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.
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.
- The American Constitution Society invites law students to participate in the 19th annual Richard D Cudahy Writing Competition on Regulatory and Administrative Law. This competition honors Judge Richard D Cudahy’s Legacy of fairness, intellectual rigor, and public=minded scholarship by recognizing outstanding writing in these fields. The top paper in each category will receive a $1.500 cash prize and special recognition on the ACS website and other platforms. Competition details can be found here. Submissions are due by Monday, February 2. 2026.
- The 2026 BSP Law Charitable Foundation Joel Stern Scholarshipis now open for applications. This scholarship recognizes law students who demonstrate strong advocacy, writing, or litigation skills, along with a clear commitment to leadership and community service. Eligible applicants must be in good academic standing at an accredited law school and submit three short essays as outlined in the application form. The scholarship aims to support students dedicated to strengthening the legal profession and giving back to others. For full eligibility details and application information click here. Deadline 11:59 PM ET on Friday, February 13, 2026.
- ACC Houston Chapter is pleased to announce up to twelve (12) $5,000 Law School Scholarships for qualified first- and second-year law students. These scholarships are open to eligible students from South Texas College of Law Houston, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and the University of Houston Law Center. Scholarship funds are intended to support tuition and other law school–related educational expenses. Eligible students at your school are strongly encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions must be no later than Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Bowman and Brooke Future Defense Lawyer Scholarship supports current first-year (1L) law students who plan to continue full-time enrollment in their second (2L) year at an ABA-accredited law school and have a demonstrated interest in representing defendants in civil litigation. Up to two students will be selected to receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship award. This award is for graduate study at an ABA-accredited law school only. Past recipients are not eligible to reapply. Visit Future Defense Lawyer Scholarship for details Deadline February 26, 2026 by 3PM CT
- The American Indian Law Review is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Writing Competition, open to students enrolled in JD students in an accredited law school in the U.S. The first-place winner will receive $1,500 and publication in the American Indian Law Review, plus an eBook copy of Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law provided by LexisNexis. Papers may address any legal issue specifically concerning American Indians or other Indigenous peoples. Submissions must be submitted by Friday, Feb 27, 2026.
- The Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section (ENRLS) of the State Bar of Texasis now accepting applications for its 2026 2L/3L Scholarship for students pursuing a career in environmental and natural resources law. This $3,000 scholarship is awarded each spring to one 2L or 3L student at every Texas law school who has demonstrated a strong interest in the environmental law field. Applicants will be evaluated on financial need, essay responses, faculty input, and supporting materials such as a resume, transcript, and letters of recommendation. Scholarship recipients will also be profiled on the ENRLS website. For full eligibility details and application information click here. Deadline for submissions must be no later than Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation (DHLF) is pleased to announce its annual scholarship, bar study grant, and judicial internship opportunities for law students and recent graduates. Each year, DHLF awards scholarships to 1L, 2L, and 3L students, provides bar study grants to graduating law students, and sponsors paid judicial internships for 1L and 2L students with Dallas-area civil and criminal courts. Applications open on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Judicial interns receive a stipend of approximately $2,000 for a minimum four-week commitment. Please note that separate applications are required for the scholarship/bar study grants and the judicial internship program. Please note that to apply, you will need to create an account by clicking “Create New Account”, then complete the registration form. Once you complete and submit all the required information, the system will automatically send you an email confirming your registration. Deadline on Sunday, March 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. CST.
- Bowman and Brooke Future Defense Lawyer Scholarship supports current first-year (1L) law students who plan to continue full-time enrollment at an ABA-accredited law school for the 2026–2027 academic year and who have a demonstrated interest in representing defendants in civil litigation. This scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate an interest in representing defendants in civil litigation matters. Bowman and Brooke LLP, a nationally recognized trial firm with one of the largest product liability practices in the country, sponsors this opportunity to encourage future defense lawyers. The application deadline is March 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT. Eligible students are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
- American Bara Association ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty’s Curtin Justice Fund Legal Internship Program for Summer 2026. This annual public interest fellowship will award a $3,500 stipend to (3) law students who spend the summer working with a bar association or legal services organization focused on preventing homelessness or assisting homeless or indigent clients. The program provides students with hands-on public interest legal experience while supporting organizations that serve underrepresented communities. All law students are eligible to apply, and first year (1L) law students are encouraged to do so, with a minimum commitment of eight continuous weeks between May 1 and September 1. The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026.
