Loans & Scholarships

Admissions Scholarships

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) seeks to make legal education attainable to both traditional and non-traditional students. At the time of an admissions decision, each successful applicant will automatically be reviewed for generous merit based scholarships. No further application should be submitted to be considered for the available merit-based scholarships. After a successful decision is received, incoming students may also apply for non-merit based scholarships. We welcome you to explore the available scholarships, funds, and tuition credits below to help finance your legal education. A list of outside scholarships that are unaffiliated with the Law School are also located on this page.

Questions regarding admissions scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions.

Ann Kimsey Scholarship


Ann Kimsey Scholarship
Each year, the Law School awards the Ann Kimsey Scholarship to entering 1L students that exhibit a strong academic record with exceptional character and leadership abilities. Scholarship recipients must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA at the conclusion of each academic semester and summer session of each academic year. Please note, if 2.5 GPA is not maintained at the conclusion of any academic semester or summer session, the scholarship is lost and will not be reinstated. Upon matriculation, the scholarship is applied to tuition and fees. The number of scholarships awarded each year will be determined by the Admissions Committee and the availability of funds.

Full-time student scholarships will be awarded and divided equally for the fall and spring semesters (no portion of the full-time student scholarship is awarded during the summer session). Part-time student scholarships will be awarded and divided over three terms: fall semester (37.5%), spring semester (37.5%) and summer session (25%). Part-time students must be enrolled in 6 credit hours during the summer session to receive the full summer session percentage of the scholarship award. Part-time students that retain the scholarship after the first and second academic semesters of any academic year, but take fewer than 6 credit hours during a summer session, will have an adjusted award based on the number of credit hours enrolled during the summer.

Please note, if a student switches from part-time to full-time enrollment, the scholarship award will not be adjusted to a full-time student scholarship. If a student switches from full-time to part-time, the scholarship will be adjusted downward to cover the same percentage of tuition as was covered as a full-time student. For example, if a student had a scholarship that covered 60% of his/her full-time tuition, the scholarship will be adjusted to cover 60% of the part-time tuition. Full-time enrollment means a student enrolled in 12 or more credits during any academic semester. Part-time enrollment means a student enrolled in 11 or fewer credits during any academic semester. Once a scholarship is adjusted it will remain as adjusted subject to remaining in satisfactory academic standing.

Dean’s Fellowship Scholarship


Dean’s Fellowship Scholarship
Each year, the Law School awards the Dean’s Fellowship Scholarship to exemplary incoming students. The scholarship is guaranteed as long as the recipient remains in satisfactory academic standing at the conclusion of each academic semester and summer session of each academic year. Please note, if satisfactory academic standing is not maintained at the conclusion of any academic semester or summer session, the scholarship is lost and will not be reinstated. Satisfactory academic standing means a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher at the completion of each academic semester or summer session. Books and fees are not included in the Dean’s Fellowship Scholarship award.

John E. Ryan Merit Scholarship


John E. Ryan Merit Scholarship
The John E. Ryan Merit Scholarship, in honor of the late Dean, was awarded to incoming students who exemplified his passion for education and the law profession. The Fall 2019 entering class was the last cohort to be extended this scholarship as it has now been replaced with updated and additional scholarships on this page. Remaining scholarship recipients must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA at the conclusion of each academic year to retain it. If the retention requirements are not met at the conclusion of any academic year, the scholarship is lost and will not be reinstated. For full-time students, the academic year ends after the spring semester. The academic year ends after the summer semester for part-time students. Upon matriculation, the scholarship is applied to tuition and fees. Conditional scholarship data may be found here.

John Marshall Scholarship


John Marshall Scholarship
Each year, we award the John Marshall Scholarship to exceptional incoming students. The scholarship is guaranteed as long as the recipient remains in satisfactory academic standing at the conclusion of each academic semester and summer session of each academic year. Please note, if satisfactory academic standing is not maintained at the conclusion of any academic semester or summer session, the scholarship is lost and will not be reinstated. Satisfactory academic standing means a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher at the completion of each academic semester or summer session.
Full-time student scholarships will be awarded and divided equally for the fall and spring semesters (no portion of the full-time student scholarship is awarded during the summer session). Part-time student scholarships will be awarded and divided over three terms: fall semester (37.5%), spring semester (37.5%) and summer session (25%). Part-time students must be enrolled in 6 credit hours during the summer session to receive the full summer session percentage of the scholarship award. Part-time students that retain the scholarship after the first and second academic semesters of any academic year, but take fewer than 6 credit hours during a summer session, will have an adjusted award based on the number of credit hours enrolled during the summer.
Please note, if a student switches from part-time to full-time enrollment, the scholarship award will not be adjusted to a full-time student scholarship. If a student switches from full-time to part-time, the scholarship will be adjusted downward to cover the same percentage of tuition as was covered as a full-time student. For example, if a student had a scholarship that covered 60% of his/her full-time tuition, the scholarship will be adjusted to cover 60% of the part-time tuition. Full-time enrollment means a student enrolled in 12 or more credits during any academic semester. Part-time enrollment means a student enrolled in 11 or fewer credits during any academic semester. Once a scholarship is adjusted it will remain as adjusted subject to remaining in satisfactory academic standing.

