Criteria & Application

    LGBT Public Interest Scholarship Program

    The SOGI Commission is now accepting applications through
    April 28, 2023
     for the LGBT Public Interest Scholarship for Summer/Fall 2023.

    About the Scholarship

    • This scholarship is intended for law students and/or recent law school graduates studying for the Bar who are either LGBTQ+ or who will be working in the LGBTQ+ space doing public interest work.
    • 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.
    • One or more scholarships of up to $5000 each are awarded annually, subject to the availability of funds and the recommendation of the Commission’s Scholarship Committee. 

    Eligibilty Criteria

    Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 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.
    2. Have a secured an internship or job for Summer 2023 (which may extend beyond the Summer) and/or the Fall of 2023 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 two scholarships and to reflect diversity in the award recipients. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. .

    How to Apply

    • Complete online application form  here.  The link will bring you to a scholarship portal page. 
      Be sure to select the ABA LGBT Public Interest Scholarship 2023 box.
      Please read application instructions carefully.

    Supporting Materials Required

    * All supporting materials will be uploaded  to the application where indicated.

    1. Current Resume
    2. Law School Transcript
    3. Personal Statement (Not exceeding 500 words)
    4. Two Letters of Recommendation.

    Applications must be submitted by April 28, 2023 (COB)

    For additional inquiries, contact us at sogi@americanbar.org

    Scholarship Recipients' Page

    This page features LGBT Public Interest Scholarship recipients from 2019-2022. 

    Support our LGBT Scholars

    The scholarship program will help law students to pursue the promoting civil and human rights of LGBTQ persons and help  secure full and equal treatment in the legal profession and justice system.

    DONATE TODAY

    Your charitable gift is guaranteed to make a positive difference for LGBT law students and diversifying the legal profession.

    Make a charitable gift to the SOGI LGBT Scholarship Fund.