Richard D. Hailey Law Student Scholarship

The Richard D. Hailey Scholarship Fund was established through a generous donation from AAJ’s first African-American President Richard D. Hailey and is named in his honor. It is awarded by the Minority Caucus, which is committed to supporting trial lawyers who are part of or support the minority community and lifting up attorneys from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. 

The Richard D. Hailey Fund awards a $5,000 scholarship to an AAJ Law Student member entering their first, second, or third year of law school (or fourth year in a night program).

Registration, travel, and accommodation for the 2026 AAJ Annual Convention in Chicago will be covered in addition to the $5,000 award.

The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant who best demonstrates:

• a commitment to the mission of the Minority Caucus;
• a commitment to diversity, eliminating bias, and promoting equal opportunities and belonging for all lawyers;
• an interest and proficiency in trial advocacy skills;
• a commitment to AAJ’s mission, access to justice, and to the constitutional right to trial by jury;
• a commitment to represent those who have been injured by the negligence or misconduct of others or those who have been accused of a crime; and
• a financial need for the scholarship.

Application Process

To apply, you must be an AAJ Law Student member (join here), be enrolled in an ABA-approved law school, and submit a complete application package outlined below.

To submit your application, complete this online form and upload the following documents:

• A resume
• Personal statement explaining your interest in a career as a plaintiff trial lawyer and to the principles outlined above;
• Up to three (3) recommendations from a faculty adviser, trial advocacy or torts law professor, dean, or AAJ member;
• Law student verification form [PDF]

Incomplete applications will not be considered.