Earl Warren Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Earl Warren Scholarship is the Legal Defense Fund's named law scholarship for rising law students committed to racial justice, civil rights, and public interest law. LDF states that eligible law students are those entering their first or second year of full-time legal study at an accredited law school in the United States. The award is generally $15,000 per year for three years, for a total possible value of $45,000, provided scholars remain in full-time study, good academic standing, and continued program eligibility. It is partial funding because it does not guarantee full tuition, fees, housing, books, travel, bar costs, or personal expenses. Scholars may also apply separately for LDF internships, externships, or guided research projects, but those placements are competitive and not guaranteed. Selection is holistic, with no published minimum LSAT or GPA requirement, and considers grades, standardized tests, recommendation letters, volunteer activities, personal essays, financial need through FAFSA, and the candidate's demonstrated commitment to racial justice.

Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Enter the first or second year of full-time study at an accredited U.S. law school
• Attend a law school located in the United States
• Show commitment to racial justice, civil rights, and public interest law
• Submit two recommendation letters and required application materials
• Provide FAFSA information to demonstrate financial need
• Remain in full-time study and good academic standing for renewal