Tuition Credit

Alumni Referral Tuition Credit

The Alumni Referral Program rewards a one-time $500 tuition credit to accepted students who were referred to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School by one of its alumni. The tuition credit will be awarded to a student’s account following matriculation to the fall entering class. The credit is only applicable to incoming 1L students and may not be retroactively applied for after first semester billing. Please click here for the application.

Development and Alumni Relations Scholarships and Fellowships

The Development and Alumni Relations Office is pleased you are interested in applying for scholarships. Our donors give generously to AJMLS and the John Marshall Law School Foundation, Inc. to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses.

All inquiries related to the Development and Alumni Relations scholarships below should be directed to Wendy Aina, Chief Development Officer, at waina@johnmarshall.edu.

If you are a donor and would like to contribute to the scholarships below, please visit our Giving pages or contact Wendy Aina.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School offers merit-based, need-based, and service-based scholarships. All scholarships are contingent upon the availability of funds and are subject to revision.

DEADLINE for SPRING 2025 SCHOLARSHIPS (Part 2!):

Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST (5 AJMLS scholarships)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST (1 non-AJMLS scholarship)

Monday, March 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST (2 AJMLS scholarships, 1 non-AJMLS scholarship)

Once you apply, the application system will send you an automatic confirmation email with a copy of your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to individual requests for updates.

Please begin the application process:

  • Expand the scholarship tabs below to review the full list of scholarships. The scholarships specifically available for SPRING 2025 are outlined in your AJMLS email, noted below, and in this document. Not all scholarships are awarded every semester, please read carefully. Two scholarships are external and not affiliated with AJMLS, those will only be listed in the document, not below.
  • Review the application listings and determine which scholarships you are eligible to apply for. Links to applications, information about required essays, supplemental documentation, and letters of recommendation requirements are listed with each scholarship. Please review each scholarships listing carefully. An application link may not be visible if a particular scholarship is not accepting applications. A scholarship drop-down may have information regarding a prior semester’s application if it is not currently being offered.
  • Submit all information to complete your scholarship application(s) by deadlines given. You will receive an automatic email after you submit a scholarship application.

The Alumni and Donor Scholarship

ALUMNI AND DONOR SCHOLARSHIP

Deadline Monday, July 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST

The amount varies between $500 and $1,000 and can be used to cover tuition only.

Fall 2024 Application – ❌ Application is now closed (6/14/24), the scholarship funds have been awarded.

*This scholarship has a limited amount of funds and will be closed once we have reached capacity.*

Established in 2021, The Alumni and Donor Scholarship Fund was created through the generosity of an anonymous donor, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Law School. The purpose of the scholarship is to support incoming students who demonstrate academic success and a need for significant financial aid. 

To be considered for this highly competitive scholarship you must: 

  • Be accepted to AJMLS and have paid your seat deposit for Fall 2024 entry
  • Be an incoming first-year student
  • Be able to demonstrate academic success and a need for significant financial aid
  • Complete the AJMLS scholarship application as well as the FAFSA to determine eligibility

Important facts about this scholarship:

  • Scholarships could be awarded anywhere from $500.00 o $1,000.00  
  • The scholarships will be given on a first come, first-served basis so you are strongly advised to apply as soon as you have been admitted. 
  • Scholarships are for tuition only.
  • This scholarship has a limited amount of funds and the application will be closed once we have reached capacity. Receipt of an application does not guarantee funds are available.

American Cancer Society Scholarship

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP

Deadline Monday, July 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST

A $1500 amount will be awarded to two students annually and it can only be used to help cover tuition and mandatory fees.

