Entering First Year Students

Scholarship Available: Soros Fellowship

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Are you an entering 1L or rising 2L? Consider applying for the prestigious Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship!

Soros Fellowships are open to immigrants and the children of immigrants who are 30 or younger and entering or are in their first two years of graduate school as of the November 1, 2016 deadline. Fellows receive up to $90,000 over two years in support of their education: $40,000 in tuition support and $50,000 in stipend support. More importantly, they join a lifelong community of New Americans who are making significant contributions to society.

A successful candidate will be chosen based primarily on the following criteria:

1) creativity, originality, and initiative demonstrated in any area of his/her life

2) a commitment to and capacity for accomplishment demonstrated through activity that has required drive and sustained effort

3) a commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights

  • Deadline: November 1, 2016
  • Awards: up to $90,000
  • Website: https://www.pdsoros.org/apply

Fees and Cost of Attendance for 2015-2016 Academic Year

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The Cost of Attendance (COA) or budget for a student is an estimate of that student’s educational expenses for the period of enrollment. The Higher Education Act of 1965 specifies that a student’s COA includes tuition and fees normally assessed for a student carrying the same academic workload and an allowance for living expenses, such as room and board, books and supplies, personal, and transportation costs. The law also provides limited allowances for loan fees, dependent-care costs, and expenses for disabled students. The following tables show the average expenses for a nine-month academic year based on 2015-2016 fee levels. Students should take into account their own spending and the possibility of unforeseen expenses.

More information can be found in the Fees & Cost of Attendance page.

J.D. Program Expenses
for CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS		 Fall
2015		 Spring
2016		 Academic Year
2015-2016
Tuition and Fees (Total) $24,312.25 $24,312.25 $48,624.50
Living Expenses (Total) $12,162.00 $12,162.00 $24,324.00
Books & Supplies   $748.00   $748.00 $1,496.00
Health Insurance Fees*  $1,877.00  $1,877.00 $3,754.00
Total CA Resident Student Budget** $39,099.25 $39,099.25 $78,198.50
J.D. Program Expenses
for NON-RESIDENTS		 Fall
2015		 Spring
2016		 Academic Year
2015-2016
Tuition and Fees (Total) $26,287.75 $26,287.75 $52,575.50
Living Expenses (Total) $12,162.00 $12,162.00 $24,324.00
Books & Supplies   $748.00   $748.00 $1,496.00
Health Insurance Fees*  $1,877.00  $1,877.00 $3,754.00
Total Non-Resident Student Budget** $41,074.75 $41,074.75 $82,149.50

*If you have comparable insurance, you may waive enrollment. Go to the University Health Services website for more information.

**New law students are also assessed a $27 Document Management Fee.

All fees are subject to change.

The estimated tuition and fees are contingent upon projections of competitors’ fees. Since 2007, Berkeley Law has limited its fee increases so that its resident fees will not exceed its policy benchmark of market rate.

Applying for Financial Aid and Need-based Grants

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The following is a reminder about the application process for financial aid for the 2015-2016 academic year. We are writing to ask that you submit your FAFSA application early during the month of February. Please do not wait until an admission decision is made to submit your FAFSA to Berkeley.

APPLYING FOR ANY FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online with Berkeley Law’s school code 001312. Submit your application by the priority deadline of March 2, 2015 in order to be considered for a need-based grant or scholarships.

Entering First Year Students and Applicants: Students admitted after the priority deadline are encouraged to wait until they have their Student ID Number to submit the Supplemental Application.

Limited resources are available for international students. Click here for more information.

APPLYING FOR NEED-BASED GRANTS

Students applying for need-based grants, in addition to submitting the FAFSA, must also submit the following:

Tips on completing your application process:

  • Submit complete student information with spouse information, if married, and be sure to include accurate and complete financial information on both the FAFSA and Supplemental Application. Some students choose to file their federal and state income tax returns early in order to have their information ready by the March 2 deadline.
  • Submit complete parent information on both the FAFSA and Supplemental Application unless you will turn 30 years old by December 31, 2015or have worked with us to establish independence as an exception. Again, be sure that the financial information you provide is both complete and accurate. Visit our Need-Based Grants page for details.
  • International students applying for need-based grants should complete a FAFSA utilizing the SSN/SIN created by LSAC when asked for a social security number in the online application. This system generated number can be found once logged into LSAC. Although the completed FAFSA will be rejected by the US Department of Education for the purposes of federal student aid, the needed information will load into our financial aid system, completing the FAFSA requirement for need-based grant consideration. The Supplemental Application for Need-Based Grants is also required for consideration.


APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Entering First Year Students: Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis typically beginning in April. Separate scholarship notifications are sent by the Admissions Office when awards are made. Everyone is considered for general scholarships but information on applying for specific scholarships will be made available upon admission.

