University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

Updated Law School COVID-19 Response

More in Grants & Scholarships:

External Scholarships

Both prospective and current students may explore links to external scholarships below. Eligibility for these scholarships may be based on financial need, academic achievement, and extracurricular activities.

Attention Financial Aid Recipients:

Scholarships, tuition waivers, and stipends are considered part of your financial aid package. Federal regulations require that Financial Aid Services take these resources into account when determining your eligibility for financial aid awards.  Your financial aid (grants, work-study, loans) and resources may not exceed the cost of attendance (tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, etc.).

Find out more information on how scholarships may affect your financial aid [hawaii.edu]. If you receive a scholarship, tuition waiver, or stipend, you must complete the Financial Aid Change Request Form [hawaii.edu]. If Financial Aid determines that they must revise your financial aid award, they will email you and the revision will be reflected on the MyUH portal.

Eligibility for external scholarships may be based on financial need, academic achievement, and extracurricular activities. These external sites are provided for your information and are not endorsed by the UH Law School.

ONLINE SEARCH ENGINES

The list of search engines listed below are a great place to start looking for external scholarships:

AccessLex Scholarship Databank
Admissions Dean Law School Scholarship Finder
Career InfoNet
FastWeb
OEDb Graduate Scholarships
Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
Scholar’s App

MISCELLANEOUS SCHOLARSHIPS

General Scholarships

For a list of legal writing competitions, please visit the Legal Essay Contest Catalog, maintained by the individuals and members of the University of Richmond School of Law community. See other general scholarships links below:

  • LSAC Scholarships – LSAC has compiled a list of scholarship for in-coming and current Law Students.
  • 2022 Trans/Nonbinary Law Graduates of Color Grant Fund – The 2022 Trans/Nonbinary Law Graduates of Color Grant Fund will award three unrestricted $1,000 grants, to help offset the costs associated with the period of time between graduation and taking the Bar Exam/employment.  Accepted grantees will also receive a 1-year free membership with the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. See website for criteria and application. Deadline: April 1
  • LGBT Public Interest Scholarship Program for recent law students and/or law school graduate studying for the Bar, and either identify as LGBTQ, or plan to work in the LGBTQ space doing public interest work. One or more scholarships of up to $5,000 each will be awarded annually. Deadline: April 30.
  • Harriet Bouslog Labor Scholarship – The Harriet Bouslog Labor Scholarship was established to demonstrate support for, as well as to commemorate the historic achievements of, the ILWU and encourage greater awareness and understanding among young people about the ILWU’s economic, social, and political contributions to Hawaii. This $2000 scholarship provides college opportunities for children of ILWULocal142 members whose struggles made Hawaii the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic community it is today. The Scholarship is open to the family members of existing, retired and deceased ILWULocal142 members.
    Deadline: April 1
  • BARBRI Law Preview & American Bar Association Scholarship for entering students – BARBRI Law Preview and the American Bar Association have partnered to offer one hard-working incoming law student a $10,000 scholarship towards their first-year tuition, and a second scholarship to the runner-up in the amount of $5,000.
    Deadline: June 1
  • BARBRI “One Lawyer Can Change the World” Scholarship – Given the current political and social climate, BARBRI feels it is crucial to support entering 1Ls who plan to use their law degree to become change agents. They are awarding ten entering law students with the following financial awards: First Place: $10k  |  Second Place: $5k  |  Eight Runners-up: $1k. Deadline: June 1
  • Senior Caregiver Scholarship – $2,000. For students who will be enrolled in the Fall and have been involved in caregiving for a family member. Student information, copy of college transcripts, and written or video essay should be emailed to scholarship@senioradvice.com. Deadline: Janurary 15
  • The Healthline Stronger Scholarship Program – $10,000. For students with a 3.0+ GPA, demonstrate leadership and community involvement, and demonstrate a connection to type 2 diabetes.  Deadline: April 30,
  • Judge John R. Brown Scholarship Foundation: Brown Award for Excellence in Legal Writing – $1,000-10,000. 2 copies of current legal writing and a letter of recommendation from a law school faculty member who is not an author of the paper. Submissions must be postmarked no later than TBD.
  • The Reeves Law Group Scholarship – $5,000.00 awarded annually to an incoming or current law student. Tell your story in a brief narrative, starting with an introduction about who you are, your interests, and anything else you feel we should know about you. Then, please provide your entry in a 750-1000 words essay, or a Prezi presentation. Must be a US resident and provide proof of enrollment. Applications materials due to scholarships@robertreeveslaw.com by December 1.
  • Fitch Law Partners, LLP, 2021-2022 Scholarships for Students – $1,000-$1,500. Entering law students are eligible for the $1,000 prize and current law students are eligible for the $1,500 prize. Students must have a 3.5+ GPA and be enrolled or accepted to a law school for the following school year. Deadline: April 1
  • The Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Excellence in Ethics Scholarship – $1,000 (first place) or $500 (second place).  Open to current and prospective law students.  In order to qualify, submit completed application with essay regarding the importance of providing pro bono legal services, have a current high school or college minimum GPA of 3.0, be currently accepted or enrolled in a US law school, and be a U.S. permanent resident or citizen. 
    Deadline: July 1.
Scholarships for Entering Students

