Eligibility
I am not a U.S. citizen, am I eligible to apply?
Undocumented students, DACA students, and U.S. resident students are encouraged to apply. Unfortunately, international students outside or inside the U.S. are ineligible to apply.
Are students applying to LLM or Master's programs eligible?
No, only those seeking a J.D. should apply for LOSF.
Is the scholarship open to 2L and 3L students?
No, the scholarship is open to applicants who will be entering their first year of law school in the fall of the application cycle
Do I need an LSAT score?
We do not request LSAT, GRE, or other allowable law school entrance exam scores for the application. Assuming the law school you attend has received one of those variances, you would not be excluded.
Transcript
Are unofficial transcripts accepted?
Yes, the Selection Committee accepts either official or unofficial transcripts.
Personal Statement
What is the word limit for the personal statement?
Please limit your personal statement to 1,000 words.
What should I include in my personal statement?
Your personal statement is your opportunity to include information that the application form does not convey and that you feel will assist us in reaching a thoughtful decision on your application. Examples of such information include a description of your personal strengths, your contributions through community service, service to or on behalf of your family, growth through your past work, a description of any special or unusual circumstances that may have affected your academic performance, or your personal and family history of educational or socio-economic disadvantage. While this list is not all-inclusive, we offer you the opportunity to consider the types of information that may be useful in evaluating your application.
Letters of Recommendation
According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), "the most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and potential with candor, detail, and objectivity. Letters that compare you to your academic peers are often the most useful.” LSAC also warns against “general, unreservedly praiseworthy letters.”
Can I use the letters from my law school applications?
Yes.
How can I submit my letters of recommendation?
There are 2 methods for submitting the required letters of recommendation. Applicants can upload the letters with their application via the scholarship platform. Or applicants can input their recommenders' email, and the recommender will receive the link to upload the letter. It is the recommender's responsibility to add the letter before the deadline.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
The minimum number of letters required is 2. The Selection Committee will read up to 4 letters.
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
The Selection Committee recommends that a mix of recommendation letters be submitted. Letters can be written by academic professors, past/current employers, community leaders, etc.
Whom should the letters of recommendation be addressed to?
Letters of recommendation can be addressed to the ABA LOSF Selection Committee.
Financial Information
Do I need to submit my FASFA information or my parents' tax forms?
No, we ask that you answer the financial questions within the application form. You will be asked to enter the information from the tax forms, but not asked to upload them.
I only have financial information for one parent, can I still apply?
Yes. The application form will allow you to indicate that you only have information for one parent, with a space to explain. To proceed with the application, please provide 0 values for the parent for who you do not have information.
Additional Materials
Am I required to submit additional materials? If so, what should I provide?
No. That section is a catch-all for additional information not captured in the application. Please do not upload your resume.
Timeline
When are applications accepted?
The application cycle typically opens in February and closes in April. Applications are not accepted outside of the application cycle.
When will I hear news on my application?
The ABA LOSF Selection Committee consists of volunteer legal professionals. We make every effort to go through the review process as quickly as possible to inform applicants. Please do not email inquiring about the status of your application. We will contact applicants directly when the review process is complete.
Questions can be sent to [email protected] and [email protected].