Scholarship Opportunities

Need-Based Scholarships

The priority application deadline is May 1, 2013 for all grants and scholarships.

Each year, the law school awards a limited number of need-based grants to full-time students from funds provided by private donors. Applying for law school need-based grants is a one-step process. Simply file a Need Access application online at Access Group. There is a $28 processing fee for new applicants and a $15 fee for renewals.

All applicants for law school need-based grants must also either provide parental information or sign the Certification of Financial Independence. Applicants who were claimed as dependents during the most recent tax year must provide parental information. By filing the Need Access application, you will be considered for all law school grants for which you are eligible.

Merit Scholarships

No application is necessary for most merit-based grants. Your application to the UNM School of Law will be evaluated automatically for merit awards. Awards are based on test scores, grades, academic achievements, recommendations and extracurricular and community involvement. Due to UNM’s very reasonable tuition rates, the cost of attending the UNM School of Law remains low. Accordingly, the number of merit-based awards is limited.

Need-based and merit grants are possible due to the generosity of our donors. A list of donors of grant funds is available at Donor List.

Contact Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid Jeffery Dubinski-Neessen if you have any questions about Need-based or Merit-based awards.

Scholarships that Require Separate Application

Scholarship Deadline Extension – The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is pleased to announce that we have extended the deadline for the following scholarship opportunities.

  • Captain Richard L. Klein Fund
  • Joseph J. Mullins Scholarship
  • New Mexico Black Lawyers Association Cochran Award
  • Ray M. Vargas, II Endowed Scholarship for Aspiring Trial Lawyers
  • Richard Gonzales Employment and Labor Law Scholarship
  • Robert E. and Ann Simms Clark Scholarship
  • Rudolf & Betty Schware Scholarship in Labor Law

The extended deadline is Friday, July 26th. Please follow the application instructions below to apply for one or more of these opportunities.

Each scholarship requires a letter of interest explaining why an individual should be selected, an unofficial transcript accompanied by a transcript release form and a resume. Please see the descriptions below for specific criteria. Scholarship application materials should be submitted to the law school Admission and Financial Aid Office by email to admissions@law.unm.edu.

Captain Richard L. Klein Fund

The Captain Richard L. Klein Scholarship was established at the law school in memory of Richard L. Klein, a 1971 graduate. To apply, a student must submit an unofficial law school transcript (first-year students submit undergraduate transcripts) with release form, a resume and a cover letter explaining why he/she is best qualified to receive the scholarship. In addition, the following criteria must be met: demonstrate financial need, be enrolled as a full-time student and be an active or former member of the United States Marine Corps.

Carlos F. Vigil Scholarship Fund

Carlos F. Vigil was an attorney who had an extraordinary sense of justice and commitment to the defense of those persons who most needed caring and effective representation in the courts of law. He served the poor, the impoverished and the most helpless members of the community, assisting many people for little or no compensation.

To apply, a student must submit a law school transcript (first-year applicants submit undergraduate transcripts), a resume detailing his/her experience, and a cover letter (1,000 words maximum) explaining why he/she is best qualified to receive the scholarship according to the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated commitment upon graduation and during law school, to the extent possible, to provide legal services (primarily, but not limited to, criminal defense) to low-income New Mexico Hispanics;
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the history, culture and social customs of northern New Mexico Hispanic communities;
  • Demonstrated commitment in the past to serving the low-income Hispanic community through civic, educational, or community organizations or employment;
  • A well-rounded undergraduate experience, academic proficiency and financial need.

Esteban Aguilar Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Esteban A. Aguilar scholarship is a $5000.00 scholarship to be awarded annually in the Fall to a third-year law student who has demonstrated interest and excellence in the area of trial practice. Academic achievement in related subjects of evidence, trial practice, civil procedure, pre-trial practice, client counseling and/or professional responsibility should be demonstrated and will be considered. It is understood that not all applicants will have taken all of these courses. The student may also have participated in mock trial competition. Applicants who have participated in mock trial competition(s) should indicate that in their application.

The Jackson Lewis Scholarship in Workplace and Labor Law

The Jackson Lewis Scholarship in Workplace and Labor Law will provide one scholarship annually valued at $5,000.00 to be awarded to a student who has demonstrated an interest in, or an aptitude for, employment or labor law, preferably to someone who is underrepresented in the profession. Jackson Lewis LLP, is one of the nation's leading labor and employment law firms and has initiated a national scholarship program, attached to cities where they maintain offices, to reward students who focus on the practice of workplace and labor law. The scholarship is designed to encourage student interest in, and raise awareness of, the field of workplace and labor law.