Fall 2024 Application

American Cancer Society’s mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health provider by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from the disease, through research, education, advocacy, and service. Families who are faced with cancer undergo severe physical, psychological, and financial strain. Many graduate students who are fighting cancer must often interrupt their education and cannot work to save money for school or participate in extracurricular activities. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can be extremely debilitating, requiring extensive rehabilitation. Cancer survivors and care takers face so many challenges both emotionally and financially.

Graduate students who struggle with or succeed in their fight against cancer deserve assistance in their pursuit of a law education. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 8 million Americans have a history of cancer. Ambitious students who attend law school despite their health setbacks display impressive resolve. In an effort to acknowledge the wonderful generosity from the American Cancer Society to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, a scholarship has been created to provide additional assistance to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students who are battling or have battled cancer at any point in their life. This includes those students who have a parent, sibling, or immediate family member that has battled cancer or is currently fighting cancer.

Recipients will be selected by the scholarship committee based on a brief application process which will be based on the applicants’ personal hardship and financial need. The $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to two students annually, applied to tuition and fees only. Full-time and part-time 2L, 3L, and 4L students are eligible to apply

Andy Crawford Scholarship

ANDY CRAWFORD SCHOLARSHIP

Deadline Monday, July 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST

There is no application process for this scholarship. The student who meets the criteria will be notified.

The amount varies between $1000 and 3,000 and can only be used to help cover tuition and mandatory fees.

The Andy Crawford Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 by Pat Crawford to honor the memory of her son Andy Crawford, an AJMLS 1L student who passed away in 2010. Andy was a great friend, son, mentor, and he was a very generous and kind person. He loved being a law student and looked forward to building a career that reflected his desire to help others. This scholarship honors Andy’s memory by providing scholarships to deserving AJMLS students.

This scholarship is granted to a second-year law student who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement as they matriculate in the Fall semester at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

The amount varies between $1,000 and $3,000.

Aspiring Public Defender Scholarship *OPEN* Deadline March 18, 2025

Spring 2025 Application

Aspiring Public Defender Scholarship

Meaghan Eustice, Class of 2015, (Assistant Public Defender with the Atlanta Judicial Circuit Georgia Public Defender Council) believes that working as a public defender is one of the highest callings in the legal profession. She has created a scholarship for law students interested in pursuing a career as a public defender.

Criteria:

  • A 2L, 3L or 4L enrolled law student at AJMLS and who has expressed interest in a legal career as a public defender
  • Must have at least a 2.25 GPA or higher
  • Employed at a public defender’s office either through employment, internship, or mentorship
    • Pending employment through an internship for the summer is acceptable
  • Application requires a resume

To apply for this scholarship, you must answer the following question (500-word max)?

  • What do you see as the biggest difficulty facing Public Defenders and how do you believe you will overcome this in your practice?

The student must also provide one professional reference and/or one academic reference who can share the student’s passion about their interest in becoming a public defender.

*The $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to one student annually, applied to tuition and fees or via check to the student for school related expenses to a full-time or part-time 2L, 3L, and 4L students are eligible to apply. *

Bobby Lee Cook Scholarship

BOBBY LEE COOK SCHOLARSHIP

Deadline Monday, July 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST

The amount varies between $2,000 and $5,000 and can only be used to cover tuition and mandatory fees.

Fall 2024 Application

This scholarship was established by a very generous donation from attorney Bobby Lee Cook. Bobby Lee Cook was widely recognized for his career as a prominent trial attorney and his representation in high profile criminal trials. This scholarship is intended to provide scholarship support to qualifying AJMLS students. 

To be considered for this highly competitive scholarship you must: 

  • Be a rising third-year law student, enrolled in the Fall 2024 semester
  • Can be either a part-time or full-time student
  • Must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Be in good academic standing   
  • Must have a demonstrated need for financial aid

Important facts about this scholarship:

  • Scholarships could be awarded anywhere from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00.  
  • Preference will be given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to practice law in Georgia and will use their legal training and skills to benefit the traditionally underserved communities.

Essay Requirement:

The application requires two essays. The essay prompts are as follows:

(1) Outline how you will give back to the state of Georgia after graduation?

(2) And highlight what you have done to assist those who are underrepresented?

Dean Gatewood Academic Excellence Scholarship

Dean’s Academic Excellence Scholarship

There is no application process for this scholarship. The student who meets the criteria will be notified.

Established by Dean Jace Gatewood

The Dean’s Academic Excellence Scholarship was established to recognize and reward outstanding
performance of a rising 2L student in the Fall of 2024.

