Albert Ramirez Bail Bonds Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Sponsored by:
The Albert Ramirez Bail Bonds Company and its longstanding and significant contributions to the community
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student with a demonstrated interest in practicing criminal law, with a preference for individuals planning to practice in the San Joaquin Valley area. Awarded to a student with a strong academic record and demonstrated financial need.
Alumni Association Carolyn T. Mirviss Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
The San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Association
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-3rd year student who is entering into the 3rd or 4th year. Awarded to a student who demonstrates strong scholastic ability, financial need or hardship, and must demonstrate promise as a future attorney and representative of SJCL.
Alumni Association Judy Wiseman Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
The SJCL Alumni Association and donors to the Judy Wiseman Memorial Scholarship Fund
Qualifications:
A currently enrolled male or female student who has achieved above average grades. Applicant must be a parent of a child or children under the age of 18. Other factors to be considered but not exclusive are Law Review participation, financial need, and second career status.
Alumni Association Spirit of SJCL Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
The San Joaquin College of Law Alumni Association
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student who embodies the spirit of SJCL. This scholarship is given to a student that demonstrates discipline, self-motivation, academic excellence, and an all-around commitment to success and growth.
Andres Diaz Special Education Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Sponsored by:
Andrea and Thomas Diaz, in honor of their son who in 2022 completed his undergraduate degree at California State University, Fresno. This scholarship seeks to encourage law students to develop expertise in Special Education Law that they can carry into their legal practice upon graduation.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student who is currently enrolled or has already taken the SJCL BREN class or has volunteered in the BREN Clinic. The student must be on good academic standing and must submit a statement of 250-500 words demonstrating an interest in practicing special education law.
The Artist Tree Scholarship
Amount: 2 awards at $2,500 each
Sponsored by:
The Artist Tree – Fresno
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student, in good standing, with demonstrated financial need. The student must also demonstrate a history of public service.
Baradat & Paboojian Trial Advocacy Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
The Law Firm of Baradat & Paboojian, Inc.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student, with demonstrated financial need, who has performed in the top 1/3 of their Torts class, has taken or is enrolled in either the Civil Trial Practice or Criminal Trial Practice class, and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career as a trial attorney.
The Bertha and John Garabedian Military Service Scholarship
Amount: 4 awards at $2,500 each
Sponsored by:
The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable Foundation
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student who is on active duty, reserve, honorably discharged, or a retired United States military service member.
Cartier First Year Improvement Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Cartier First Year Improvement Scholarship Fund
Qualifications:
Awarded to the second-year student who achieved the greatest improvement in his or her cumulative grade point average between the fall and spring semesters of his or her first year, and ended the first year with a cumulative grade point average of 65.00 or better. NOTE: No application necessary
Central California Bankruptcy Association Scholarship
Amount: 4 awards at $2,500 each
Sponsored by:
Central California Bankruptcy Association (CCBA)
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 1st-5th year student in good standing who demonstrates an interest in business or bankruptcy law and has a strong academic performance.
Darryl B. Freedman Bar Study Support Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Sponsored by:
Darryl B. Freedman Bar Study Support Scholarship
Qualifications:
A graduating SJCL student with demonstrated financial need. Funds are to be used to offset the cost of bar preparation expenses for the recipient. Academic standing or performance shall not be considered as criteria for receiving this award.
Delta Theta Phi Scholarship
Amount: 2 awards at $500 each
Sponsored by:
The Hollis G. Best Senate of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity (DTP)
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 1st-5th year student in good academic standing. Must be an active DTP member in good standing (dues paid and initiated). Selected recipients will be members with the most participation in DTP events, meetings, and committees. It is the goal of DTP to award the members who are the most active in the organization.
Delta Theta Phi First Year Scholarship
Amount: $500
Sponsored by:
The Hollis G. Best Senate of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity (DTP)
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 1st year student in good academic standing. Must be an active DTP member in good standing (dues paid and initiated). Selected recipients will be members with the most participation in DTP events, meetings, and committees. It is the goal of DTP to award the members who are the most active in the organization.
Elizabeth O'Neill Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Donors to the Elizabeth O'Neill Memorial Scholarship Fund
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 1st-5th year student, with preference being given to a female head of household, who demonstrates a high level of civility and integrity, is planning to practice law in the San Joaquin Valley area, has good academic standing, and has demonstrated financial need.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Randy (Law '86) and Ruth Ataide to support the entrepreneurial aspirations of first-generation law students.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student in good academic standing. The student must be the first member of his or her immediate family to obtain a baccalaureate degree. The student must demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship in the application for the scholarship, including either owning and/or operating an existing business, or have aspirations to start their own law practice, for-profit or non-profit enterprise, or family business, etc. Special consideration to be given to students from rural areas and towns.
Ernest S. Kinney Trial Lawyer Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Donors to the Ernest S. Kinney Trial Lawyer Scholarship Fund
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 1st-3rd year law student who demonstrates financial need or hardship (e.g. working full-time or single parent) and possesses qualities in the zealous representation of a client in front of a jury.
