The American Bar Association (ABA) reveals trends in their active attorney demographics survey suggesting major shifts in the demographic landscape for legal professionals on a national scale. Since 2007, the population of caucasian and male active attorneys has decreased by 5.4 percent. On the other hand, national female representation has increased by over 5 percent, and collective minority rates have been steadily growing as well. This demonstration of diversity within the legal profession is only one of the many indicators of the growing opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career with law.
If you’re a student interested in majoring in political science, criminal justice, public interest law, environmental law, business law, or pre-law studies, the educational foundation that these undergraduate degrees provide will create the foundation you need to become a practicing attorney. Explore our guide to learn more about how you can prepare for a career in law and use our interactive scholarship tool find political science, pre-law and law school scholarships to help fund your degree.
Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, exemplifies how studying law can not only prepare you for ample career opportunities, but also help positively change lives. As a Harvard Law student turned community organizer in Chicago, he used his law degree to support his career in politics, which led him to hold the office of the President of the United States from 2009 to 2017.
“And the good news is, you’re ready. And when your journey seems too hard, and when you run into a chorus of cynics who tell you that you’re being foolish to keep believing or that you can’t do something, or that you should just give up, or you should just settle — you might say to yourself a little phrase that I’ve found handy these last eight years: Yes, we can.” — Barack Obama, Former President of the United States
The path to becoming a practicing lawyer is very expansive, with plenty of time to discover concentrations and expertise where you could add value to a variety of different professional fields. However, the journey to the classroom all starts in the same place: acceptance into an accredited law degree program, and the support to get you there.
How to Qualify to be a Lawyer
1
Pass the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is a mandatory test for prospective law school candidates to assess reading, logical, and verbal reasoning proficiencies specifically as it pertains to pursuing a law degree.
2
Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for admission to law school. The ABA notes that undergraduate students gain admission to law school from nearly every area of study, ranging from political science, English, economics, business, and journalism.
3
Earn a Juris Doctor Degree (JD)
A JD is the nationally recognized degree for practicing law in the United States. There are many specialties within legal practice and students can select a concentration program in public interest, environmental, criminal, or property.
4
Pass the Bar Exam
Most states require lawyers to graduate from an ABA-approved law school and pass the state bar examination prior to qualifying in that state. The bar exam is commonly a two-day process.
Types of Law Concentrations
Public Interest: Lawyers can specialize in fields relating to organizations of all sizes, as well as government agencies at all levels. Environmental, Business, Estate, Family, and Personal Injury lawyers are considered public interest lawyers.
Criminal: Lawyers who specialize in criminal law and represent clients in criminal cases are considered criminal lawyers. Students who major in criminal justice and law prepare for careers in the criminal law field.
Political Science: Deals with systems of government, and the analysis of political activity and behavior. Students majoring in political science graduate to work in government, journalism, law, business, and teaching.
The Archives Library Information Center (ALIC) offers links to law and legal information, federal law, court opinions, treaties, legal dictionaries and journals, and copyright information.
The first and largest social network for law professionals. Network within hundreds of specialized law groups and forums, whether you’re a student, attorney, or law professional.
Hosted by Cornell University, this not-for-profit database allows students to search for statutes and published law online for free.
How to Pay for College
1
Scholarships
There are hundreds of scholarships for pre-law and law school students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
2
Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
3
Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
4
Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
5
Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
Law Scholarships
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by concentration, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.
The Theodore Tannenwald Jr. Foundation for Excellence in Tax Scholarship
Amount: up to $5,000
Deadline:
July 8, 2020
The best three essay submissions will be awarded scholarships through the Foundation for Excellence in Taxes and The American College of Tax Counsel. Must be a part-time or full-time law student to enter. Papers may be on any federal or state-related topic.
Marin County Bar Association Legal Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
July 31, 2020
Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited California law school, and be a Marin County high school graduate or have lived continuously in Marin County for three years.
Isaacs & Isaacs Scholarship Awards
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
August 1, 2020
Scholarship is available to students in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana (one from each state).Students must be seniors in high school or current college students. Application includes (but is not limited to) a short bio of yourself, a photo of yourself, as well as an essay (promt can be found on their website).
National Tax Law Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
August 10, 2020
This award is for a second or third year U.S. law student with a demonstrated interest in tax law. Students are asked to submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, or internship experience demonstrating education in tax law.
LimNexus Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
September 7, 2020
One student will be awarded with this scholarship based on their schools accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) or AALS. Applicants will be reviewed based on their interest in pro bono, public interest and/or public legal service work, financial need, leadership potential, and affiliation with the Asian Pacific American community.
Arthur T. Ueoka Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
Students, or soon-to-be law students are eligible for this award if located in, or demonstrate significant ties to Maui County. Financial need will be considered.
UCLA Graduate Education Scholarships
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
Several awards are available of up to $5,000 each, from which fees are paid, for graduate students in any field of study who are blind or who have a severe vision impairment. Proof of financial need via copy of DREAM Act Application (for California AB540 students).
The 2018 Reeves Law Group Annual Scholarship Award
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
For 2019, the Reeves Law Group is awarding a $5,000 scholarship to a deserving law student who authors a winning essay in our Seventh Annual Scholarship Essay Contest.
Simplr Artificial Intelligence and Technology Scholarship
Amount: $7,500
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
Simplr is offering a $7,500 scholarship to the student that writes the best essay on Artificial Intelligence. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science, math, information technology (IT) or a law degree. Students studying under the DACA program are eligible.
MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
The MALDEF scholarship is open to all law students enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. law school. Applicants will be selected based on their academic and extracurricular achievements, and financial need.
Hatton W. Sumners Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Students ranking in the top third of their class on an annual basis in Texas and Oklahoma are encouraged to apply for this award. The selection committee will review academic performance, civic engagement, and leadership abilities.
Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Law Students Assoc. Scholarship - SW Law
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Applicants must be attending Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. This scholarship will be awarded to a gay, lesbian, or bisexual student studying law.
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Amount: $15,000
Deadline:
January 17, 2021
College seniors enrolled in a law program are eligible for this award. This award provides the opportunity to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world.
The HCBF Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
April 24, 2021
The Hudson County Bar Foundation Scholarship Fund is a long-standing program that offers financial assistance to students demonstrating financial need, and strong academics. Students must be a Hudson County resident and actively pursuing a law degree to qualify.
Albertson & Davidson College Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
Available to students enrolled in an accredited university can apply by submitting an infographic on the warning signs of dementia or warning signs of elder abuse.
Earl Warren Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
This renewable scholarship opportunity is for scholars in need of financial assistance, and for students seeking internship and networking opportunities. Must be a U.S. citizen with a record of academic achievement, enrolled in their final year of college or a first year law student. Must demonstrate ongoing commitment to racial justice.
West Texas Paralegal Association Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
This scholarships is intended for students pursuing a degree in a paralegal program. This award will be given to students residing in Texas who are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
Christopher W. Keyser Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
July 31, 2021
Students enrolled in a four-year university studying law in the U.S. are eligible for this award. Students graduating in the spring should not apply.
