Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program
Justice and Diversity Center
In 1998 the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco founded the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program. The program shows the center’s commitment to promoting diversity within legal practice, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The program awards $10,000 on a need-based basis to students from minority groups underrepresented at the six Northern California ABA-accredited law schools.
Applicants must have been accepted or already enrolled in one of the six Northern California ABA-accredited law schools.
Scholarship Summary
In 1998 the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco founded the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program. The program shows the center’s commitment to promoting diversity within legal practice, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The program awards $10,000 on a need-based basis to students from minority groups underrepresented at the six Northern California ABA-accredited law schools.
Applicants must have been accepted or already enrolled in one of the six Northern California ABA-accredited law schools.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: Undergraduate
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: Any
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
Law
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
- University of California – Berkeley School of Law
- Golden Gate University School of Law
- Stanford Law School
- University of California – Hastings College of the Law
- Santa Clara University School of Law
- University of San Francisco School of Law
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Standardized Test Scores
- Financial Information
- Present Work Experiences
- Grade transcript
- Essay
- School Verification
Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program Timeline
January 2024
Applications Opening Date
Applications are usually open on January 23.
May 2024
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is on May 31.
July 2024
Awards Announcement
Final decisions are made, and winners are announced towards the end of July.
How to ace the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program
Reach out to past winners
You could contact past winners and ask questions about their applications to know what mistakes to avoid. You could also ask if they would be willing to review your application and personal statement.
Demonstrate passion in your personal statement
Your personal statement should reveal the challenges you might have faced, your interest in the legal profession, and what you hope to bring and change in the profession.
Show proof of financial need
The scholarship is need-based. You have to show that financial aid is needed and is a major constraint to pursuing a legal career. Ensure your statement of need captures why you should be a recipient.
Have stellar academic records
Ensure that your grades are outstanding and you are actively involved in activities on campus to stand a higher chance of becoming a recipient, as the scholarship is merit-based.
How the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program is Judged
Applicants are assessed on merit and need-based criteria. Successful applicants are required to have outstanding academic records and show proof they need financial aid.
Why We Love the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program
It supports minority groups
The scholarship is only available to African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, making it easier to compete and win.
Mentorship and guidance
In addition to scholarships, the center provides mentoring and guidance to scholarship recipients.
Multi-year scholarships
The program offers multi-year scholarships covering various semesters. Most scholarships offered to involve a three-year commitment to qualified students
5 Facts About The Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship
Over two million dollars in scholarships
Since its founding in 1998, over two million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to 110 students. The scholarships are generally worth $10,000 per year.
Recipients go on to have exceptional careers
In 2018, a scholarship recipient was named a California Superior Court judge. Other scholarship recipients have gone on to join top law firms, public interest offices, corporations, and government entities.
JDC is a distinguished legal services provider
The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) is one of the largest and most prominent legal services providers. It provides pro bono legal services to low-income earners and NGOs that support them in San Francisco.
Founded in 1977
Formerly known as the Volunteer Legal Services Program, before changing its name in 2013, the JDC has been helping low-income earners since 1977.
Established in response to SP-1
After the passage of SP-1, the University of California Regents’ resolution to end affirmative action and race-based admissions at UC schools, the Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship Program was established in 1988 in response.