Outside scholarships
Check back throughout the year for updates about outside scholarships for law students.
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
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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.