It is a merit-based scholarship requiring a GPA of 3.2 or above. The scholarship acknowledges excellence
not only in academic achievements but also in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community
service, and other endeavors demonstrating exceptional performance beyond the classroom.

Criteria:

Available for a rising 2L enrolled law student at AJMLS, who has successfully completed their
first year of law school.

The student can be either full-time or part-time.

Must have a 3.2 or higher GPA.

Show excellent professional and personal skills evidenced through work experience and/or
extracurricular activities.

This is a renewable scholarship, on a per semester basis as long as the student maintains a cumulative
3.2 or above GPA, they will remain eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship is subject to change
depending on funding and availability.

Scholarship Award:

If the student meets the criteria and is a full-time student, they will receive up to $5,000.00 per
semester of eligibility to begin at the start of their 2L year (fall and spring semester only.)

If the student meets the criteria and is a part-time student, they will receive up to $2,500.00 per
semester of eligibility to begin at the start of their 2L year (fall and spring semester only.)
Final Year of Law School:

If the student is in their final two semesters of law school and has maintained a 3.2 or higher
GPA and their class rank is either number 1 or number 2 tuition will be paid in full for each
semester of eligibility.

*The amount awarded to the student will automatically be applied if the student meets the criteria towards the tuition and fees only.

A full-time student is a student enrolled in 12-16 credit hours. A part-time student is a student enrolled in 7-11credit hours.

Fry | Goehring Scholarship

Fry | Goehring Scholarship

Randy Fry, Class of 1999 (Distinguished Alumni and former President of the AJMLS Alumni Association) is the founding partner of the Fry | Goehring Law Firm. Gulliana Goehring, Class of 2021, is the Managing Partner and Trial Attorney. The Fry | Goehring Law Firm is the proud sponsor of the student lockers at AJMLS and believes that providing access and opportunities for law students will help them reach their full potential.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student annually, applied to tuition and fees or via check to the student for school related expenses. Full-time and part-time 1L, 2L, 3L, and 4L students are eligible to apply.

Georgia Bar Success Endowed Award *OPEN* Deadline December 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Application

Georgia Bar Success Endowed Award

Established in 2022, the Georgia Bar Success Endowed Award was created by Chairman, Dr. Michael Markovitz, to provide support for students at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School who are about to take the Georgia Bar Exam and to provide the best chance at passing the bar. This award will cover the cost of the bar application and bar exam preparation which can include fingerprints fees, driving records(s), and other fees associated with the Georgia Bar Exam. This award will be given to two students annually.

The Gorinshteyn & Watkins LLC Law Journal Fellowship

The Gorinshteyn & Watkins LLC Law Journal Fellowship

The Gorinshteyn & Watkins LLC Law Journal Fellowship, established in 2023 between Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) and Gorinshteyn & Watkins LLC, provides financial support to the AJMLS Law Journal. This fellowship not only offers an annual stipend for the Editor in Chief but also contributes annually to the Law Journal’s general support fund. Named in honor of Attorney Tyler Watkins (Class of 2017) and Attorney Michael Gorinshteyn (Class of 2014) the donors and this fellowship embody a commitment to excellence in legal scholarship and foster innovative leadership within the Law Journal

John Ryan Endowed Scholarship *OPEN* Deadline December 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Application

John Ryan Endowed Scholarship

Please note this scholarship differs from the admissions merit scholarship of the same name. Scholarships awarded from this fund will go to benefit out-of-state students.

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School student who relocated from out-of-state to attend law school at AJMLS.
  • Has completed at least one year of law school.
  • Can be either a part-time or full-time student.
  • Have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA.

Essay requirement: The application requires one essay question. The essay prompt is as follows:

1. Please explain why you believe you should be selected for this scholarship.

*Suggested length is 200 words.

The amount varies between $1,000 and $2,500 and can be used to cover tuition or other school fees.

This fund has been established to honor the late Dean Emeritus John E. Ryan. Scholarships awarded from this fund will go to benefit out-of-state students. The recipients will be chosen based on their potential to carry out the mission of the law school and succeed academically. John E. Ryan was known for leading AJMLS to Provisional ABA Approval in 2005. He was well known for this quote, “Raise the bar, and the students will rise to it”. This scholarship is open for students who meet the above listed criteria and who have exhibited moral character, grit, and intelligence.

John Marshall Law School Foundation Scholarship

JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The amount varies between $1,500 and $3,000 and can be used to cover tuition and mandatory fees.  