Listed below are two scholarship sources for entering students:

  • Fitch Law Partners, LLP, 2021-2022 Scholarships for Students
  • Wallin & Klarich Scholarship – $2,500. This scholarship is awarded to an entering first-year law school student at an accredited law school in the United States. Applicants must have an interest in becoming a criminal justice attorney, have achieved a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate studies, must not be a current or past employee of Wallin & Klarich, ALC, and must not be a relative of anyone who is employed or contracted by Wallin & Klarich, ALC. Deadline for the 2019-2020 academic year: December 23, 2019
Diversity

Listed below are diversity scholarship sources for students:

  • APIASF AANAPISI Scholarship Program – $2,500- $5,000. For students who are of Asian and/ or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by the U.S. Census. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree-seeking program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Students must also be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible. Deadline: November 10
  • ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship – Grants 20 incoming diverse law students with $15,000 of financial assistance over the course of their three years in law school. If you have any questions, please email legalosf@americanbar.org. Deadline: April 15
  • Annual Asian Heritage Law School Scholarship – $1,000. For current High School seniors in Boston who are U.S. citizens or who are authorized to work in the U.S., and who will be enrolled in the Fall semester after the application is submitted. Must also have 3.0+ GPA and be of Asian heritage with at least one parent of Asian ancestry. Submit application form, essay, official transcripts, a copy of law school acceptance, and proof of legal residency. Deadline: August 1
  • Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – Several scholarships available. Deadline January 26
  • Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School Diversity Scholarship – $2,000. Must have completed one semester in law school with a 3.0+ GPA. (1) A completed application form. (2) One page typed essay describing how you have utilized your time promoting ethnic diversity within your community. Alternatively, you may write about how you will use your law degree to promote ethnic diversity in the future. (3) A certified, official copy of your law school transcript.
    Deadline: Postmarked by October 1
  • George Corey Scholarship – $10,000. For 2L a student who is a member of (a) one of the underrepresented racial or ethnic minority groups, and/or (b) the LGBTQ community.who must accept a summer employment position at Vorys’ in Ohio. Application, transcript, resume, writing sample, and personal statement required. Deadline: August 12
  • The George H. Nofer Scholarship – The George H. Nofer Scholarship is available each year to provide three $5,000 awards to students who are deaf or hard of hearing, can hear and talk, and are pursuing a full-time graduate education in law or public administration. Deadline: March 28
  • George V. Powell Diversity Scholarship -$7,500. For a rising 2L, an opportunity to be a summer associate for Lane Powell. Cover letter, resume, transcripts, legal writing sample, 2-3 professional or academic references required. Application to open Summer 2021. Deadline: July 30
  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund College Scholarship Program – Several scholarships available. 2021-2022 application deadline: February 15
  • Latham & Watkins, LLP, Diversity Recruiting Programs – Several opportunities are available, including: 1L Diversity Scholars Program, 2L Diversity Scholars Program, Law Preview Scholars Program. See links to each opportunity to learn more about upcoming deadlines and benefits. Diversity Scholars Program deadline: February 1
  • Matsuro and Tsuruko Nakasone Endowment Fund– $1000. Recipients must be full-time or part-time, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in any area of study at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, who have an academic focus or interest in Okinawan studies and have demonstrated a commitment to learning about or acquiring a deeper understanding of Okinawa, its people, culture, and history.  Preference shall be given to graduate students. Financial need shall be a criterion in making this award, although not necessarily as defined by federal guidelines. The application is due by March 1.
  • MCCA’s LMJ Scholarship Program – The LMJ Scholarship is a diversity pipeline program that seeks to nurture the academic and professional careers of outstanding diverse law students. The LMJ Scholarship program grants scholarships of $10,000 to students for their first year of law school. See the website to learn more about eligibility and to apply. Deadline: May 12, 2022
  • Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) – The MALDEF scholarship resource guide includes a list of numerous scholarships with varying deadlines throughout the year. Please check their website for updates on the scholarship list or other scholarship opportunities.
  • Michigan Auto Law Diversity Scholarship – $2,000. For entering, 1L and 2L students with an ethnic or racial minority background and have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Application, letter of acceptance (undergraduate only), copy of transcript, and essay due June 1.
  • Milestone Trial LawHer Scholarship – Milestone has established the Trial LawHER Scholarship to help a female law school student achieve her goal of becoming a plaintiff trial lawyer. Eligible applicants must be a female U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled in a 3L law school program for the fall 2022 semester, in good academic standing, and planning to become a plaintiff trial lawyer. Deadline: August 31.
  • Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship – $5,000 (five available). For low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training. Future deadline to be determined. Information on 2022-23 education support awards will be available in Spring 2022.
  • Pipeline to Practice Foundation – The Pipeline to Practice Foundation seeks to support members of groups that are historically underrepresented in the legal profession. The Foundation believes that diversity can be defined along several dimensions, including: race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, first-generation graduate, physical abilities and military service. Deadline: May 1, 2021
Home State/County Scholarships