First Generation Student Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Sponsored by:
James (Law '87) and Piti Witherow
Qualifications:
This is awarded to a 2nd-5th year law student who has demonstrated financial need and good academic standing, and is the first member of his or her immediate family to obtain a baccalaureate degree.
The Founders' Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Anonymous donors to the Founders’ Scholarship
Qualifications:
For graduating students only, on nomination by faculty who have taught graduating students. Based on integrity, potential for making a significant contribution to the legal profession, independence, leadership, academic performance, and commitment to scholastic growth. NOTE: Candidates must be nominated by a Faculty Member
George J. Vasquez Memorial Scholarship
Amount: 2 awards at $1,000
Sponsored by:
Friends and Family of George J. Vasquez, SJCL graduate and law professor
Qualifications:
These scholarships honor George’s commitment to guiding students to be outstanding and impactful writers of appellate briefs. One scholarship will be awarded to the student with the highest graded brief in Appellate Advocacy. The other scholarship will be awarded to the student with the highest graded brief in Moot Court. NOTE: No application necessary. Winners will be identified by the Appellate Advocacy / Moot Court Professors.
Ibarra/Casillas LawSUIT Scholarship
Amount: 3 awards at $1,000 each
Sponsored by:
David Ibarra (Law ‘10) & Jennell Casillas
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 2nd-5th year law student with a record of academic achievement in both undergraduate and the first year of law school that demonstrates promise for a successful career in law. Must be a member of the LawSUIT student organization and be committed to civic involvement through SJCL or other community volunteer activities that promote diversity and will continue that commitment upon entering the legal profession. Demonstration of financial need or hardship will be considered.
James C. Pell Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $500
Sponsored by:
Shannon C. Pell (Law ’06)
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student, with demonstrated financial need and in good academic standing. The student must have an interest in pursuing a career in criminal law.
The Janice Pearson Scholarship
Amount: $500
Sponsored by:
Rajinder Sungu (Law ’12) and the Sungu Family
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student, with demonstrated financial need or hardship, who exhibits an interest in working with underserved populations after graduation. Additional consideration will be given to a student who has engaged in significant volunteer/philanthropic work in the community and/or has children.
The Jennifer Lynn Oleksa Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Donors to the Jennifer Lynn Oleksa Scholarship fund
Qualifications:
To honor the legacy of Jennifer Lynn Oleksa, SJCL graduate and law professor. Jennifer exemplifies SJCL with her discipline, fighting spirit, and unwavering commitment to community and family. The Scholarship recipient should personify these qualities and must be a currently enrolled 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th year student in the top 25% of their class. The applicant shall demonstrate commitment to community enrichment and/or family; the highest level of professional/personal integrity; and strong research/writing skills.
John Loomis Legacy Award
Amount: $1,000
Qualifications:
This prestigious Award is given in memory of Mr. John E. Loomis, Founder of San Joaquin College of Law. The recipient must demonstrate civility, professionalism, high ethics, a commitment to the Valley, and service to the law school and other students. NOTE: Candidates must be nominated by a Faculty Member
Kharazi Bar Study Support Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
H. Ty Kharazi, Esq. (Law '96)
Qualifications:
A graduating SJCL student in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need. Funds are to be used to offset the cost of a bar review course for the recipient.
Kimberly Mayhew Memorial Scholarships
Amount: 4 awards at $1,000 each
Sponsored by:
Friends, Family and Colleagues of Kimberly Lynn Holweger Mayhew (SJCL Class of 1998)
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year student. The student must demonstrate a commitment to practicing law in the San Joaquin Valley. The student must demonstrate a commitment to public service and betterment of the legal profession.
Law Students for Community Advancement (LSCA) – Community Action Scholarship
Amount: $200
Sponsored by:
LSCA Founders - Raquel Busani (Law ’18), Jason Crockford (Law ’18), Joshua Hernandez (Law ’18), and Tejumola Olubeko (Law ’18)
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 1st-5th year SJCL law student in good standing. Successful applicant must demonstrate a commitment to the values expounded in LSCA’s mission statement through activities that promote diversity, equality, and tolerance amongst the student body, faculty, and community. Special consideration will be given to applicants with a history of social justice and free speech work on campus or in their community. Academic achievement and financial need or hardship will be considered but are not dispositive.
Law Students for Community Advancement (LSCA) – Outstanding Member Scholarship
Amount: $400
Sponsored by:
LSCA Founders - Raquel Busani (Law ’18), Jason Crockford (Law ’18), Joshua Hernandez (Law ’18), and Tejumola Olubeko (Law ’18)
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 1st-5th year SJCL law student in good standing, who is an “active member” of LSCA, as defined by Article III Section E of the organizations Founding Charter. Successful applicant must demonstrate commitment to the values expounded in LSCA’s mission statement through activities that promote diversity, equality, and tolerance amongst the student body, faculty, and community. Academic achievement and financial need or hardship will be considered but are not dispositive.
