Advocate for Justice Scholarships

University of the District of Columbia
David A. Clarke School of Law

Advocate for Justice Scholarships

If you have an excellent academic record and a proven and sincere commitment to justice, you may be eligible to receive a three-year full-tuition scholarship and attend an excellent public interest-oriented law school!

Three-Year Full-Tuition Advocate for Justice Scholarships

The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC-DCSL) will offer up to 20 three-year full-tuition Advocate for Justice Scholarships (AJS) each year, beginning with members of the class entering in fall, 2008. The award of these scholarships will be based equally upon the Scholarship Selection Committee's evaluation of applicants' academic talent and their proven commitment as advocates for justice. Toward this end, the Committee will consider applicants' undergraduate and graduate fields of study; grades; LSAT scores; publications; academic, personal and professional recommendations; as well as evidence of their professional experiences, community service and other pertinent information.

Due to UDC-DCSL's emphasis on demonstrated commitment to working for justice, successful scholarship applicants may be more than a few years out of college, with "real world" experience. We strongly encourage second and third career applicants to apply. However, we also encourage applicants of all ages, including recent graduates who feel that their track record reveals a deep commitment to the social good.

The School of Law is the nation's most diverse, with 55% students of color, of whom 33% are African-American, 12% are Latino, and 10% are Asian, Middle Eastern and Native American. District of Columbia residents, people of color and others from groups under-represented in the legal profession as well as those interested in public interest law are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested?
Join the AFJ contact list for occasional updates on the School of Law and the AFJ scholarship program!

UDC-DCSL Advocate for Justice Scholarship Goals

UDC-DCSL is by no means a wealthy institution. Students, alumni, faculty members, administrators and friends of the School of Law have raised the funds needed for this scholarship because they are convinced it will be worthwhile. The goals of the scholarship are:

To attract applicants with a proven track record of commitment to justice, who are likely to use their law degrees as advocates for justice.
To provide a high quality clinical legal education in a diverse and public interest-oriented environment.
To permit students to graduate dramatically less burdened by student loans, freeing them to chose jobs and careers in the fields of public interest, public policy and public service law.
And, to further raise the visibility of the UDC-DCSL as the nation's most diverse and best public service-oriented law school.

Advocates for Justice Scholarships Application Instructions

To apply for the Advocate for Justice Scholarship: 1) complete the Advocate for Justice Scholarship Application (.pdf); 2) provide a 500-750 word personal statement that is designed to persuade the Selection Committee that you have been an advocate for justice and will make use of your UDC David A. Clarke School of Law degree in furtherance of the interests of justice; 3) submit a current resume or vitae or biographical statement; and 4) while not required, you may submit a reference letter which supports your AJS application.

The Committee welcomes applicants to share information on specific legal career goals, if they have them. If applicants do not have a clearly developed practice area in mind, they should explain to the Committee what in their personal background and history demonstrates their values and/or proves their commitment to serving as an advocate for justice. The Committee is particularly interested in the applicant's having taken initiative, having applied creativity, having organized others, having participated in public discussion or debate, or in other activities working for justice.

More About UDC-DCSL

Commitment to Justice America’s Most Diverse Law School

America’s Most Comprehensive Hands-On Legal Education

Located in the Nation’s Capital Affordable Tuition Significant Scholarships

Law and Justice Community Service Program: All first year UDC-DCSL law students provide 40 hours of service to a DC non-profit, agency or judge - and build relationships, make valuable career connections, and learn much in the process!

Summer Public Interest Fellowship Program: After their first year, all UDC-DCSL students are eligible to receive a stipend for the full-time Summer Public Interest Fellowship at a non-profit, government or judicial office.

The Clinical Program: Beginning in the 2nd year, all UDC-DCSL students learn the law and legal practice by doing real work for clients under the watchful eye of seasoned attorney-law professors. Choices include clinics in Legislation, HIV/AIDS-related law, Juvenile Justice/Special Education, Whistleblower Protection, Housing, Low-Income Taxpayers, and Community Development & Small Business.

The Internship Program: After first semester second year, UDC-DCSL students can earn credit by doing internships at one of the hundreds of public interest law organizations and government agencies in the nation's capital!

Award Winning Faculty: UDC-DCSL's award-winning faculty members are experienced legal practitioners and deeply committed to public service. They include the former Chief Judge of the District's highest court, the former Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, the head of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, two recipients of the American Association of Law School's highest award for clinical education, two recipients of the DC Bar's top award for indigent advocacy and more!

Our Alumni: Over 40% of recent graduates have taken public interest/public service positions, working for non-profit and advocacy organizations, local state and federal government agencies, and in judges' chambers. Nearly half of our alumni are furthering the interests of justice by providing high-quality, sensitive legal service to paying, pro bono and "low bono" clients nationwide.

Commitment to Diversity: UDC-DCSL is one of only five fully American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law schools at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It has the sixth highest percentage of minority law students and the fifth highest percentage of African-American law students enrolled in the 192 ABA-accredited law schools. 64% of UDC-DCSL students are women. Princeton Review's Best 170 Law Schools: 2008 Edition ranked UDC-DCSL first in Most Left-Leaning Students, third in Most Welcoming of Older Students, sixth in Most Diverse Faculty, and tenth in Best Environment for Minority Students.

Generous Financial Aid Available: UDC-DCSL knows it can be difficult to be a public service lawyer if you graduate deeply in debt. At UDC-DCSL, the base tuition is low, and a wide variety of substantial scholarships as well as loans are available. If you are an excellent student, and your record reflects a sincere commitment to justice, you may be able to attend UDC-DCSL tuition-free as an Advocate for Justice Scholar.

Interested?
Join the AFJ contact list for occasional updates on the School of Law and the AFJ scholarship program!