Dwyer Williams Potter Attorneys LLP  – $1,000. For entering students who received a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and received their degree in Oregon. Application, essay, undergraduate transcript, letter of acceptance, and proof of residency due on July 1 of year immediately prior to matriculation.

International Students

While we are unable to provide comprehensive funding that covers full tuition costs or living expenses, we encourage applicants to seek scholarships and additional funding in their home countries and in the United States. Some outside sources of funding can be found on our Financial Aid page.

Local

Listed below are scholarship sources for State of Hawai‘i residents:

  • Harriet Bouslog Labor Scholarship Fund – $2,000 per semester. This scholarship aims to provide college opportunities for children of existing and retired ILWU Local 142 members. Please download the brochure for more information [PDF, 917 KB] or a list of companies with workers who are members of ILWU Local 142 [PDF, 144KB]. You may also download answers to Frequently Asked Questions [PDF, 153KB]. Full-time students who will be enrolled at any University of Hawaiʻi system campus may apply. Application form, oral history (video interview) & essay, a list of extracurricular activities, and letter of reference must be submitted by April 1 each year to qualify for a scholarship in the Fall semester.
  • Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships – $2,000 (three available). For students who have demonstrated an interest in professional work related to aging, long-term care, and/or death and dying.  Enrollment in degree program at any UH campus, HPU, BYU-Hawaii, or Chaminade, two or more semesters to complete before graduation, and GPA 3.0 or higher required.  Future deadline to be announced.
  • Maui County Bar Association Arthur T. Ueoka Scholarship[PDF, 29KB] – For students with significant ties to Maui County and demonstrate a compelling financial need. Cover letter, application, proof of enrollment, student aid report (for those receiving financial aid), and current resume are due by June 30 of the applicable year.
  • Associated Chinese University Women Graduate Scholarship – ACUW will be a awarding college scholarships of $2,000 open to currently enrolled full-time graduate students in any field of study in an accredited American university including a professional degree administered by the Shidler School of Business, William S. Richardson School of Law, or John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Scholarship award shall be made on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need, good character, extra-curricular activities, and involvement in school and/or community service. In addition the applicant must: be Chinese or interested in Chinese culture, be a U.S. Citizens or permanent resident and resident of the State of Hawaii, have a minimum GPA 3.6, be a first-time award recipient. Deadline: May 21, 2021. Download the ACUW Scholarship Program Graduate flyer [PDF, 1.3MB].
Pacific Islands

Listed below are scholarship sources for Pacific Island based residents:

