Scholarships for Upper Division Students

• Range from partial to full-tuition scholarships.
• Scholarships are subject to the following terms and conditions:
  • Students are classified as second year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third year students upon the completion of 57 units.
  • In order to be eligible for a scholarship in the third year, students must have 1) completed the second year in three or fewer trimesters, and 2) have taken at least four required or California bar-tested courses of three or more credits, not including STEPPS, during their second year.
  • If students are found guilty of an honor code violation, scholarships may be revoked and may not be reinstated.
  • Scholarships only apply toward classes taken at CWSL.
• Applications are not required for academic merit scholarships, and it is not necessary to have demonstrated financial need.
• Academic Merit Awards will be determined no later than 10 days after grade release for the term the student becomes eligible.

The Dean’s Community Service and Leadership Scholarship recognizes students who engage as leaders and prioritize service to marginalized communities, including underserved or underrepresented populations. This is a competitive scholarship that requires an application. There are a number of awards offered to students each year. 

• Awards are for partial tuition.
• An application is required.
• The 2L scholarship is open to all students not currently receiving a full-tuition scholarship after the completion of their first year of study.
• The 3L scholarship is open to all students not currently receiving a full-tuition scholarship after the completion of their second year of study.
• Applications will be sent out to eligible students by email no later than 10 days after grade release for the term in which the student becomes eligible.

This award is granted to the highest-performing third-year student on the basis of academic achievement.

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship recognizes graduating students who have dedicated their time and effort in representing the school on an advocacy team in a manner which serves as an example of hard work, leadership, and overall development of advocacy skills.

The Moot Court Honors Board Program Director selects the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This award is a special recognition for achievement in the preparation of a student article. Named in honor of the founder of the California Western International Law Journal, this award recognizes excellence in writing, analysis, and contribution to international law.

The California Western International Law Journal selects the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This award is a special recognition for achievement in the preparation of a student article for the California Western Law Review. The award recognizes excellence in writing, analysis, and contribution to legal scholarship.

The California Western Law Review selects the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is presented to the outstanding third-year student who has accomplished the most laudable achievements in law school.  Selection is based on scholarship, service to the law school and other activities.

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is awarded to a second-year student who exhibits leadership qualities consistent with former founding Dean and President Robert K. Castetter. A typical recipient is a student who goes the extra mile and makes great contributions to the California Western campus community, while exhibiting the same leadership qualities as Dean Castetter.

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This award is presented to the graduating student who best exemplifies the scrupulous ethics and high ideals of the legal profession in academic, professional, and extracurricular activities.

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who has evidenced excellence in and commitment to the study of international law or comparative law.  

Faculty nomination for consideration by Special Committee. No Application required.

This award, given in honor of Erica Brown Gardner, ’01 recognizes those students who exhibit the skills, attitudes, and values of an exceptional mediator.

Mediation Clinic Professors select the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

These awards recognize those graduating students who have made significant and positive contributions to California Western through scholarship, service, and other contributions that enhance the reputation of the law school. 

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This award is presented to a graduating student(s) who demonstrates exemplary trial skills as defined by the Moot Court Honors Board faculty advisor.

The Moot Court Honors Board Program Director selects the nominee(s) for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is awarded to a second or third-year law student who exemplifies interest and promise in the areas of consumer law, consumer rights, and/or consumer advocacy. 

Application is required for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. Posting will be updated to include application when available.

This award recognizes the exceptional work of a second-year or third-year student in the field of international law. 

Faculty nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating student who intends to go into solo practice upon graduation. Preference is given to students who have been inducted into the CWSL Pro Bono or Public Service Honors Society.

Application is required for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. Posting will be updated to include application when available.

This award recognizes a graduating student who has displayed sterling character and unquestioned integrity coupled with ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and rule of law, and has demonstrated a history of commitment to issues of equity, equality and inclusion in the Southern California region.

The Career and Professional Development Office (CPDO) selects the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.  

This scholarship is awarded to a second or third year student who was born in the state of Hawaii, lived there for a minimum of 10 years and demonstrated commitment to service and spirit conveyed by native Hawaiian prover Kulia i ka nu’u (strive for the summit or highest point possible). 

Application is required for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. Posting will be updated to include application when available.

This award goes to the outstanding graduating student who has devoted him- or herself to the promotion of academic achievement in others. 

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is awarded to a second-year student who demonstrates an intent to protect and advance the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) individuals. 

Eligible student will be selected as part of the Dean's Community Service and Leadership Scholarships, detailed above. Scholarship recipient will be recognized at the Student Recognition Scholarships Event.

This award is presented to the graduating student who best demonstrates and inspires courage in others by his or her actions in the face of extreme difficulty. 

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship in honor of Professor Kerper recognizes the graduating student who has demonstrated the greatest interest and achievement in the area of criminal defense advocacy.

The Vice Dean selects the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is presented to the second-year student who has shown the greatest academic improvement in the first semester after their first-year studies.

Faculty / Department Head nomination for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.

This scholarship is awarded to a second-year student who, in addition to exhibiting academic excellence and great leadership skill, shows commitment to a democratic society consistent with equal rights under our State and Federal Constitutions, and who shows sensitivity and concern for human rights and the fair administration of justice. 

The Career and Professional Development Office (CPDO) selects the nominee for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. No Application required.  

This scholarship award recognizes a second or third-year law student who supports the mission of the Lawyers Club of San Diego to advance the status of women in law and society. The recipient is also ranked in the top 50% of their law school class.

Selected by the Lawyers Club of San Diego.

This scholarship recognizes a second or third-year law student who has shown community leadership and a commitment to providing services to underrepresented groups. 

Awarded by the Earl B Gilliam Bar Association at their annual dinner.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating student veteran who exhibited excellence, leadership and service to others and is intended to support bar preparation and success for student veterans.

Application is required for consideration by the Student Recognition Scholarships Committee. Posting will be updated to include application when available.

This scholarship is presented to second-year students who have shown the greatest academic improvement after their first-year studies.

Eligible student will be selected as part of the Dean's Community Service and Leadership Scholarships, detailed above. Scholarship recipient will be recognized at the Student Recognition Scholarships Event.