Apply For A Scholarship
“And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go, struggling and striving, and hoping that the buds and blossoms of our desires will burst into glorious fruition ere long. With courage, born of success achieved in the past, with a keen sense of the responsibility which we shall continue to assume, we look forward to a future large with promise and hope. Seeking no favors because of our color, nor patronage because of our needs, we knock at the bar of justice, asking an equal chance.”
~ Mary Church Terrell
The Judicial Friends Association, Inc. is an organization founded in 1976 by local, state and federal African American judges in the State of New York committed to achieving social and racial justice through law and service to the community.
To advance these aims, the Judicial Friends Association mentors law students, offers judicial internships, educates the community to improve understanding of the rule of law, and provides scholarships to deserving law students.
The Commitment to Justice Program provides annual scholarships to successful law student applicants who demonstrate passion and commitment to issues of social and racial justice. The Judicial Friends will award two Judicial Friends’ Commitment to Justice Scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each at our annual gala on December 1, 2026.
Eligibility
Current second (2L) year and third (3L) year law students in a Juris Doctor program at an ABA accredited law school in New York State or NYS residents attending law school outside of New York State who are currently enrolled for the 2026-2027 academic year are eligible to apply.
The scholarships will be awarded to the applicants who best demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and a passion for justice.
Application Process
You may apply by submitting the online application form below, or by emailing a pdf of the application with all supporting documents to the Judicial Friends Scholarship Committee, c/o Hon. Cheryl J. Gonzales at: JudicialFriendsScholarship@gmail.com
Applicants must complete and submit the following no later than November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM to the Judicial Friends Scholarship Committee.
Each application must include:
- Application Form
- Attachments
- Resume
- Law School Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation
- 500 Word Essay demonstrating your commitment to social justice issues and impact of diversity, if any, in your academic or professional career.
Scholarship Application Form