The mission and purpose of the John Marshall Law School Foundation, Inc., is to provide financial support, by means of funded scholarships and fundraising activities, to law students attending AJMLS, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or underserved communities, and who show promise of succeeding in law school and who otherwise would not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals.

To be considered for this highly competitive scholarship you must: 

  • Can be either a 2L, 3L, or 4L enrolled in the Fall 2024 semester
  • Can be either a part-time or full-time student
  • Must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Be able to demonstrate a need for significant financial aid

Important facts about this scholarship:

  • Scholarships could be awarded anywhere from $1,500.00 to $3,000.00.  
  • Preference will be given to a first-generation student and those who demonstrate the qualities that will make a successful attorney. This includes responsibility, honor, and service.
  • Preference will be given to student leaders.

Essay Requirement:

The application requires one essay question and one optional question. The essay prompts are as follows:

  • Outline the qualities of what makes a successful attorney? (Required)
  • Tell us about your experiences as a student leader? (Optional)

Judge G. Alan Blackburn Scholarship

Judge G. Alan Blackburn Scholarship

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School student enrolled in the Spring 2022 semester.
  • Must be a 1L student.
  • This is a need-based scholarship.
  • Must be a full-time student.
  • Preference is given to students who are interested in public interest law and who are volunteering or serving in any area of public interest.
    • Please upload a letter of recommendation from a supervisor on organization or company letterhead. *Not required*

Essay requirement: The application requires one essay question. The essay prompt is as follows:

  1. Outline and detail your need for scholarship support. Why do you need a scholarship?

Suggested length is 200 words.

The amount varies between $500 and $1,000 and can only be used to help cover tuition and mandatory fees.

This fund was established by the late Judge G. Alan Blackburn’s family in his honor. After serving four years on active duty in the United States Air Force, returned to Atlanta, and entered Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and later received his LL.M. degree from the Virginia School of Law. He engaged in private practice for twenty years and served as Administrative Law Judge for the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, before being elected to the Court of Appeals in 1992. He was a member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia Association of Administrative Law Judges, the American Bar Association, State Bar of Georgia, and the Cobb County Bar Association.

Melissa Hamrick Scholarship *OPEN* No application process

Melissa Hamrick Scholarship

There is no application process for this scholarship. The student who meets the criteria will be notified.

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School student enrolled in the Spring 2024 semester.
  • Must be a part-time student.
  • Top 4th ranked student of the part-time division.

The amount varies between $1,500 and $2000 and can only be used to cover tuition and mandatory fees.

This fund was established to honor the memory of the late Melissa Hamrick, an Atlanta’s John Marshall law student who passed away in January 2009 from leukemia. Melissa was smart, funny, and witty. Although she was a student for only a short time, her adventurous spirit touched many at the law school. This scholarship fund was established by her classmate, Tracie Henderson (’10). Each fall, “every penny” in the fund is awarded to a deserving student in the form of a scholarship. Contact Wendy Aina at waina@johnmarshall.edu.

Merchant & Gould Scholarship *OPEN* Deadline December 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Application

Merchant & Gould Scholarship

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School student enrolled in the Spring 2024 semester.
  • Can be either a part-time or full-time student.
  • Must identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group
  • Must be a student in good academic standing with an interest in IP law.
  • Preference is given to students who are interning/externing, volunteering or serving in any area of IP law.
    • Please upload a letter of recommendation from a supervisor on organization or company letterhead.  *Not required*

Essay requirement: The application requires two essay questions. Essay prompts are as follows:

  1. Please outline your interest in IP Law. Discuss your passion and preparation to practice IP Law.

*This is a two-part essay question. Suggested length is 500 words.

  • Please explain why you believe you should be selected for this scholarship.

*Suggested length is 200 words.

The amount varies between $2,500 and $5,000 and can be used to cover tuition or other school fees.

Merchant & Gould P.C., a national intellectual property law firm with clients in the Southeast region, is proud to sponsor a scholarship for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students seeking a career in intellectual property law and coming from diverse backgrounds. In addition to providing financial support, the firm wants to create opportunities and experiences for the next generation of IP attorneys. A cash gift of $5,000 merit aid shall be awarded for the law schools’ student(s) selection per year. The scholarship will be awarded in the spring of each year.

The McCloud Law Firm Award

THE MCCLOUD LAW FIRM AWARD

A $2,500 amount will be awarded to two students annually who are in their final year of law school to help cover bar exam costs.

A $2,500 amount will be awarded to three students annually who are in their final year of law school to help cover bar exam costs.

