External Scholarships
External foundations, nonprofits, law firms, and networking groups support scholarships for students to help finance their legal education. Our financial aid team regularly receives information about these law school scholarships and is ready to help you find the best opportunities.
Current External Scholarships
Organizations, groups, and nonprofits occasionally contact California Western with information about scholarships their agencies offer. While this is not an exhaustive list, the following are some of the scholarships currently being offered:
AccessLex Law School Scholarship Databank
The AccessLex Institute® invites you to utilize their newest tool to find money that’s already available to help pay for law school and lower your student loan burdens. Search over 800 carefully curated and vetted scholarship opportunities and writing competitions, with filters to help you find the ones best suited for you.
ChangeLawyers’ Next Gen Scholars Program
California ChangeLawyers is proud to launch the Next Gen Scholars Program. Beginning in 2026, ChangeLawyers will welcome a small cohort of Next Gen Scholars, 5 to 10 (Fall 2026) first-year law students across California, who demonstrate a deep commitment to serving California communities, have overcome significant barriers, and seek to harness their power for good. Each Scholar will receive direct funding of $50,000, as well as leadership development programming throughout their law school journey and beyond. Deadline to apply is March 26, 11:59 pm PST.
Supporting Prisoners' Families Scholarship
The Pullan & Young Supporting Prisoners’ Families Scholarship was established to help students who have loved ones who have been convicted of criminal offenses. Pullan & Young believe that every student should have access to an education, regardless of their circumstances, and the goal is to help make college more accessible and affordable for those affected by incarceration in their family. This $1000 scholarship will be awarded to one student per semester. The deadline for the Spring 2026 scholarship is March 11, 2026.
USLAW NETWORK Foundation Law School Scholarship
The scholarship program supports eligible law students who have financial need and a demonstrated commitment to serving their communities as they pursue their academic and professional goals. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship toward law school tuition and an invitation to attend the 2026 USLAW NETWORK Annual Client Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, in September. The program’s scholarship selection committee will select and recognize 12 recipients. Applicants must submit a completed application and all requested support materials on or before March 20, 2026.
Han C. Choi Scholarship
The NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) has partnered with the Choi Family to create the Han C. Choi Scholarship, to honor a NAPABA Trailblazer, mentor and leader, who embodies grit and courage in the face of great adversity. The Scholarship Fund will benefit a 1L or 2L law student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship experience, and demonstrates an interest in AAPI civic issues. In addition to a $5,000 award, the winner of the Han C. Choi Scholarship will be provided with mentorship assistance to support the student's career development. Apply by March 20, 2026, 5:00 pm ET.
Fred T. Korematsu Summer Fellowship
In partnership with the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) will be accepting applications for the Fred T. Korematsu Summer Fellowship Program. The program will provide $6,000 to a law student for a meaningful summer internship at a public interest organization. The Fellowship is open to all rising 2L and 3L law students. Candidates should have a history of civil rights activism, interest in pursuing a civil rights career, strong academics and, like Fred T. Korematsu, strength of character and moral commitment. Applications are due March 20, 2026, 5:00 pm ET.
James E. Beckley Law Student Scholarship
The Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA) is proud to sponsor the James E. Beckley Law Student Scholarship Contest. This focused law student scholarship provides essential backing for students dedicated to investor rights. The PIABA will pay over $3,000 in awards to law students with prizes at $1,500, $1,000, and $750 for the top three entrants. The PIABA Bar Journal will publish the first-place paper and, in the past years, has also made offers to publish other papers from the contest. Papers must be submitted by Friday, March 27, 2026.
SAIL Scholarship
The SAIL Scholarship program provides financial assistance and an ongoing program of mentoring, networking, support and leadership development for rising second year law students. Each recipient is also eligible to receive a $7,500 grant, split equally over 2 years to help fund their educational expenses. Applicants will be evaluated for (a) academic excellence in their undergraduate school years and first year of law school, (b) leadership experience, (c) volunteerism or service in the public interest, (d) knowledge of social and cultural issues of any one or more AAPI communities or commitment to making a significant impact on issues affecting one or more AAPI communities, or both, and (e) commitment to “pay it forward.” Applicants must submit all application materials online via the NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) website by June 30, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.
Law School Scholarship Contest
Andrew Flusche of Flusche & Fitzgerald wants to hear about why you want to become a lawyer. What inspired you to enter into such a challenging profession. More importantly, how you will make a difference in the community as you progress through your legal career. One winner will be selected and awarded $1,000 to put towards their law school tuition. The deadline for submission is July 30, 2026.
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office is here to help you navigate the financial aid process. If you require assistance or have questions about external scholarships, please contact our office.