Paralegal and Legal Secretary Scholarships
Work in Law Without the Lawyer Headaches
It is a well-known fact that attorneys must amass a great deal of paperwork to make their cases. Without the help of paralegal professionals and legal secretaries, lawyers would never have time to sleep. Paralegals are trained to perform research, organize legal documents and even interview key individuals in a legal proceeding. Where there are attorneys, there will be paralegals.
Paralegal programs are offered through a variety of institutions. In some cases college and university paralegal programs require students to hold a four-year degree in any major. Programs from community colleges and through continuing education institutions only require high school diplomas to enroll. Make sure the program to which you are applying is accredited by the American Bar Association.
Professional Organization Scholarships
Part of the mission of most professional organizations is to support and encourage the education of the next gen members of their field. Paralegals are an integral part of the law industry and are supported by national and regional organizations. You may explore your regional chapter of paralegals for scholarship opportunities.
The premier professional organization for paralegals is the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. The NFPA annually sponsors the Thomson-West Scholarship which generously recognizes outstanding paralegal students who, besides academic excellence, are also able to craft well-written essays on a topic related to their field of study. Applicants must be student members of the NFPA to be considered. The companies of Thomson and West both specialize in providing "information integration" imperative to the legal industry. Scholarships have been up to $3500.
The American Association for Paralegal Education Scholarships are given annually to outstanding student-members. A part of every professional organization is the educational support of future professionals. Awards are $500.
Cleveland Association of Paralegals funds the Joy King Memorial Scholarship in memory of one of their colleagues. Students pursuing a paralegal program at an area school may qualify for $500 in scholarship money. Outstanding academics and an impressive essay are required.
College Scholarships
Hillsborough Community College outside Tampa administers the Tampa Legal Secretaries Association Scholarships. Qualified students may receive full tuition if they can demonstrate academic talent and commitment to the field.
The Paralegal Studies Program available through Cal State-Los Angeles offers a number of Latino students scholarships from the Law Offices of Manuel Hidalgo. Qualified students may receive partial tuition plus a small stipend for books. The Paralegal Program is part of the Extended Education program and provides a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Chippewa Valley Technical College in Wisconsin offers a wide range of professional education programs, including a paralegal program. Scholarships available to qualifying students include:
- Chippewa Falls Rotary Club Scholarships offer up to $300 to students in a business related track, including paralegals. Students must be local residents and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- A $100 scholarship is funded through the Joanne Dow Memorial Scholarship. The program is open to a business accounting or marketing student or paralegal, with preference given to those with a record of community involvement.
- The Cheryl Janke Memorial Endowment Scholarship awards outstanding students with a $500 scholarship.
Elgin Community College in Illinois sponsors the Judge Ernest Akemann Scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding law student or paralegal. Qualified applicants must be enrolled full-time and have at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered.
Paralegal Studies students enrolled at Roosevelt University in Chicago may be able to earn up to $3,000 in scholarship money. The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Awards are given to two winning student essays on topics related to the paralegal field. The university's paralegal program requires students to possess a previous Bachelors degree in any major.
Corporate Scholarships
The law firm of Warner, Norcross and Judd in Michigan annually awards three scholarships to students pursuing programs in law, paralegal or legal secretarial fields. The generous scholarships typically range between $1,000 and $5,000. Applicants must possess average GPAs and be a minority. Preference is given to those with financial need for the scholarship.