The McCloud Law Firm Award will be awarded to a law student who identifies as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group and is in their final year of study to aid in preparation for the bar exam. This award will be given directly to the student and the purpose is to help defray the costs associated with the exam.

The items taken into consideration are the following:

  • Financial need
  • Academic achievement
  • Community service and leadership experience
  • Extenuating circumstances in pursuit of a law degree
  • First-generation student status

Criteria Requirements (You must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

  • The student must have filed a petition to graduate with and received a degree audit from the Office of the Registrar.
  • The student must have filed an application for certification of fitness to practice law application during the regular fitness application filing period and provide proof of receipt.
  • This student must have a financial need.
  • The student must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
  • The student must identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
  • The student must be either a 3L or 4L and in their final year of law
    school.

Essay Requirement:

The application requires one essay question. The essay prompts are as follows:

  • In 500 words or less – How do you intend to use your law degree to serve communities that are traditionally underserved? (Required)

This award will cover the cost of the bar application and bar exam preparation which can include fingerprint fees, driving record(s) fees, and other expenses associated with the Georgia Bar Exam.

Fees Associated with the Bar Exam:

  • GA Bar Fitness Application Fee – $400.00
  • GA Bar Examination Application Filing Fees (Two-Day Exam Application) – $442.00
  • Additional fees may apply, such as fingerprint fees, driving record fees, miscellaneous fees, and supplemental bar prep materials.

This award provides three 3L students with a $2,500.00 award in their final year of study.

Patent Law Scholarship *OPEN* Deadline December 15, 2024

Spring 2025 Application

PATENT LAW SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will reimburse Patent Bar Exam fees for two students up to $500.00 who is a member of an underrepresented racial and ethnic group who is exploring a career in IP law.

This scholarship will reimburse Patent Bar Exam fees for two students up to $500.00 who is a member of an underrepresented racial and ethnic group who is exploring a career in IP law.

Eligibility:

See guidelines for criteria for the Patent Bar Exam: https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/OED_GRB.pdf

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

● A 2L, 3L or 4L enrolled student at AJMLS and has exemplified excellence in Intellectual Property academic studies
● Minimum 2.5 GPA
● Qualified to take the US Patent Bar
● Interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property law and has participated as a leader in intellectual property-related student activities for consideration
● The student must have registered for the exam and provide a receipt of payment with this application

If you meet all of the criteria listed above, complete the application.

Essay requirement:
To apply for this scholarship, you must answer the following question (1000-word max):
● Describe your interest and aspirations in patent law.

Additional requirement:
The student must also provide one professional reference and/or one academic reference who can share the student’s passion for Intellectual Property.

*This scholarship can be awarded for up to 2 students annually. *

The Plugs Lawyer Scholarship

The Plugs Lawyer Scholarship

Tiffany Simmons, Class of 2009, is known for her dedication to justice and community empowerment. Recognized as ‘The Plugs Lawyer’ Tiffany has built a successful legal career, connecting and uplifting others through her expertise. To support future legal professionals, she established The Plugs Lawyer Scholarship, which offers financial support to law students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive community impact.

The mission of The Plugs Lawyer brand is to increase the representation of Black female attorneys from 1.78% to 5% by 2025. The scholarship provides financial assistance to law students who demonstrate:

  • Financial need
  • Academic performance (minimum GPA of 2.5)
  • Community service and leadership
  • Extenuating circumstances

Eligible students must be in their 2L year, and this scholarship is intended for underrepresented students. The application requires a 500-word essay responding to one of two prompts:

  1. How will receiving The Plugs Lawyer Scholarship contribute to your success in law school?
  2. Describe a challenge you faced as a law student and how you overcame it. How has this prepared you to contribute to the legal profession?

Renata Turner Award *OPEN* Deadline March 18, 2025

Spring 2025 Application

Renata Turner Award

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School student enrolled in the Spring 2024 semester.
  • Can be either a part-time or full-time student.
  • Secure a public interest position for the 2024 summer semester.
  • Must be a student in good academic standing.
  • Open to all AJMLS Law students.
  • Preference is given to students who have pro-bono and non-profit organization work and who are serving persons of limited means or work that enhances the capacity of a non-profit to promote justice.
    • Please upload a letter of recommendation from a supervisor on organization or company letterhead. *Not required*

Essay requirement: The application requires one essay question. The essay prompt is as follows:

  1. Please explain why you believe you should be selected for this scholarship.

The amount varies between $2,000 and $4,000 and can be used to cover tuition or other expenses associated with their pro bono service.