- Houston Bar Association Auxiliary is offering their annual scholarship(s) to deserving students at each of the Houston area law schools. The selection is based on scholastic achievement, need, and community involvement. Applications are open to any 2L student attending a Houston area law school who are Texas residents. The number of scholarships awarded will be determined annually. Award is $5000. Please review submission requirements here. The deadline for submissions must be no later than Thursday, April 10, 2026.
- International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) of the State Bar of Texas International Law Section (ILS) sponsors this annual essay contest to promote education and discussion on international human rights issues. The contest is open to any U.S. law student with a personal or essay nexus to Texas, such as attending a Texas law school, being a Texas resident, or addressing a Texas-related topic. A first-place prize of $1,500 will be awarded, with second and third place prizes offered if sufficient entries are received. Winners will be publicly recognized at a Section-sponsored event, and selected essays may be published in the Global Law Review. Submissions are due by April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
- Insurance Law Section of the State Bar of Texas is pleased to announce its Law Student Scholarship, offering a total of $10,000 to support and encourage Texas law students interested in pursuing insurance law. Up to five scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded to students attending Texas law schools, with funds divided equally among qualified applicants if fewer than five awards are made. There are no eligibility requirements beyond submitting a complete application, making this an accessible opportunity for students exploring insurance law as a career path. All applicants will be invited to join the Insurance Law Section at no cost and attend networking events with insurance law practitioners across Texas. The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026, and recipients will be notified by Friday, May 1, 2026.
- Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Texas will award three (3) $5,000 scholarships to eligible law students enrolled at Texas law schools to support those historically underrepresented in intellectual property practice. The scholarship is open to students currently enrolled during the application period, including graduating students, with priority often given to second- and third-year students due to their greater exposure to IP law. Selection is based on a holistic review that may include academic merit, financial need, demonstrated interest in intellectual property, commitment to diversity, community involvement, and personal or educational background. Students who previously applied and were not selected are strongly encouraged to reapply. Complete applications must be submitted by email no later than May 1, 2026, and scholarship recipients will be selected on or before May 22, 2026.
- Andrew Flusche Attorney at Law are excited to announce they are accepting applications to award students with $1000 to put towards their education with “The Andrew Flusche Law School Scholarship Contest.” The deadline for submissions on or before Monday, July 30, 2026.
Writing Competitions
All award criteria and selection determinations are set by each individual donor (not the Law Center).
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Sovereignty Symposium XXXVII will take place June 15–16, 2026, at the OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and will feature multiple writing competitions with publication opportunities. The Hargrave prize awards $1,500, $1,000, and $750 to the top three original, unpublished papers submitted by past or present Symposium presenters or attendees, with winning entries published in the Symposium publication. First prize goes to the best paper by a student or presenter addressing the ICWA or legal issues concerning Native American children. The Doolin Prize for Students is open to college students at any level These competitions recognize outstanding scholarship while promoting meaningful dialogue on sovereignty and Native American legal issues. Deadline Thursday, January 31, 2026.
- NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund 2026 Law Student Writing Competition
Law students enrolled in an ABA-accredited school are invited to submit a scholarly article on a cutting-edge Second Amendment issue. Prizes: 1st – $10,000, 2nd – $7,000, 3rd – $3,000. The link to apply can be found here. Submissions must be in PDF format and emailed by Sunday, March 1, 2026.
- Sovereignty Symposium XXXVII will take place June 15–16, 2026, at the OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Student Poster Competition for emerging scholars. This competition offers students the opportunity to present original, unpublished research in a visual format. Interested students must submit posters to be judged in separate undergraduate and graduate categories, with a special prize committee selecting the best presentation. Deadline Thursday, March 27, 2026. (PDF 1, PDF 2)
- 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.
- Charles E. Joseph Employment Law Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a law student who plans to pursue a career in plaintiff-side employment law. Charles E. Joseph is a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights and the founder of Joseph & Kirschenbaum LLP. Through his work and the creation of Working Now and Then, he has focused on protecting victims of discrimination, harassment, and wage theft. This scholarship is intended to encourage the next generation of employment law advocates. The application for the 2026 scholarship will be open until Friday, May 1, 2026. Winners will be notified by May 31, 2026.
- The Andrew Flusche Law School Scholarship Contest is now open for applications, offering a $1,000 award to support a current law student’s educational journey. This scholarship invites applicants to submit a brief essay explaining why they chose to pursue law and how they hope to create meaningful impact within their communities. A letter of recommendation from a trusted reference is also required for consideration. Eligible students must be enrolled at an accredited law school in the United States. Deadline Thursday, July 30, 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