James Quinn Memorial Scholarship

The James Quinn Memorial Scholarship includes an award of $1,000 during the recipient's first year of enrollment at the UNM School of Law.  Applicants should demonstrate commitment to pursuing conservation and sustainability through environmental law.  The applicant should show strong potential to make outstanding contributions to the law school, the environment, ethics, and sustainability.  A strong preference will be given to individuals interested in water law related issues.  Interested applicants should submit a written statement addressing these qualities and their interest in environmental law, an unofficial transcript from their previous institutions, and a current resume.

Joseph J. Mullins Scholarship

The Joseph J. Mullins Scholarship has been established in memory of Mr. Mullins, an Albuquerque attorney. The scholarship will be awarded to a student with demonstrated interest and experience in Domestic Relations Law.

To apply, please submit an unofficial transcript and a one-page statement describing your experiences and interest in Domestic Relations Law and explaining why you believe you should be selected to receive the award and how it will help to support your legal education and goals.

Judge Mayo T. Boucher Law Scholarship Fund

The Judge Mayo T. Boucher Scholarship, established in memory of Judge Boucher, is awarded to a second- or third-year student with substantial ties to Valencia County. To apply, please submit an unofficial transcript with release form, a resume and a letter of no more than 500 words demonstrating your ties to Valencia County and explaining why you are best qualified to receive the Boucher Award.

Justice Patricio M. Serna –Education: Path to the American Dream Scholarship

The University of New Mexico “Justice Patricio M. Serna –Education: Path to the American Dream Scholarship” was established in honor of Retired New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Patricio M. Serna upon his retirement from the bench in 2012.

The scholarship includes a $5,000 award during the recipient’s first year of enrollment at the UNM School of Law.  The continuation of this scholarship for the second and third year will be based upon an end of the academic year review and evaluation.  A unique and exclusive aspect of the scholarship includes one-on-one mentorship from Retired Justice Serna from the point of award of the scholarship, throughout the three years in the student’s academic career, and even as the student prepares for the New Mexico State Bar exam and entry.  Retired Justice Serna will also personally move to admit the recipient into the New Mexico Bar.

To apply, please submit an unofficial undergraduate transcript, a resume and a one-page statement explaining why you are best qualified to receive this scholarship according to the following criteria:

  • Evidence of academic excellence in high school and post-secondary studies (can also include resiliency, ganas, improvement & persistence to graduate from high school and with the Bachelor’s degree) and
  • Financial need or rise from humble beginnings.

Other consideration will be given to:

  • Evidence of leadership in academic organizations and/or civic groups
  • Demonstrated commitment to community service
  • Parallels with the life of Justice Serna

New Mexico Black Lawyers Association Cochran Award

The Cochran scholarship is awarded to a second- or third-year student who has demonstrated commitment to serving the Black community, including service to civic, educational and religious organizations. This service can be in the form of volunteer or paid positions, and should evidence leadership abilities. The recipient of this award must also have demonstrated academic achievement (minimum GPA 2.25).

Ray M. Vargas, II Endowed Scholarship for Aspiring Trial Lawyers

The Ray M. Vargas, II Endowed Scholarship for Aspiring Trial Lawyers is awarded to a second- or third-year student who has a demonstrated interest plaintiff/trial work including the related subjects of evidence, trial practice, civil procedure, pre-trial practice, client counseling, and/or professional responsibility. It is understood that not all candidates will have taken extensive coursework in these areas. Preference will given to applicants who are New Mexico residents, are student members of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, or have participated in Mock Trial.

The Richard Gonzales Employment and Labor Law Scholarship

The Richard Gonzales Employment and Labor Law Scholarship will be awarded to a second- or third-year law student interested in a career in employment and/or labor law.

To apply, you must submit an unofficial law school transcript with release form, resume detailing your experience and a cover letter (1,000 words maximum) explaining why you are best qualified to receive the scholarship. Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, comprised of law school faculty, a member of the State Bar’s Employment and Labor Section and the assistant dean of admissions and financial aid.

Robert E. and Ann Simms Clark Scholarship

The Robert E. and Ann Simms Clark Scholarship is awarded to a second- or third-year student who has demonstrated an interest in Natural Resources Law.

Rose Scholarship Fund

The U.M. Rose Scholarship, established by a bequest from the estate of Betsy B. Rose, provides financial assistance for UNM law students from southeastern New Mexico. The scholarship is administered by the Center for Civic Values.

To apply, please submit an unofficial transcript, a resume and a one-page statement demonstrating your ties to southeastern New Mexico and explaining why you believe you should be selected to receive the award and how it will help to support your legal education and goals.

Rudolf & Betty Schware Scholarship in Labor Law

The Rudolf and Betty Schware Scholarship in Labor Law is awarded to a student who demonstrates an interest in labor law from the perspective of the trade union movement, not from the perspective of corporations or small businesses. This scholarship recipient must make arrangements to attend, as an observer, various trade union meetings during the course of his/her studies at law school.