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.
- 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.
- The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Annual Law Student Writing Competition. Open to current U.S. law students, the competition recognizes outstanding legal writing in labor and employment law. Awards include $3,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place, with the top author honored at the College’s Annual Induction Dinner. Submissions will be evaluated for originality and quality, with strict standards regarding plagiarism and appropriate use of AI. Students are encouraged to showcase strong legal analysis and writing excellence. Deadline June 15, 2026.
- The SAIL Scholarship supports current 1L law students who will enter their 2L year in fall 2026 and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service. The scholarship recognizes students dedicated to advancing and supporting AAPI communities and promoting a “pay it forward” mindset. Recipients will receive a $7,500 award distributed over two academic years, contingent upon continued academic success and engagement. The scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Sharon and Ivan Fong. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on June 30, 2026.
- 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).
- American Bar Association is seeking submissions for the 2026 Boskey Writing Competition, open to current and graduating J.D. students. The competition invites papers between 20 and 30 double-spaced pages, with the winning author receiving a $1,000 prize and a potential publication opportunity. The ABA is also seeking volunteer judges to review entries between June 15 and July 31, 2026. Additional competition details and eligibility requirements are available here. Writing Competition submissions are due by June 5, 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.
- 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.
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
