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).
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American Association for Justice offers the Leesfield Law Student Scholarship, sponsored by AAJ member Ira Leesfield, awarding $1,500 to a first- or second-year law student. This scholarship helps support attendance at the AAJ Annual Convention, where students can network with leading trial lawyers and gain exposure to key advocacy topics. Applicants must be AAJ Law Student members and enrolled in an ABA-approved law school. The opportunity is ideal for students interested in building a foundation in trial law and professional development. Deadline May 1, 2026.
- American Association for Justice offers the Mike Eidson Law Student Scholarship, a $5,000 award for rising 3Ls (or rising 4Ls in a night program) committed to a career as plaintiff trial lawyers. Established in 2008, the scholarship honors dedication to constitutional principles, the right to a fair trial, and equal access to the civil justice system. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. In addition to the monetary award, recipients will receive travel, registration, and accommodations to attend the 2026 AAJ Annual Convention in Chicago. Deadline May 1, 2026.
- State Bar of Texas Tax Section is offering its 2026 Law Students Pursuing Tax Law Scholarship, awarding up to three $2,000 scholarships to students committed to the study and practice of tax law. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and intend to practice tax law in Texas. Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, and demonstrated interest or experience in tax law. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF with all required materials by deadline. Recipients will be announced in June 2026. Deadline is May 08, 2026.
- 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.
- 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.
- Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA) invites law students to compete in the James E. Beckley Law Student Scholarship Contest. More than $3,000 in awards will be presented, including $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $750 for third, with the winning paper published in the PIABA Bar Journal. Students are encouraged to submit original papers addressing securities law or securities arbitration, reflecting PIABA’s mission to protect public investors and promote fairness. Open to all U.S. law students. The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
- Notre Dame Law School sponsors the Smith-Doheny Legal Ethics annual writing competition focused on legal ethics and invites law students to participate. Submissions may address any issue within the broad category of legal ethics and must be original, unpublished work between 5,000 and 15,000 words, inclusive of footnotes. Coauthored essays are permitted, and entries will be judged by Notre Dame Law School faculty. One winning entry will receive a $2,500 prize. All submission deadlines are by 5 p.m. on April 1, 2026, and include a cover letter with contact information and current law school.
- 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.
- Just the Beginning – A Pipeline Organization is offering four $5,000 scholarships to Houston law students in connection with its 13th National Conference, which promotes access to the legal profession and equal justice. One incoming 1L student will receive the Joshua and Dorothy Williams Memorial Legal Education Scholarship, while three additional awards will support current law students and are named in honor of distinguished judges. Eligible applicants must attend a Houston-area law school and meet minimum GPA requirements. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the JTB National Conference Gala on September 18, 2026. Applications are due by April 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
- Houston Bar Association Real Estate Law Section is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship, supporting law students with an interest in real estate law. Awards totaling $3,000 per school will be distributed among selected second- and third-year students from University of Houston Law Center, South Texas College of Law Houston, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Eligible applicants must have completed at least 30 credit hours and demonstrate a clear interest in real estate law. To apply, an application, resume, transcript, and a short essay. Applications are due at 5:00 p.m. CST on April 24, 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.
- American College of Employee Benefits Counsel invites law students to submit papers for its Employee Benefits Writing Competition, with cash awards of $2,500. Submissions may address legal issues related to employee benefits or executive compensation and can include course papers or law review articles. Selected papers will also be published in nationally distributed journals by Wolters Kluwer. Additional details and official rules are available on the ACEBC website. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026, and winning authors will be invited to attend the ACEBC Annual Dinner in San Diego on October 10, 2026, with travel and lodging covered.
- Cole Schotz P.C. is offering the Community Impact Scholarship, a one-time $10,000 award for a full-time second-year law student who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service and social justice. Eligible applicants must be in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school, meet minimum GPA requirements, and be authorized to work in the United States. The scholarship is open to students attending law schools in states where the firm has offices, including Texas, New York, and Washington, D.C. Applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement outlining their legal aspirations and community impact. Deadline is July 1, 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).
- 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
