Next Gen Scholarships
Our most well known program, Next Gen Scholarships provide critical support to first and third year law students.
Next Gen 1L
Open
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Are you a student starting their first year of law school at an ABA or CA accredited law school. Do you envision working as an attorney in California, with a goal of creating a more just and representative justice system? If so, then we want to support you- the brightest ChangeLawyers of tomorrow, by eliminating the roadblocks that exist between you and success. We believe that a state as diverse as California needs a justice system led by advocates of all backgrounds. That’s why we invest in scholars like yourself, to ensure that they have the opportunity to become tomorrow's legal changemakers. Law school is a major financial investment adding thousands to your debt.If selected as a scholar, you will receive:
- $7,500 cash award;
- 1 year of one-on-one mentoring;
- and ongoing access to leadership classes and networking opportunities
This application will close on July 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM Noon (PST.)Applications must be fully submitted by this deadline. A FULLY submitted application includes a letter of recommendation (which may take days to week for an applicant to obtain.) It is recommended that you provide your recommender ample time to complete their LOR. There will be no exceptions.Therefore, please do not delay in completing your application.Award announcements will in September of 2024.
Scholars will be invited to Next Gen Awards reception scheduled to take place in October 2024. This year's event will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Selected scholars will be provided details once the date is finalized.
Next Gen 3L
Closed
2024 application has closed. Check back in late 2024 for the 2025 application.
Are you a law student committed to becoming a legal changemaker? Are you a recent law school graduate or soon to be law grad who will be taking the California Bar Exam for the first time in 2024? Do you envision working as an attorney in California, with a goal of creating a more just and representative justice system?
If so, then we want to support you, the brightest changemakers of tomorrow, by eliminating the roadblocks that exist between you and success, including the costs related to the California Bar Exam.
This application will close on March 4, 2024 at 5 PM. Applications must be fully submitted by this deadline.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidate must be:
- Recent law school graduate (2023) or soon to graduate (2024);
- FIRST-TIME test taker sitting for the July 2024 California Bar Exam; and
- Committed to practicing law in California upon passing the bar
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to building a better justice system
- Demonstrate financial need
- Maintain at least a 2.2 GPA or equivalent on a 4.0 scale (or provide an explanation of extenuating circumstances if GPA is lower than 2.2)
- Provide documentation of:
- Candidate’s actual or anticipated graduation date
- Good ethical standing of Candidate while attending law school
- Candidate’s financial need
- Submit one signed letter of recommendation supporting Candidate’s commitment to building a better justice system, or related area of interest.
Download Sample Application
*Diversity includes a broad array of backgrounds and life experiences, including students with skills or attributes that are underrepresented in the legal profession, and specifically including students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those that have overcome adversity.
