Outside scholarships
Check back throughout the year for updates about outside scholarships for law students.
Justinian Law Society
Description: The Justinian Law Society is accepting applications for its annual scholarship awards. Up to three (3) two-thousand five-hundred dollar ($2,500.00) awards will be presented to deserving scholarship recipients.
Eligibility: Scholarships are available to all second and third-year full time/day and all third and fourth year part-time students with a keen interest in Italian culture and history from any of the nine Massachusetts law schools.
Application: For application and further information, visit Justinian Law Society Scholarships
Deadline: December 9, 2025
IMLA Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Local Government Law Scholarships
The International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) is pleased to announce the inaugural IMLA Charles W. Thompson, Jr. Local Government Law Scholarships (IMLA Scholarships).
Description: The IMLA Scholarships consist of one (1) $5,000 award and two (2) $2,500 awards. Recipients will also be recognized in IMLA’s flagship publication Municipal Lawyer and will be granted admission to IMLA’s virtual Annual Mid-Year Seminar.
Eligibility: First-year and second-year law students will be eligible to apply for the IMLA Scholarships. Criteria considered includes the applicant’s demonstrated interest in local government law.
Application: Submit a completed application, including references, transcripts and other written materials required, to info@imla.org with the subject “IMLA Scholarships."
Deadline: Due no later than December 31, 2025
Full details and requirements can be found at, IMLA Scholarships or, contact IMLA at info@imla.org. Please caption your inquiry “IMLA Scholarships.”
First Amendment Scholars - Law Student Essay Competition
The Freedom From Religion Foundation has announced its 2026 essay competition for law school students. FFRF is offering over $9,000 in prizes for the top three essays submitted on the topic, and $500 honorable mentions at judges’ discretion. There is also a publication opportunity for the winners.
Eligibility: The Scholarship is open to all current law school students attending a North American law school.
Prize Information: 1st Place $4,000, 2nd Place $3,000, and 3rd Place $2,000
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Additional information, including the full essay question, contest rules, and application can be found at: ffrf.org/studentessay
InnoVets Graduate School Scholarship
If you are a Veteran, Guard or Reservist, or the member of a Gold Star Family in Massachusetts and you are currently in or are about to enter graduate school at a college or university in the state, you may be eligible to apply for one of two $10,000 scholarships.
Eligibility:
- Must be a Veteran, Guard or Reservist, or a Post 9/11 Gold Star Family member currently residing in Massachusetts.
- You do not already have an advanced degree. Examples: MD, JD, master's degree., etc.
- The graduate program you are, or will be, attending is located in Massachusetts, if it's a virtual/online only program the school's primary location must be in Massachusetts.
Application: For further requirements and to complete an application, visit InnoVets.
Deadline: The application period will close on Friday, April 24th 2026. Finalists will be notified by Friday, May 1st 2026.
The 2026 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School Diversity Scholarship.
The scholarship was created in 2013 as part of the law firm’s commitment to helping law students who need financial assistance achieve their academic and professional dreams. The scholarship will award $2,000 to one student selected by our scholarship selection committee.
Eligibility:
The student must be a member of an ethnic, racial, or other minority, or demonstrate a commitment to issues of diversity within their community.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Recipient is a member of an ethnic or racial minority or any individual who demonstrates a defined commitment to issues of diversity within their academic career.
- Recipient is a U.S. citizen currently attending an accredited law school within the United States.
- Academic achievement as reflected by a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed at least one semester of classes at an accredited law school.
Application: Complete an online application at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School Diversity Scholarship Program
Deadline: Applicants must submit required information on or before October 1, 2026
Free scholarship search websites
NOTE: Outside scholarships are counted as financial resources when calculating eligibility for funds based on your cost of attendance budget. Your cost of attendance budget, determined by enrollment and residency, is listed under the Financial Aid tab in COIN in myUMassD.