USF School of Law Scholarships

Generous donations from alumni help fund USF Law scholarships. Students must meet specific criteria established by the donors. The recipients are typically selected by an alumni/donor or law school committee.

Funding limitations applicable to scholarships – Non-Renewable

Scholarship awards are designated for the fall and spring semesters only and are evenly disbursed between both semesters. Scholarship awards are not applicable towards any summer session enrollment.

The total amount in scholarships (e.g., university, law school, outside agency, or any combination of the three) cannot exceed tuition charges. If a law student is awarded scholarship aid from a private agency, the total amount of combined aid cannot exceed their tuition charges unless the private agency specifically states that its scholarship funds can be used for living expenses.

Continuing Law Students

Arthur C. Zief Jr. Scholarship Program

Multiple scholarships for deserving law students with demonstrated financial need, established by Arthur C. Zief Sr. '47, in honor of his son, Arthur C. Zief Jr. These scholarships are awarded to continuing students who make significant non-curricular contributions to the USF School of Law. Applications are currently being accepted between June 7 - June 23. Questions should be directed to Stephanie Carlos, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs shcarlos@usfca.edu. [Download] 2021-2022 Application

Bretzlaff Scholarship

An award for a full-time law student in good standing with demonstrated financial need from the state of Nevada or Hawaii. This scholarship is funded by the Bretzlaff Foundation. Applications are currently being accepted between June 7 - June 23. Questions should be directed to Stephanie Carlos, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs shcarlos@usfca.edu. [Download] 2021-2022 Application.

John Flynn Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory of John Flynn, who was an alumnus of Stanford and a distinguished member of the San Francisco Maritime Bar. The scholarship is awarded to a USF School of Law student with an interest in maritime law. Applications are currently being accepted between June 7 - June 23. Questions should be directed to Stephanie Carlos, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs shcarlos@usfca.edu. [Download] 2021-2022 Application.

Alumni-Funded Scholarships

Applicants must have financial need, be in good academic standing, and must be a continuing student to be eligible to apply. Applicants must have completed one year of JD study at USF School of Law by the end of Spring, and be enrolled at the School of Law for the current academic year.

If ineligible for FAFSA, the School of Law Financial Aid Office can direct you to an alternative method of satisfying the financial need requirement. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid if you need assistance.

Daniel Levine Cook Scholarship

This scholarship was established by a grant from the Daniel Levine Cook Fund of the Jewish Community Federation Endowment Fund, upon recommendation of David, Phyllis, and Anne Cook, in loving memory of Daniel Cook, Class of 1992. Priority for this scholarship is for a Jewish law student with financial need who shows academic promise. Award amount is $15,500. Essay question: Daniel Levine Cook was a sports fanatic, a Dead-Head and a passionate supporter of Israel. Please describe how your goals, interests, and influences may intersect with his experience.

DANIEL J. CURTIN, JR. SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in memory of Daniel Curtin, Jr. '57, who was an internationally known land use practitioner, former city attorney, and mentor to countless land use attorneys and planners. The Scholarship is awarded to a second or third year law student(s) with demonstrated interest in municipal or land use law and academic scholarship. Award amount is up to $10,000 and may be divided between two applicants. Please submit a one-page typed essay demonstrating applicant’s interest in municipal law or land use law.

AGNES O'BRIEN SMITH SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in honor of Agnes O'Brien Smith and is awarded to second and third year law students based on financial need, academic scholarship, leadership, and community service. O'Brien Smith, Class of 1941, was an admired jurist and lawyer. Award amount is $11,000 and may be divided to create multiple awards. One page, typed essay: Which of your life experiences inspired you to go to law school?

DOUGLAS M RASKIN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established by classmates and friends of Douglas Michael Raskin, Class of 1987, who died in 1994 at the age of 33 while climbing Mount Fuji in Japan. The scholarship is awarded to student(s) who will have completed at least two full years of Law School by the end of the Spring 2021 semester, and who exemplifies Doug’s spirit of adventure, sense of humor, love of life, and caring for others. Award amount is $2,500. Two page typed letter addressing how the applicant’s own life adheres to the principles that were important to Doug: past travel experiences and adventure, interest in helping others, participation in athletics and recreational activities, importance of friends and family, and scholastic achievement.

JOHN SCULLY MEMORIAL TRUST SCHOLARSHIP

Established in memory of John C. Scully ’91 who was killed in the 101 California Street mass shooting on July 1, 1993, while shielding his wife from gunfire. The fund was established by John’s classmates, his wife, Michelle Scully Hobus ‘92, and his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Neil Scully. The scholarship celebrates John’s passion for the ocean and outdoors. Award amount is $7,500. Please submit a two-page typed letter addressing how you enjoy outdoor activities and how your own life adheres to the values important to John.

PAUL W. VAPNEK '64 ETHICS SCHOLARSHIP

Paul W. Vapnek '64 was an extraordinarily well-respected expert in legal ethics, a field that addresses the rules that govern attorney conduct. Legal ethicists educate and advise lawyers about what they may and may not do, represent them when they get into trouble, and help to draft the rules that regulate their behavior. The Paul W. Vapnek ’64 Ethics Scholarship is awarded each year to a student interested in exploring this field of the law, whether or not the student ultimately decides on it as his or her area of practice. This is a general scholarship for a student with a demonstrated commitment to community service and a record of academic success in law school. A minimum of a 2.9 GPA is required for all applicants. Award amount is $6,500. Please write a one-page, typed essay about why this area of the law appeals to you, include a brief discussion of one legal ethics issue you find particularly interesting and a paragraph about your commitment to community service.

USF WOMEN LAWYERS COMMITTEE'S SCHOLARSHIP FOR TRANSITIONAL STUDENTS

The USF Women Lawyers Committee awards this scholarship to an entering first-year transitional student who has been out of school for a five-year period either between a) high school and college or b) college or graduate school and law school, demonstrates financial need and academic excellence, is currently involved with the community and has concrete plans for utilizing a law degree in the community. Award amount is $15,500.

If you would like to apply or have any questions, please reach out to lawdevelopment@usfca.edu.

External Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships awarded by outside agencies, which have their own application procedures, criteria, and deadlines.

For more information about contributing to USF School of Law Scholarships or establishing a new fund, please contact the Law School's Office of Development at (415) 422-5457 or by email at lawdevelopment@usfca.edu.