Law Students for Community Advancement (LSCA) – Executive Council (Board) Leadership Scholarship
Amount: $600
Sponsored by:
LSCA Founders - Raquel Busani (Law ’18), Jason Crockford (Law ’18), Joshua Hernandez (Law ’18), and Tejumola Olubeko (Law ’18)
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 1st-5th year SJCL law student in good standing, who is an “active member” of LSCA, as defined by Article III Section E of the organization’s Founding Charter, and a duly elected officer of LSCA’s “Executive Council,” as defined by Articles IV and VII, Sections A and B respectively, of the Founding Charter. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to social justice and free speech, and to the values expounded in LSCA’s mission statement through activities that promote diversity, equality, and tolerance amongst the student body, faculty, and community. Successful applicant will have a history of going above and beyond the call of duty as a member and officer of the LSCA. Academic achievement and financial need or hardship will be considered but are not dispositive.
Law Students United in Tolerance (LawSUIT) Scholarship
Amount: 2 awards of $500 each
Sponsored by:
LawSUIT
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 1st-5th year law student with a record of academic achievement in undergraduate and/or law school that demonstrates promise for a successful career in law. Must be a member of the SJCL LawSUIT student organization, must be committed to civic involvement through SJCL or other community volunteer activities that promote diversity and will continue that commitment upon entering the legal profession. Demonstrated financial need or hardship will be considered.
Legal Edge Consumer Scholarship
Amount: $500
Sponsored by:
Michel James Bryant (Law '91)
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 1st-5th year student with a particular interest in Consumer Law who demonstrates promise as a future attorney and representative of SJCL.
Leon S. Peters Foundation Leadership Awards
Amount: 5 awards of $1,000 each
Sponsored by:
The Leon S. Peters Foundation
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 2nd-3rd year student who demonstrates leadership abilities, academic excellence, and financial need.
Mike Rhodes Social Justice Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Friends of Mike Rhodes to honor his longstanding and significant contributions to equality and social justice
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 2nd-5th year law student in good academic standing. Applicant must demonstrate a history of commitment to social justice in one or more of the following areas: civil rights/civil liberties, worker rights, LGBTQN-B issues, homelessness, First Amendment rights, immigrant rights, or similar activities to help historically underserved populations. Applicant must also demonstrate a desire to employ one’s legal education to advance social justice.
Notorious RBG Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Francine and Murray Farber and members of the League of Women Voters of Fresno
Qualifications:
In honor of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this scholarship is awarded annually to a woman student in good academic standing with financial need, who demonstrates a commitment to social justice in gender equity, women’s rights and/or civil rights.
Proctor Scholar of the Year
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Nick Aniotzbehere (Law ’08)
Qualifications:
Award given to a 1st-5th year student SJCL proctor (working 4 or more hours per week in the library) with the highest GPA of eligible proctors. Proctor will be given the title of “Proctor Scholar of the Year” for the year in which the scholarship is awarded. NOTE: No application necessary
Proper Defense Law Corporation Employed Student Bar Study Scholarship
Amount: $2000
Sponsored by:
The Proper Defense Law Corporation to assist an employed student during the period of preparation for the California bar examination.
Qualifications:
Awarded to a graduating 3rd-5th year law student at SJCL. The student must be presently employed working a minimum of 20 hours a week. The funds are intended to be used to offset the cost of taking time off from work to study for the bar examination.
Public Service Scholarship
Amount: $500
Sponsored by:
William (Law '91) and Rachael Hazen This scholarship seeks to support a law student who shows a demonstrated commitment to use their law degree in public service.
Qualifications:
Awarded to a 2nd-5th year student in good standing and has demonstrated financial need. The student must also demonstrate a commitment to public service and an intent to practice in that area upon graduation from SJCL and admission to the bar.
SJCL Student Bar Association
Amount: 4 - $500 (one each for a 1L, 2L, 3L, and 4L student)
Sponsored by:
The Student Bar Association
Qualifications:
The student must be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year currently enrolled law student at SJCL. The student must have the least income in 2023 of the applicants in the student’s level based solely on the student’s income disclosure in the application. As part of the application, the student must submit a two-paragraph summary of the challenges/hardships the student faced in entering and completing law school.
Soroptimist International of Clovis Woman’s Advocate Award Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Soroptimist International of Clovis
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled female student with demonstrated financial need or hardship. Student must demonstrate participation in service projects in accordance with the Soroptimist mission of improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The recipient of this award will be contacted by Soroptimist International of Clovis for an interview and bio.
Trudi Gale Manfredo Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Sponsored by:
Friends and Colleagues of Trudi Gale Manfredo to honor her longstanding career in the Fresno area, primarily in bankruptcy and family law matters.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled 2nd-5th year female student with demonstrated financial need. The student must demonstrate high academic achievement.