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.
THLA Foundation Scholarship Program
The Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association is dedicated to the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues throughout California and the nation, as well as the protection of our communities. They are now accepting applications for their 2025 scholarship program. Note that graduating 3Ls are eligible to apply. Completed applications and materials are due by Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Criminal Justice Scholarship
Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. Criminal Justice Scholarship provides recipients with an award of $1,000 to use toward their tuition fees and educational expenses. They are committed to helping those who are dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of criminal law with this scholarship program, specifically designed for law students who are interested in helping individuals within the criminal justice system. All materials must be submitted by May 14, 2025.
NAMWOLF Joel Stern Pipeline Scholarship
The National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) Joel Stern Pipeline Scholarship is an annual law school scholarship sponsored by NAMWOLF to provide financial support to 2nd and 3rd year law students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation who have demonstrated inclusive perspectives on access to legal education and opportunities in the law. NAMWOLF will provide one or more scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each for the 2025-2026 law school year. The application and related materials must be completed no later than May 31, 2025.
Committing to Justice Scholarship
The Texas law firm of Hutchison & Foreman is offering a $1,500 award each semester to a law student through their Committing to Justice Scholarship. They aim to support the futures of law students who are interested in pursuing similar paths to their own. If you are a law student who hopes to pursue a career representing plaintiffs in civil rights or employment discrimination cases, you are highly encouraged to apply. Applications are due June 9, 2025 by 11:59 PM.
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Diamant Gerstein, LLC is proud to offer the Jewish Heritage Scholarship to recognize and support Jewish students who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills. This $1,000 scholarship is open to students with a history of exceptional leadership. Qualified candidates must be able to demonstrate to our scholarship committee their commitment to uplifting their community and supporting the values that are dear to the Jewish community, such as respecting others and giving back through charity or "tzedakah," as it is known in Hebrew. Submit applications and any related materials by July 2, 2025.
The Andrew Flusche Law School Scholarship
Attorney Andrew Flusche 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. Deadline is July 30, 2025.
CLA’s DEI Distinguished Law Student Writing Competition
California Lawyers Association’s (CLA) Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach (DIOr) Committee is proud to announce its second annual CLA’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Distinguished Law Student Writing Competition. Through this award, the Committee seeks to recognize law student authors of exceptional, literary works which advance the understanding and pursuit of increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession. Among the awards offered, the first-place winner will receive $2,500 while the runner-up will receive $1,500. Submissions must be emailed no later than 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) on August 1, 2025. Submissions received after this time will not be considered.
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 their 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 Fall 2025 scholarship is September 15, 2025.
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.