DC School of Law Foundation

SCHOLARSHIPS: During academic year 2022-23, the Foundation provided $469,907 to fund scholarships for 88 UDC Law students, including $73,952 for commercial bar course scholarships. Scholarships were awarded by UDC Law in varied amounts based on academic merit, personal accomplishments, and financial need. Scholarships benefit students by easing the financial burden of law school, allowing them to devote more time to their studies and, by reducing educational debt, increasing their future employment options. Scholarships benefit UDC Law by helping it to recruit and retain talented and public interest-oriented students. In turn, in addition to graduating effective and ethical future attorneys, UDC Laws emphasis on recruiting and enrolling students who belong to groups underrepresented at the bar benefits the legal profession by increasing its diversity.

BAR STUDY GRANTS: During fiscal year 2023, the Foundation provided $262,000 to fund bar study grants for 30 graduating UDC Law students participating in a structured bar study program. The bar study grant program serves to ease financial stressors and employment-related time commitments during the critical study period prior to the bar exam, combined with ongoing access to the academic guidance and structure necessary to maintain a successful study regimen.

SUMMER FELLOWSHIPS: In 2023, the Foundation provided $397,500 to fund fellowships for 53 UDC Law students participating in the Schools Summer Public Interest Fellowship Program. Fellows spend the summer semester in a not-for-profit public interest, governmental or judicial office, performing law-related work under the supervision of an attorney. In essays, students reflect on their experiences as a means of fostering their professional development. Through their summer placements, students build substantive expertise and commitment, make valuable professional contacts, and provide legal services to individuals, organizations and communities who otherwise could not afford a lawyer.