Continuing Students: We announce Berkeley Law scholarships for continuing students at least once a year. Check our website and follow our blog for details.


TIMELINE

If all of your required information is received by March 2, we will attempt to have a preliminary financial aid offer available to you by early April. Financial aid offers cannot be made available before April.

Entering First Year Students and Applicants: For students admitted after March 2 or who complete applications after March 2, financial aid offers will be provided weekly after initial awards are sent.


IF YOU MISS THE MARCH 2 DEADLINE

Applications received after the March 2 priority deadline will be considered for gift aid (grants and scholarships) on a first-come first-served basis if funds remain available.


INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS

It is the student’s responsibility to meet all financial aid requirements and deadlines. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays. We encourage you to use the Entering Student Checklist or Continuing Student Checklist to keep track of what you submitted.

If you have any questions, please contact us at financial-aid@law.berkeley.edu.

New Scholarship Available: Filipino Bar Association of Northern California Scholarships

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FILIPINO BAR ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIPS

This scholarship is awarded to enrolling or enrolled law school students who demonstrate an interest in serving the Filipino-American community and a desire to do so as an FBANC attorney.

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New Scholarships and Fellowships Available

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SFLRLA & BALIF LGBT PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship, jointly awarded by San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association (SFLRLA) and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF), was established to fund summer employment for a law school student.

Priority is given to an applicant with at least one of the following objectives in her/his expected summer work:

(1) development/expansion of legal services for LGBT community, especially within the Latino community; (2) education of LGBT community about legal rights; and (3) mentoring to law students.

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SFLRLA PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship, awarded by San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association (SFLRLA), was established to fund summer employment for a law school student.

Priority is given to an applicant with at least one of the following objectives in her/his expected summer work:

(1) development/expansion of legal services specializing in housing, education, employment, discrimination, immigration, and naturalization; (2) education of Latino community about legal rights; and (3) mentoring to law students.

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SFLRLA PUBLIC INTEREST BAR REVIEW SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship, awarded by San Francisco La Raza Lawyers Association (SFLRLA), was established to finance a bar review course for a current third-year law student.

Priority is given to an applicant with at least one of the following objectives in their post-graduation employment:

(1) development/expansion of legal services specializing in housing, education, employment, discrimination, immigration, and naturalization; (2) education of Latino community about legal rights; and (3) mentoring to law students.

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Upcoming Outside Agency Scholarships

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RHODE ISLAND BAR FOUNDATION – THOMAS F. BLACK, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to Rhode Island residents who show promise of becoming outstanding lawyers and need assistance to study at quality law schools.

Scholarship awards shall be exclusively for tuition and related expenses for full-time students in L.L.B. or J.D. degree programs offered by accredited law schools located in the United States or District of Columbia.

Each scholarship will be made on the basis of demonstrated financial need, superior academic performance, community and public service, and demonstrated contacts with and commitment to the State of Rhode Island.

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Upcoming Outside Scholarship Opportunities

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THE DOC COHEN FRANCHISING SCHOLARSHIP

The International Franchise Association Educational Foundation is pleased to announce the Doc Cohen Franchising Scholarship.

This program will support the award of a scholarship each year in the amount of $4,500 which includes a $500 travel stipend to the recipient to attend the IFA Annual Convention.

Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, with a major or primary focus in one or more of these areas of study – business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality, franchising, or entrepreneurship.

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WALLY DAVIS MEMORIAL LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND/HISPANIC EDUCATION ENDOWMENT FUND (HEEF)

HEEF is interested in students who demonstrate a commitment to serving their communities with a social conscience.

Priority is given to applicants from California’s Orange County who are of Latino origin and demonstrate involvement in the Latino community and school. The Wally Davis Memorial Legal Scholarship is awarded annually to law students.

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HARVEY FELLOWS PROGRAM

The program seeks to encourage Christian graduate students to integrate their faith and vocation and pursue leadership positions in strategic fields where Christians tend to be underrepresented.

  • Deadline: 2013/11/01
  • Awards: $12,000 renewable stipend
  • Contact:
  • Phone:
  • Email:
  • Website: http://www.msfdn.org/harveyfellows/overview/
  • Address: Harvey Fellows Program; Mustard Seed Foundation; 7115 Leesburg Pike, Suite 304; Falls Church, VA 22043
  • Last updated: 2013/09/04
  • Keywords: entering 1l 2l harvey christian

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JOHN M. LANGSTON BAR ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

The John M. Langston Bar Association is the largest African-American bar association in Los Angeles. Langston’s mission is to provide a source of networks, support, and mentorship for African-American attorneys.

Each year, Langston sponsors various workshops to address the needs of African-American attorneys and provides scholarships to qualified law students and bar grants for law school graduates. Applications will be available in October.

