Dr. J. Clay Smith Jr. Scholarship for the Advancement of the Legal Profession
Offered by Foundation of the Federal Bar Association
About This Scholarship
The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association named this scholarship for Dr. J. Clay Smith Jr., the late Howard University law dean, prolific scholar of Black legal history, and former FBA national president. True to his legacy, the award goes to a first-year law student who has overcome hardships or disadvantages on the way to law school, with the goal of ensuring equal opportunity in the legal profession.
The award is substantial for a bar foundation scholarship: $15,000, disbursed over the three years of law school, plus a complimentary FBA student associate membership that plugs the recipient into the federal practice community from day one. Selection turns on the high character and professionalism demonstrated across the application materials rather than on grades alone.
Applicants must be enrolled first-year students at an accredited law school. The application is submitted online and includes a personal essay, a college transcript, verification of law school enrollment, and two letters of recommendation. The deadline falls on November 1 — early in the 1L fall semester, so interested students should line up recommenders over the summer.
Eligibility
- First-year law student at an accredited law school
- Has overcome hardships or disadvantages in pursuing legal education
- Two letters of recommendation and verification of law school enrollment required
How To Apply
- Submit the online application on the Foundation of the FBA website by November 1, including a personal essay, your college transcript, verification of law school enrollment, and two letters of recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the $15,000 paid out?
The scholarship is disbursed over the recipient's three years of law school, and the winner also receives a complimentary Federal Bar Association student associate membership.
Who was Dr. J. Clay Smith Jr.?
Dr. Smith was a former dean of Howard University School of Law, a leading scholar of African American legal history, and a past national president of the Federal Bar Association. The scholarship advances his commitment to equal opportunity in the legal profession.
Can 2L or 3L students apply?
No. This award is reserved for first-year law students; upper-level students should look at the foundation's Robert A. McNew Law Student Scholarship instead.