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.
EBGBF Bar Success Scholarship
The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation’s (EBGBF) Bar Success Scholarship serves to assist students in adequately preparing for the BAR Exam. The EBGBF's mission is to provide support for diversifying the legal community, which includes scholarship opportunities for law students. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Academic performance; Commitment to increasing diversity and access in the San Diego legal community; Community service; and Financial need. The application period is open until October 10, 2025.
2025 LA IALA Scholarship
The 2025 LA County Italian American Lawyers Association (IALA) has annually awarded this scholarship since its founding in the 1970s. The IALA Scholarship Committee awards the scholarship based on three equal factors: (1) academic achievement, (2) financial need, and (3) potential post-law-school contribution to the Los Angeles-metropolitan area Italian-American community. One scholarship of $3,000 will be awarded. The winner will be honored at IALA’s December membership meeting with the California Supreme Court. Applications must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Fresno County Bar Association Scholarship
The Fresno County Bar Association ("FCBA") announces its 2025 4th Quarter Scholarship Award from the Fresno County Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1966 to provide grant monies to law students residing in Fresno County. This opportunity is open to law students who are primary residents of Fresno, California, regardless of where they currently attend law school. Up to three recipients can be selected for an award, from $2,500 up to $7,500. Application Deadline is December 5, 2025.
Justice Hollis G. Best Scholarship
As a memorial to the late Presiding Justice Hollis G. Best, his friends have established a scholarship to encourage and support outstanding academic achievement and commitment to service by law students. The Best Scholarship is presented this year in the amount of $2,000; more than one scholarship may be awarded. Primary considerations are academic achievement and the breadth and depth of the applicant’s extracurricular and community activities. Financial need and demonstrated leadership capabilities are also taken into consideration. Completed applications must be received by January 15, 2026.
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.
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.