  • Federated States of Micronesia National Government Financial Assistance – For citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia who have been accepted into an accredited institute of higher education and have a 2.0 GPA (certificate and undergraduate) or 3.0 GPA (graduates and postgraduates). Must submit school certified application, acceptance letter or proof of attendance, an original copy of transcripts, copy of passport, and three letters of reference sent directly to the Postsecondary Administrator. Recipients will be expected to return to the Federated States of Micronesia to provide services in his/her respective field for each year he/she receives a scholarship award, or if opting to work abroad, will pay back 50% of the scholarship money received. Apply on or before July 31st of every year for fall and spring awards, December 31st for spring awards, and May 31st for summer awards.
  • Fulbright in South Pacific Asian Nations The Fulbright Program offers grants to qualified graduate students of Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to study at the graduate level in the United States.
  • Kosrae State Scholarship [PDF, 267KB] – For legal citizens of Kosrae State planning to enroll full time in an accredited post-secondary institution. New applicants must submit a letter of acceptance and official copy of most recent transcripts with application by June 30 for the Fall semester and November 30 for the Spring semester.
  • Marshall Islands Scholarship, Grant & Loan Program Application [PDF, 363KB]  – For RMI legal citizens, preferentially those with land rights or are indigenous Marshallese, are able to complete a program of study by age 55, and must return to RMi after completion. Official transcripts, 3.0 cumulative GPA, copy of bachelor’s degree, copy of acceptance letter, certified LSAT score, essay, and proof of other financial resources required. See award policies [PDF, 152KB]. Apply by June 30 for Fall awards, November 1 for Spring awards, and April 1 for summer awards.
  • Palau National Scholarship[PDF, 5.3MB] – For Palauan citizens who have been accepted into a post-secondary institution and demonstrate financial need. Must submit school-certified financial request form, copy of birth certificate and Palau passport, transcripts from all colleges, acceptance letter from accredited post-secondary institution, proof of college standing (when applicable), and proof of physical resident of parents/legal guardians for applicants who graduated from a high school outside of the Republic of Palau. See checklist for complete details. Documents must be received by the Palau National Scholarship Board by July 31 of each year. Documents postmarked by July 31 and received within 30 calendar days may be considered.
  • Pohnpei State Scholarship[PDF, 138KB] – For citizens of Pohnpei. Must submit school certified application form, copy of most recent transcript, copy of insurance policy/card, and acceptance letter (for new students). Materials should be sent to the Scholarship Coordinator, P.O. Box 250, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941. Application due on June 30 for Fall awards and December 30 for Spring awards.
  • UH Manoa Pacific Islander Scholarship
Native Hawaiian

Listed below are scholarship sources for Native Hawaiians:

  • Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
  • Office of Hawaiian Affairs Scholarships – Includes further links to other Hawaiian Civic Clubs and lists some scholarships administered by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
  • Kua’ana Native Hawaiian Student Development Services Tuition Waiver – Need-based tuition waivers for students of Hawaiian ancestry. Must be enrolled full-time at UH Manoa with a 2.5+ GPA (undergraduates) or 3.0+ GPA (graduate). Deadline: April 1, 2021.
  • Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation – The foundation has over 100 scholarship opportunities available to students.  2021-2022 application opens to the public December 21, 2020 and closes January 29, 2021.
  • The National Native American Bar Association – Must be Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian; an active member of NNABA, a regional American Indian Bar Association, or NNALSA; be a current third-year law student attending an ABA accredited law school in the US; and be registered to take a State Bar Examination in July 2020 or February 2020/1. Deadline: February 28, 2020.
  • Kamehameha Schools Post-High School Scholarships – ‘Imi Na‘auao: a merit-based scholarship available to students pursuing a graduate degree.  All ʻImi Naʻauao award recipients are expected to maintain high academic standards while also sharing their mana‘o and leadership through community service.  Each recipient must perform community service and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Deadline: January 15, 2021.
  • **For 3Ls Only** Parents & Children Together (PACT) – You must be Native Hawaiian and be within 300% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines (E.g. For a household of 1 in Hawaiʻi, to receive this scholarship they cannot exceed $40,260=($13,420*3)). If you are unemployed, you must show proof of any form of benefit or food stamps you are receiving. If you are employed, you must provide tax forms and pay stubs.  You must sign a contract with the organization stating that they will be employed by the time you graduate (and within the year) to be eligible for the funding.  You may call (808)-594-1888 to learn more about this scholarship:  Scholarship information does not appear on the PACT website. The best time to seek this scholarship would be toward the end of June or beginning of July.  The amount of grants they distribute per year is based on the amount of funding they receive from OHA.
Filipino

Listed below are scholarship sources for students of Filipino descent:

