American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division Scholarship Information

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The 2010-2011 submission process is open. Deadline for application and supporting materials is April 15, 2010.
The Program	The ABA YLD Scholarship Program is designed to encourage the participation of minority, solo/small firm, government, private sector, and military service attorneys in the Young Lawyers Division. A priority will be given to those applicants who express a desire to become actively involved with the ABA YLD and require financial assistance. The program consists of: Per the Division's financial policy, scholars will receive partial funding to attend the Fall Conference, ABA Midyear Meeting and Spring Conference: round-trip airfare up to $350; $20 ground transportation; and $100 per diem (for two days) Appointment to and active participation in one of the YLD committees. Mentoring by the sponsoring YLD Entity What is expected of scholars: Attendance at the YLD Fall Conference, ABA YLD Midyear Meeting, and the YLD Spring Conference Scholars must attend scheduled programming on Friday and Saturday of each meeting Assist on projects that may be assigned
Scholarship Categories	General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Practitioners Government, Public Sector and Military Lawyers Minorities in the Profession
Program Length	One Bar Year (September 1 - August 31)
Eligibility	To be eligible, a scholar must be a "young lawyer," which is defined as any licensed attorney who is under the age of thirty-six or who has been licensed for no more than five years at the start of the scholarship year (September 1). Applicants for this scholarship program should be ABA YLD-eligible lawyers who fall within at least one of the scholarship areas. There is no requirement that applicants be presently involved with a local ABA YLD affiliate. Although applications will be accepted from non-ABA members, any person chosen as a scholarship recipient must be an ABA member before receiving assistance. In addition, anyone receiving a scholarship must be present at all three funded conferences.
Guidelines	The selection will be based on the individual's achievement, commitment to the organized bar and the Young Lawyers Division mission and goals and financial need. Scholars will be required to attend Division's Spring and Fall Conferences and the ABA Midyear Meeting during the bar year.
2010-2011 Deadlines	April 15, 2010: Deadline for all applications and supporting material August 1, 2011: Scholars selected and all applicants will be notified of outcome
Applications	A completed online application form - which includes: An application letter outlining why you would like to become involved in the ABA YLD A biography A resume Two to four letters of recommendation. Examples include letters from current or former employers and fellow practitioners. If you have any questions, contact YLD Program Associate, Renee Lugo at lugor@staff.abanet.org or 312/988-5626.
Criteria	The Review Committee is made up of ABA Young Lawyers Division judges. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need and express a desire to remain actively involved with the ABA YLD. The Review Committee will also consider the following based on the applicant’s letter of intent: Initiative – Does the applicant demonstrate leadership potential through bar involvement, public service, and professional development? Financial Need – Does the applicant demonstrate a need for financial assistance in order to attend ABA YLD Conferences? Attendance – Will the applicant attend the three YLD Conferences? Communication – Are the ideas expressed in the in the letter of intent communicated clearly? Special Circumstances – Has the applicant overcome any unusual challenges or obstacles?
Current and Former Scholars	Meet the 2009-2010 Scholars Meet the 2008-2009 Scholars Meet the 2007-2008 Scholars