ABA LGBT Public Interest Scholarship

In 2019, the SOGI Commission announced the inauguration of the ABA SOGI LGBT Scholarship Program, which is aimed at recent law students and/or law school graduates studying for the Bar who are either LGBTQ+ or who will be working in the LGBTQ+ space doing public interest work which may include, but not be limited to, working for Community Based Organizations (“CBO’s”); Non-Governmental Organizations (“NGO’s); policy work in a governmental and/or non-governmental setting; doing academic research, teaching or the like; or any other type of program that helps to promote and protect the Rule of Law and the civil and human rights of LGBTQ+ persons.

The Scholarship will provide financial support to a first, second or third year law student, or recent law graduate to enable the student or recent law graduate to work in the LGBTQ+ public interest arena for the Summer/Fall of 2025.

One or more scholarships of up to $5,000 each will be awarded annually, subject to the availability of funds and the recommendation of the commission’s Scholarship Committee. The objective is to award

the first scholarship(s) in time for the recipient(s) to utilize the funds during Summer/Fall 2025.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Must be either a first or second or third year law student in good standing in an ABA accredited law school, or a recent law graduate from an ABA accredited law school still studying for the Bar Exam.

• Have a secured an internship or job for Summer 2025 (which may extend beyond the Summer) and/or the Fall of 2025 with a public interest organization engaged in legal or policy work with a direct impact on LGBTQ individuals.

Applicants will be evaluated on the strength of their complete application and all supporting materials, and demonstrated commitment to improve the legal and social standing of the LGBTQ community, including LGBTQ individuals. Every effort will be made to award three scholarships and to reflect diversity in the award recipients. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

All supporting materials will be uploaded with the application where indicated:

1) Current Resume

2) Law School Transcript

3) Personal Statement (Not exceeding 500 words)

4) Two Letters of Recommendation.

For more information on requirements, visit our website.