Federal Circuit Bar Association’s Scholarship

The Federal Circuit Bar Association offers scholarships to students pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in law schools accredited by the American Bar Association. These scholarships are intended for students demonstrating financial need and a strong interest in legal topics relevant to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, such as international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, and federal personnel law. Multiple scholarship categories are available, each with specific criteria.

Scholarship awards range from $5,000 to $10,000. Specific scholarships include the Howard T. Markey Memorial Scholarship ($10,000), Helen W. Nies Memorial Scholarship ($10,000), Giles Sutherland Rich Memorial Scholarship ($10,000), Board Scholarship ($10,000), Association Founder’s Scholarships (up to $5,000 each, number varies), and a Veterans Scholarship ($5,000). These are monetary awards to support students.

Applicants must be pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and be enrolled or enrolling for the upcoming academic year (e.g., 2026/2027) in any law school accredited by the American Bar Association. A demonstrable financial need is required, along with a clear interest in legal areas within the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Examples of relevant fields include international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the US government, federal personnel, and veterans’ benefits. Students whose interests are solely in areas like family, public interest, bankruptcy, or criminal law are not eligible. Students pursuing advanced degrees such as an LL.M. are also not eligible. The Veterans Scholarship is specifically for U.S. Veterans.

To apply, you must submit the following documents as a single PDF file: 1. A scholarship cover page (downloadable from the Federal Circuit Bar Association website). 2. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV). 3. Official or unofficial undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate and law school transcripts. If you are starting law school in the upcoming academic year and do not have law school transcripts, you may submit a copy of your law school acceptance letter. 4. An original, typed essay, no more than 450 words and one page in length. The essay should address your financial need, your specific interests in areas of law, and any qualifications you believe make you suitable for a particular scholarship. Letters of recommendation are not required.

Applications must be submitted online through the Federal Circuit Bar Association website during the application window, which is typically from April 1st to April 15th each year. You will need to complete an online form and upload all required documents as a single PDF file. Only one application is needed to be considered for all available scholarships. Inquiries regarding the application process can be directed via email to the Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs of the FCBA Scholarship Committee, with “FCBA Scholarship Submission” in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Scholarship winners are typically notified by telephone, email, or US mail on or before May 31st. Applicants are advised not to make follow-up inquiries about the status of their applications.