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FRANCHISE LAW DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The IFA Educational Foundation and DLA Piper US LLP have teamed up to sponsor the Franchise Law Diversity Scholarship Award. The goal of this program is to recognize and support academic avhievement among diverse law students.

Additionally, the program seeks to encourage diverse law students to enroll in courses that are oriented towards franchising.

To be eligible for the scholarship award, students must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school. Applicants must have 2L or 3L status during the period of the scholarship, and they must be enrolled in at least one course oriented towards franchise law

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BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

The Bradley Arant Boult Cummings (BABC) Diversity Scholarship is awarded annually to one second-year law student.

In connection with receiving the scholarship, the recipient will be required to clerk in one of BABC’s seven offices for the summer after the scholarship is awarded.

  • Deadline: 2012/09/30
  • Awards: $10,000 (one)
  • Contact: Amy Hood
  • Phone:
  • Email: ahood@babc.com
  • Website: http://www.babc.com/diversity_scholarship/
  • Address: One Federal Place; 1819 Fifth Ave. North; Birmingham, AL 35203-2119
  • Last updated: 2013/09/04
  • Keywords: african asian female hispanic latino lgbt lesbian gay bisexual transgender native 2l diversity bradley arant

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PAUL AND DAISY SOROS FELLOWSHIPS FOR NEW AMERICANS

These fellowships are awarded for up to two years of graduate study in the United States. A New American is an individual who holds a green card or has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen or is the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens.

To be eligible a student must not be older than 31 as of November 1, 2010. A successful candidate will give evidence of at least two of the following three attributes:

1) creativity, originality and initiative demonstrated in any area of his/her life; 2) a commitment to and capacity for accomplishment, demonstrated through activity that has required drive and sustained effort; and

3) a commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

  • Deadline: 2013/11/08
  • Awards: Maintenance grant of $25,000 (paid in 2 installments) and Tuition Grant (Thirty)
  • Contact:
  • Phone: (212) 547-6926
  • Email: pdsoros_fellows@sorosny.org
  • Website: http://www.pdsoros.org/
  • Address: Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans; 400 W. 59th Street; New York, NY 10019
  • Last updated: 2013/09/04
  • Keywords: international immigrant entering 1l 2l paul daisy soros new americans

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Financial Aid Offers For Entering Students Now Available on MyFinAid

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Correction: this announcement applies to Entering JD students only

Students who submitted their FAFSA (and Supplemental Application if applying for grants) by the deadline should now be able to see their financial aid offer through the online campus system MyFinAid. Need-based aid applications received after the deadline are processed on a first-come first-served basis as funds remain available.

If eligible for aid, your financial aid package is expected to contain loan information and any need-based grant award you have been offered.

If you don’t see any loans on your offer (and you meet eligibility guidelines), have an otherwise incomplete file, or if you believe there is an error on your offer, we encourage you to contact us at financial-aid@law.berkeley.edu.

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Scholarship awards are currently being determined by the Admissions scholarship committee and are most likely not listed on your financial aid package yet. Students who are awarded scholarships will be notified directly by the committee by phone or e-mail. Scholarship awarding is an ongoing process and you are still in the running unless otherwise notified.

If you included a deadline on your matching scholarship application, it has been noted and we will make every effort to notify you of a decision prior to you deadline at the other school. Please note, however, that ours is a thorough and holistic review process which cannot always be expedited based on the response deadline of another law school. Questions about scholarships should be directed to the Admissions Office at admissions@law.berkeley.edu.

When to Expect Financial Aid Offers

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Entering first year students should be able to see their initial financial aid offer for the 2012-13 academic year starting in early April. All initial offers will contain eligibility for federal student loans. Students who have completed all requirements for Berkeley Law’s need-based grant will also see any grant eligibility. Please note: Scholarship information will, for the most part, not be available at the time of initial offers. If you are offered a scholarship, you will be notified by e-mail and your financial aid offer will subsequently be modified to reflect the new award.

Continuing students will have initial financial aid offers for 2012-13 available to them at the beginning of May. As with entering students, initial offers will contain loan eligibility and any need-based grant eligibility. Please note: If you haven’t already completed Expected Summer Earnings (ESE) form, you must do so by April 15 to be considered for the need-based grant.

Reminder: FAFSA Deadline Approaching

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The priority filing deadline for the 2012-13 FAFSA and Supplemental Application for Need-based Grants is March 2, 2012.

Students who will be 2Ls or 3Ls next year who are applying for Need-Based Grants will also need to submit their Expected Summer Earnings Statement to the Financial Aid Office by April 15, 2012 (and later the Confirmed Summer Earnings Statement). Entering 1Ls do not need to complete these two forms this year.

For more info, see the grant instructions.