The Public Interest Law Society presents an annual award to selected Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students who have demonstrated a passion and a commitment to public interest legal work. The Renata Turner Award is designed to help students with the costs of performing unpaid public interest legal work over the summer. A blind panel of professors will select the award recipients based on the applications. Recipients will be announced at the annual PILS Auction. Please note that the amount of money awarded is contingent upon what is raised at the auction and other donations. The Renata Turner Public Interest Award is not compensation for work performed, but rather an award for a commitment and dedication to the community. Award recipients are permitted to receive academic credit for work performed at the student’s summer placement.

S. Bradley Houck Memorial Scholarship

S. BRADLEY HOUCK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The amount varies between $2,000 and $4,000 and can only be used to cover tuition and mandatory fees.

S. Bradley Houck was born and raised in a small coal-mining town in Mullens, West Virginia. He attended Marshall University and graduated with honors in 1993 earning a BA degree in Criminal Justice. Brad attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia graduating with the highest honor and Valedictorian of his class in 1997. After law school, Brad worked with attorneys, Tommy Malone, and Adam Malone, handling catastrophic personal injury cases, and serving as second chair at trial for both Malones. After starting his law firm in 2003, Brad served as lead counsel in dozens of cases involving personal injury and medical malpractice. Brad is survived by his lovely wife and two children.

Criteria (you must meet all of the listed criteria to apply):

Volunteer experience is an experience you perform without pay. Your volunteer experience should be a formal experience you’ve had with a non-profit organization.

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School student enrolled in the Fall 2024 semester.
  • Can be either a part-time or full-time student.
  • Must have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA
  • Must be a 3L student.
  • Upload the Community Service Letter from the non-profit organization supervisor in which you have volunteer experience with the other required materials.

Essay requirement:

The application requires TWO essay questions. Essay prompts are as follows: Choose from one of the following.

First Essay Question

  1. Please describe a significant volunteer experience you have had within the last three years. How did this experience better the life of others?
  2. Describe a civic/community service project in which you have been involved that you believe may be scaled to greater benefit. In doing so, focus primarily on how that scaling could be achieved.

*This is a two-part essay question. Suggested length is 500 words*

Second Essay Question

  1. Please outline and detail your need for scholarship support. How will this scholarship support your journey of becoming an attorney?

*This is a two-part essay question. Suggested length is 200 words. *

The amount varies between $2,000 and $4,000 and can only be used to cover tuition and mandatory fees.

TL4JGA Future Trial Lawyer Scholarship

TL4JGA Future Trial Lawyer Scholarship

Are you a law student with a burning passion for criminal law or personal injury representation? Attorneys Joseph Wilson and Nick Rowley from Wilson Rowley, LLC (d/b/a Trial Lawyers for Justice – Georgia) have established a scholarship just for you!

Scholarship Value: $7,500.00 for one student

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a 2L, 3L or 4L.
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation.
  • Attend the company holiday party (Wilson Rowley, LLC (d/b/a Trial Lawyers for Justice – Georgia) on November 30th (Details will be shared with the scholarship recipient).

To apply, submit a compelling 2-page write-up showcasing your:

  • Relevance to Law
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Leadership in Law
  • Community Involvement
  • Vision and Motivation

Outside Scholarships

The Law School also encourages students to research outside scholarship opportunities. Free scholarship listings can be found on the internet at www.fastweb.com.

In addition, click here for a listing of more law school specific external scholarships. You must be logged into your AJMLS account to access the link. By posting here funding opportunities that have been provided to it, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in no way endorses or declares affiliation, sponsorship, or partnerships with these funding resources. As with material on a bulletin board, postings are periodically reviewed and refreshed.

Loans

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School students are eligible to receive Title IV aid from the Department of Education. The AJMLS School Code is: G31733. Students may apply for Federal Student loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via FAFSA on the WEB at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This may be done beginning January 1 of each year. In order to ensure the student’s aid package is completed prior to the beginning of each fall, the student will need to complete the FAFSA by June 1 of each year. Students will need to have his or her taxes completed in order to better assist the student with the completion of the FAFSA. All students who complete the FAFSA are eligible to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The maximum amount that a student is eligible to receive in the Direct Unsubsidized Loan each year is $20,500 based on the information received from the FAFSA. Further information may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Students may also apply for alternative loans to assist with educational expenses. A co-signer may not be required if the student is an ineligible borrower. Further details of the alternative loans available can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Click here to find more information on student loans.

