law school in the Boston metropolitan area. Deadline: December 15, 2017.
  • The Brager Tax Law Group Legal Scholarship $1000 - Essay topic: Related to tax litigation, or tax controversy. Preference to individuals that are (a) from California, or (b) received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in California, or (c) are attending a law school in California. Deadline: December 15, 2017.
  • Criminal Defense Student Law School Scholarship $2500 - Essay topic: Focus on the need and affordability of legal services and propose ideas to help meet the demand of these services. Preference to individuals that are (a) from the Boston metropolitan area, or (b) received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university in the Boston metropolitan area, or (c) are attending a law school in the Boston metropolitan area. Deadline: December 15, 2017.
  • Price, Hargett, Petho & Anderson Scholarship Essay $1000 - Essay Topic: Need and affordability of legal services and propose ideas to help meet the demand of these services. Deadline: December 15, 2017.
  • Tax Law Policy Scholarship $500 - Applicant must demonstrate an interest in tax policy. Deadline: December 31, 2017.
  • Renee Torgenson Memorial Scholarship $1000 - Candidates must demonstrate their passion to use justice to improve their community and help real people.  Ideal candidates must exhibit related values within their research, volunteer work, prior job experience, or extra curricular activities. Deadline: December 31, 2017.
  • Aaron Swartz Progressive Change Scholarship $1000 - Essay topic: Related to law and activism. Deadline: January 6, 2018.

 

Writing Competition

 

 

 

 

 

University of Houston Law Center
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
4604 Calhoun Road
Houston, Texas 77204-6060
(713) 743-2269
School code 003652
lawfinaid@uh.edu