The following is a guest blog post regarding how to get free financial help to allow you to study law and become a lawyer in the US.
Entering the profession of law can be highly rewarding, both personally and financially. However, the extent of the schooling and funding needed to enter the field can often act as a barrier to some. While there is not much that can be done to reduce the amount of education that is needed, finding scholarships can help defray the cost.
The education needed to become a lawyer includes four years of undergraduate school followed by three years of law school. As tuition prices continue to increase, scholarships and grants can play a big role helping a student pay that expense. Here are some sources that can help.
*American Bar Association – The organization offers up to 20 students with $15,000 worth of scholarships over the three years they are in law school. The fund is meant to encourage diversity in the law field. In addition, the ABA encourages partnerships with law schools. The program challenges institutions to match the scholarship funding provided to students of that school by the ABA.
*Law schools – Many of the country’s top law schools will provide their own scholarships and grants to students attending those institutions if they show a financial need. Check with the law school’s financial aid office to see what is offered.
*Local law offices – As a way to give back to their community and help future law students, many lawyers and law offices provide scholarships to local scholars. Be sure to call or stop in each one and inquire as to whether they offer any scholarships.
*Trial Advocacy Scholarship – Students entering their second or third year of law school who are members of AAJ Law are eligible for this scholarship of up to $2,500. Applicants are expected to show a desire to help victims, have an interest and proficiency in trial advocacy and show a financial need.
*American Association of University Women Career Development Grants – This group offers grants of $2,000 to $12,000 to women who already hold a bachelor’s degree but are looking to advance or change their career. Grants help with coursework in professional or technical studies, including law.
*American Judges Association – An annual essay contest by this association awards $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third. Entrants must be full-time law students enrolled in an accredited law school in the U.S. or Canada. The winning essay also is published in Court Review, the AJA’s journal.
A great deal of dedication of time, effort and finances is needed to complete the education required to become a lawyer. For many, the financial requirement can be an impediment. Scholarships and grants, which are available from numerous sources, can help a student pay for the expense of tuition and books needed for their education and will allow them to concentrate more on their studies.
Jennifer Lewis writes for a site that has information on financial aid for female students, including criminal justice scholarships for women and private grants for women. She believes those wishing to pursue a career in law should take the time to apply for any scholarships and grants they may be entitled to.
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