Private Loan Funding

It is important to consider federal student loans before you take out a private student loan because there are differences in interest rates, repayment options, and other features.

Understanding Private Student Loans

Private student loans are different from Federal Direct Stafford Loans. A private education loan is a non-federal education loan, through a private lender typically issued in the student’s name and may require a cosigner.

They are credit-based. That means the lender will review your creditworthiness—your ability and willingness to repay—before making the loan.

Your interest rate is based on several factors. How you’ve managed your credit (money you’ve borrowed and repaid) in the past and what loan terms and options you choose are considered.

You have options. Most private student loans are taken out by the student (usually with a creditworthy cosigner).

You can choose different ways to pay. Some private student loans offer different repayment options (including making payments while in school) which can help reduce your interest rate and/or total loan cost.

Before applying for a private student loan, remember that regardless of whether you actually graduate from school or not, you need to pay back student loans. Defaulting on a student loan can have a negative impact on your credit health.

Who May Apply for Private Education Loans

Currently enrolled students who need additional funds and have NOT received financial aid up to the Cost of Attendance (COA), may apply for a private education loan.

Currently enrolled students who are not eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Loans due to having received the aggregate lifetime Stafford Loan limit amount of $138,500 or students who have not been approved for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans and have not been awarded other aid up to the Cost of Attendance may apply for a private education loan. For students that have been denied the Graduate PLUS loan due to credit issues, applying for a private loan does not guarantee an automatic approval, as
your credit will be reviewed and checked for loan approval.

International students who are non-U.S. citizens may apply for private loan funding, however you must apply using a credit-worthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen.

Note: A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required to apply for a
private education loan.

Private Education Loan Lenders

Each lender has different eligibility requirements, interest rates, repayment terms and conditions. You must review the eligibility criteria for each lender after selecting the FastChoice link below. To search and apply for private education loan options and terms visit by clicking FastChoice.

Bar Study Loans

Upcoming December and May graduates may apply for Bar Study Loans. Once approved, the loan funds will be disbursed directly to you. AJMLS will not receive any funds for those approved for bar study loans. Only upcoming graduates and recent graduates may apply for bar study loans. AJMLS will be notified of all bar study loan requests and we will verify your graduation date prior to certifying your loan. The Office
of Financial Aid will not certify bar study loan requests for any students that are not upcoming or recent graduates.

JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund)

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is currently partnered with JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) for private funding. JELF is a non-profit organization that offers INTEREST FREE private loan funding to you. You may apply at https://jelf.org/loans/app/. There are specific application periods to apply.

Sallie Mae Materials

Sallie Mae Bar Study Information

Sallie Mae Bar Study FAQ

Sallie Mae Law School Loan Student Information

Installment Plan

The law school provides an installment payment program for the payment of tuition and fees over a specified number of months within the semester. To participate in the installment program, students must submit an application and $75 application fee during the registration period.

Notification of Awards and Disbursement of Funds

Students who are determined eligible for financial aid will receive an award letter at the beginning of the academic year informing them of the amount and type of aid they will receive each semester. Student awards may consist of a combination of Institutional Scholarships and Federal Direct Student Loans.

The Office of Financial Aid assumes students will accept all financial aid offered, including student loans, unless the student notifies the office to remove or adjust the offered aid prior to disbursement. Disbursement of financial aid will occur no earlier than 10 days following the add/drop period of each semester. The Office of Financial Aid bases all initial award amounts on full-time (15 credit hours) or part-time (9 credit hours) enrollment. For students who are enrolled less than full-time or part-time, some awards may be prorated or canceled at the time of disbursement.

Your enrollment status will be frozen at its highest level each semester after the add/drop period and will be the basis of your Cost of Attendance. You must maintain a half-time enrollment status (4 credit hours) in order to receive your financial aid awards. Federal Direct Loan funds are paid in a single disbursement during the loan period.

New federal regulations require that if you receive a loan and withdraw from all of your classes, you may owe money to the Federal Student Loan programs or the law school. Note: If you withdraw after 60 percent of your attendance in a semester, you will not be required to return any of your loan funds (Please see the Terms and Conditions policy regarding Return of Title IV funds).

In order to receive financial aid disbursements in a timely manner, please be sure that your correct payment information and address is in our computer system at least 10 days prior to the disbursement date. Please notify the Registrar’s Office of changes of address and please notify the Student Accounts of changes of bank account information as soon as possible.

The above information is subject to change as required by new Federal or Institutional policies and regulations.