  • Available via UH STAR system (Preference given to students of Filipino ancestry)
    • Susannah & Fortunato Teho Scholarship Fund
    • The Francisco D. Gueco Scholarship
  • Available via Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
    • Ambassador Minerva Jean Falcon Hawaii Scholarship
    • Cora Aguda Manayan Fund
    • O’ahu Filipino Community Council Golf Scholarship Fund
  • Center for Philippine Studies Research Grants – These research grants are available specifically for students dealing with work regarding the Philippines to further their research. Funds are not meant for covering any tuition costs related to the students graduate program. All grant recipients will be required to submit a final report and share their research findings as a lecture/talk for the Center for Philippine Studies Colloquium Series.
Pacific Asian Legal Studies

Listed below are Pacific Asian scholarship sources for students:

  • East-West Center Scholarship/Fellowship
    • East-West Graduate Degree Fellowship for students from Asia, the Pacific and the United States with a focus on community building and leading positive change in the Asia Pacific region. It covers two years of tuition, fees, housing at EWC, insurance, book allowance and a modest stipend toward Master’s or PhD study in any field. Deadline to apply: December 1
    • Student Affiliate Program – Twice yearly applications, due May 15 and November 1. Open to ALL graduate students at UHM from ALL geographic regions with an interest in the Asia Pacific region. Benefits include: reduced rate housing in EWC dormitories adjacent to campus (currently $16/night), a diverse supportive community, and access to all of the programs and resources of the EWC Education Program, including travel and conference grants.
  • UHM Center for Japanese Studies Scholarship to participate in the 73rd Japan-America Student Conference (JASC) for undergraduate or graduate students at UHM. Deadline to apply: December 11
  • UHM Center for Japanese Studies Fellowships/Scholarships
  • Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship $15,000 stipend and tuition for up to 9 credits per semester. The FLAS application for East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) can be accessed at the UH scholarship website. Both continuing and incoming students can log on and search for “FLAS.” The site accepts applications from mid-November. There is also a FLAS application for Southeast Asian languages (Cambodian, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese). Deadline to apply: January 18, 2021
  • Star Foundation Graduate Fellowship in Asian Studies – This fellowship is available to full-time Asian Studies M.A. students only[1] .  It is available to U.S. and international students.  Recipients of FLAS fellowships and other major awards are not eligible.
  • The Moscotti Fellowship for Graduate Studies of Southeast Asia – $750 to $1,500. For full-time, classified graduate students in a degree program at UHM in any department or program in the arts, humanities or social sciences whose area of focus is Southeast Asia. Applications are due by February 1st of each year using the UH STAR system.
  • The Association for Asian Studies – Grant Programs
Environmental

Listed below are environmental scholarship sources for students:

  • Pelican Water Sustainability Scholarship – $1,500, $1,000, and $500. For full-time students who are US residents and have a 3.5+ cumulative GPA. Upload your video to Instagram and tag Pelican. Submit transcripts to submissions@pelicanwater.com. Occurs bi-annually.
  • Environmental Protection Agency Fellowships & Scholarships
  • Extreme Terrain Scholarship – $2,500 (2 awards- Fall and Spring). For students pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Research, Land Use, Earth and Atmosphere Studies, Sustainable Land Management , Parks and Recreation, and Sustainable Agriculture. Submit a 700-1500 word essay that describes who you are, why you feel it is important to maintain access to public lands for recreational use, and how you plan to use your degree to advocate for the recreational use of public lands.
    Submit by 12:00PM EST on October 15th for the spring semester scholarship and by June 15th for the fall semester scholarship.

See also internal Environmental Law Program Awards and Fellowships.

Public Interest

Listed below are two scholarship sources for students with a public interest:

Undocumented Students/DACA Recipients

Jorge García, Assistant Dean of Admissions, Diversity Initiatives & Financial Aid at the University of San Diego School of Law created this list of Financial Resources for DACA Students [PDF, 51KB]. This document was updated in December 2018 and is posted here with his permission. Listed below are three DACA based scholarships:

University of Hawaiʻi

Listed below are UH scholarship sources for students:

Veterans/Military

United States military personnel and their authorized dependents (as defined by the Armed Services) during the period such personnel are stationed in Hawai‘i on active duty and members of the Hawai‘i National Guard and Hawai‘i-based Reserves may be allowed to pay resident tuition. Please see Residency Requirements.

Listed below are scholarship sources for military personnel and veterans: