All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as part of the admissions process.
When You Apply to Rutgers Law, You Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships
All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships as part of the admissions process. No separate application is needed. All returning law students can be considered for our other institutional scholarships by submitting the institutional scholarship application each year. These awards are based on a wide range of awarding criteria, including financial need, academic achievement, and area of legal interest.
Full Listing of Newark Scholarships
ABLS Wanda Green Memorial Scholarship. This annual scholarship was established by the Association of Black Law Students (ABLS) to provide financial assistance to students enrolled at the law school. It will be awarded to full-time students with demonstrated financial need who have overcome extraordinary circumstances, including, but not limited to, the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and to Hurricane Katrina, which hit the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. If no such student applies, the scholarship will be awarded to a student participating in the Minority Student Program.
Martin S. Ackerman Class of 1956 Scholarship. This annual restricted scholarship was established by Leonard I. Ackerman in 2008 to provide scholarship support and mentorship to students attending the School of Law–Newark. One scholarship will be awarded annually to a full-time student. Preference will be given to a student originally from outside the state of New Jersey. This scholarship will be given to the same student for a period of three years based on the student’s satisfactory academic standing and active participation in the mentorship program.
Alumni Scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, the law school is able to designate alumni scholars each year. This designation is based on demonstrated intellectual promise and includes a scholarship award.
The Association of Latin American Law Students (ALALS) Scholarship. This scholarship was created by ALALS in 2010 to provide financial assistance to students attending the law school. Scholarships will be awarded to full-time or part-time students based on financial need and demonstrated community service. Preference will be given to students participating in the law school’s Minority Student Program.
Homer M.T. Bass Memorial Fellowship in Public Interest. Established in 1992 by Sam Freeman (’41) in honor of the late son of his law partner, Samuel Bass, this fellowship provides financial assistance to a law student engaged in public service activities, especially pro bono work in the law school’s clinics.
Fannie Bear Besser Scholarship. This scholarship was created by the law school’s Alumni Association in 2010 to honor Fannie Bear Besser who worked tirelessly to assist the poor, the disabled, minorities, and elderly members of the community in securing effective legal services. Scholarships will be awarded to full-time or part-time students with a demonstrated interest in a public service career and financial need.
Judge Francis J. Bloustein Scholarship. Established in 1971 with a gift in honor of Judge Francis J. Bloustein, the brother of the university’s former president, this fund provides aid to law students with demonstrated financial need.
Raymond A. Brown Scholarship Fund. Created by the family and friends of Raymond A. Brown, in honor of his 80th birthday in 1995, to provide support to law students interested in the fields of criminal and/or constitutional law. Awards will be made to full-time students based on merit and need.
Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Graduate Award. Bunche fellowships provide a $15,000 stipend plus tuition remission for as many as two years to exceptional, new, full-time students with backgrounds of substantial educational or cultural disadvantage. Established in 1979, this fellowship is named after Ralph Johnson Bunche, the African-American statesman, Nobel Peace Laureate, and 1949 recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws from Rutgers.
John Carrino Scholarship for Perseverance. This scholarship was created by John Carrino, Class of 2000, to support full-time students attending the law school who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated an ability to overcome socioeconomic hardships. Scholarships are awarded for one academic year and may not be renewed.
Honorable Clarence E. Case Scholarship Fund. Established by friends and colleagues of Clarence E. Case, this fund awards scholarships and designates Clarence E. Case Scholars at the law school as a memorial to the former chief justice of the Court of Errors and Appeals in New Jersey. Justice Case also was an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and an outstanding leader on the bench and at the bar.
Dean’s Merit Scholarship. Every admitted student is considered for a Dean’s Merit Scholarship. These awards are offered to students with a history of achievement and academic excellence who show great promise for the study of law. Grants range from $3,000 to full tuition and may last for your entire career at the law school.
Ralph and Blanche Del Deo Scholarship. This endowed scholarship was established by Ralph and Blanche Del Deo to provide financial assistance to students at the law school. It will be awarded to full-time students in their second or third year of law school based on academic merit; a grade point average of B or better will be required. If the recipient’s academic merit and financial need continue, the scholarship may be renewed for up to one year. Ralph Del Deo (’51) is a director and one of the founding partners of Gibbons, Del Deo, Griffinger & Vecchione. He concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate law, patent, trademark, and copyright law, and litigation.
Judge John Dios Scholarship. Established in 1991 to commemorate Judge Dios (the first Hispanic to be appointed to the Newark court in 1974) upon his retirement from the New Jersey Superior Court. The scholarship provides support for participants in the Minority Student Program who demonstrate academic potential and financial need.
Herbert M. and Maxine Ellend Scholarship Fund. Established in 1972 by Maxine Ellend, in memory of her husband, Herbert M. Ellend, a 1927 graduate of the law school. Awards are based on need.
Julius Feinberg Scholarship. Established in 1985 by friends and colleagues of Judge Julius A. Feinberg, Class of 1937, honoring him on his years of service to the New Jersey Superior Court. Awarded annually on the basis of financial need and a record of outstanding personal and academic achievement.
Samuel S. Ferster Scholarship. Established in 1967 by friends and colleagues of the late Judge Ferster of the Workers’ Compensation Court, who had been an outstanding humanitarian and leading member of the New Jersey Bar.
Harold David Feuerstein Scholarship. Established in 1977 by Mrs. Ruth Youngblood in memory of her father, who was a leader of the New Jersey Bar and a 1932 graduate of the Mercer Beasley Law School, a predecessor of the School of Law–Newark. Awarded annually to students with high academic achievement and financial need.
Samuel Foosaner Scholarship Fund. Established by a bequest of an alumnus, Samuel J. Foosaner, this scholarship provides support for Newark law school students with demonstrated financial need.
Forman Scholarship. The former law clerks of the Honorable Phillip Forman, a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, endowed a scholarship in honor of his 70th birthday, to provide support for a student designated the Forman Scholar.
Alan and Deborah Cohen Goldman Sachs Scholars Fund. Based on the recommendation of Alan Cohen, Goldman Sachs Gives created this fund to provide scholarships to students enrolled full-time at Rutgers Law School - Newark. Awards will be based on financial need and may be renewed for up to two additional years. Recipients will be known as Goldman Sachs Scholars.
Judge William S. Greenberg Veteran Scholarship. Created by Judge William S. Greenberg, Class of 1967, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and former Brigadier General in the United States Army. This scholarship is awarded to a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces in their third year.
Gugig Family Scholarship. This annual scholarship was established by Michael S. Gugig Esq. (’98) to provide financial assistance to part-time/evening students at the law school. It will be awarded to evening students in their second, third, or fourth year based primarily on academic merit, and secondarily on financial need.
David Haber Scholarship. Provides assistance for a student with demonstrated interest in the preservation of the environment. The recipient must be considered to have the potential to be a promising attorney and leader in the field of environmental protection.
Myron S. Harkavy Scholarship. Established by the friends and relatives of the late Myron S. Harkavy, to be awarded to a law student who plans to specialize as a trial attorney and who is to be designated the Myron S. Harkavy Scholar.
George S. Harris Scholarship. Established by the law alumni as a memorial to Dean Harris, who served as dean of the law school and its predecessor institutions for many years. This endowed scholarship provides for the annual designation of a George S. Harris Scholar.
C. Willard Heckel Scholarship. This scholarship was created in 2010 to honor C. Willard Heckel who served as dean of the law school from 1963-1970. The scholarship will be awarded to incoming, out-of-state students based on academic merit and financial need. Recipients must also demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to civic and/or community service. Scholarships may be renewed.
Harry W. Herzog Scholarship. This scholarship was established in memory of Harry W. Herzog, a 1942 alumnus of the law school. Mr. Herzog came from a poor background and was very interested in helping others get ahead. This scholarship will therefore be awarded to full-time or part-time students based on financial need. Preference will be given to students who live in Newark or the surrounding Newark area and have financial hardship.
William D. Hietanen and Robert Airgood Memorial Scholarship. Established by the evening class of 1984 in memory of their classmates William D. Hietanen and Robert Airgood, this scholarship assists an outstanding student in the evening program who is interested in practicing business law. It is awarded annually to a student who has completed the second year and is entering the third year of study. Outstanding academic work, especially in the basic courses of Contracts, Torts, Property, and Civil Procedure, and the intent to specialize in advanced business law are required. Financial need is the deciding criterion if candidates for the award are otherwise equally qualified.
Pearle F. and Seymour B. Jacobs Scholarship. Roger and Andrew Jacobs established this fund in 1980 in memory of their parents. Colleagues and friends of Seymour Jacobs, who was a graduate of the Newark law school and who practiced as a trial lawyer in Newark for more than 40 years, also contribute to the fund. Awarded annually, the scholarship is intended for students in the evening program who work while attending law school, are interested in a career in litigation and trial advocacy, and show evidence of financial need. This is the first scholarship designated specifically for evening students.
Kenneth S. Javerbaum Scholarship. This scholarship was created by Mr. Javerbaum in 2009 to support students attending the law school. One scholarship will be awarded to a full-time law student each year based on academic merit and financial need.
Arthur H. Kahn Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2007 by his widow Dona Kahn ’57 to provide support for full-time students at the law school. Awards will be based on academic merit and financial need.
Sidney S. Kantrowitz Scholarship. Established in 1965 in memory of Mr. Kantrowitz, who, for many years, was an active member and officer of the Rutgers Alumni Association.
George A. Kaplan Memorial Scholarship. Established by the estate of Sallie R. Kaplan to provide scholarship support to a law student. It is awarded to a first-year, full-time student based on academic merit (must have graduated in the top 10 percent of his or her class) and need; eligible recipients must have submitted a FAFSA form by the required due date; recipients will be called George A. Kaplan Scholars.
Seth A. Kaplan Scholarship. This fund was created in memory of Seth Kaplan (’82) who was a partner in the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz and an adjunct professor at Rutgers School of Law–Newark. Scholarships are to be awarded to full-time law students based on academic merit. Awards are intended to retain top law students who intend to enter private practice upon graduation.
Leo Kaplowitz Criminal Law Scholarship. Awarded to students who have an interest in criminal law, who excel academically in criminal law courses, and who demonstrate financial need.
Kinoy-Stavis Public Interest Fellowship. Founded to encourage students who wish to use their legal skills for the protection of constitutional liberties, and to nurture the development of students with outstanding academic ability who wish to pursue a career in public interest. Named to honor Professors Emeriti Arthur Kinoy and Morton Stavis, who were cofounders of the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York City and who are recognized as two of the preeminent human rights lawyers of the 20th century.
Samuel A. Larner Scholarship. Established in 1989 by the firm of Budd Larner Gross Picillo Rosenbaum Greenberg & Sade to honor Judge Samuel A. Larner on his 80th birthday. Awarded annually to a student based on academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.
Aaron Lasser and Honorable Lawrence L. Lasser Scholarship. Established in 1970 by Aaron Lasser’s family and close friends in his memory. He was a professor, Alumni Association president, and leading member of the New Jersey Bar. It was renamed in 1997 to include his son Lawrence, who was the first Presiding Judge of the Tax Court of New Jersey and the first chair of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on the Tax Court.
Lawyers-Clinton Title Company. The Lawyers-Clinton Title Company has provided the endowment for an annual scholarship for a Rutgers–Newark law school student.
James J. Lembo Scholarship Fund. Established in memory of James J. Lembo, a deceased first-year law student, by his family, friends, and staff of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to aid deserving law students.
Philip J. Levin Scholarship. Established by a grant from Janice H. Levin, in memory of her husband, an alumnus of the Class of 1929, who was a leading builder and financier. Awarded annually to students based upon academic potential and demonstrated potential capacity for public service through law.
Mark J. Lopez Civil Liberties Scholarship. This scholarship was created in 2009 to provide financial assistance to students attending the law school. The scholarship will be awarded to second or third year full-time students enrolled in the Constitutional Litigation Clinic. Awards will be based on academic merit, financial need, demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, and outstanding promise for contributions to the legal profession.
Nicholas Martini Newark Law Research Fellowship. Established in 1994 by a bequest of Nicholas Martini, a 1926 graduate of the law school, to provide a stipend to a second- or third-year academically promising student who will serve as a research assistant to a faculty member.
Norman and Renate Mesnikoff Scholarship. Established to support students, to be called Mesnikoff Scholars, who are interested in pursuing careers in commercial and/or bankruptcy law. Preference will be given to disabled students; awards will be based on academic merit and financial need.
Leona and Harold Meyerson Scholarship. Established through the estate of the Meyersons, awards are made to full-time students, to be called Meyerson Scholars, based on merit.
Carol and Paul Miller Scholarship. Paul (’62) and Carol Miller have created this full-tuition, three-year scholarship in gratitude for the scholarships that made his education possible. The scholarship is awarded to an incoming student with significant financial need and strong academic potential. Miller was born to a poor family, and was the first in his family to attend college. He was able to attend Rutgers Law School only because he received a full scholarship. Miller rose to the top of his profession as executive vice president and general counsel of Pfizer Inc. He was among the key leaders responsible for the growth and success of Pfizer, and was named one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America. He also is extremely active in community and legal affairs, and has been a board member or head of many national and international organizations.
Judge Sybil R. Moses Scholarship. This scholarship was created in 2009 by the family and friends of Judge Moses to honor her life’s work, and to provide support to students attending the law school. It will be awarded to full-time, female students based on academic merit and financial need, and may be renewed each year based on eligibility and the availability of funds.
Justice Morris Pashman Scholarship. The Pashman Scholarship supports students, preferably in the Minority Student Program, who demonstrate exceptional talent and financial need. The scholarship, established in 1999 by his family, friends, and colleagues, celebrates the memory of Justice Morris Pashman (’35), who served on the New Jersey Supreme Court for 10 years. It provides full tuition and fees for the recipient’s law school career. Recipients are known as Pashman Scholars. They serve as reminders of the high standards of scholarship, dedication, and professionalism that Morris Pashman brought to his 28-year career in the judiciary. A selection committee of law school senior staff and Pashman relatives and former clerks advise the dean on the selection of Pashman Scholars.
George L. Pellettieri Scholarship. Established in 1979, to be awarded to students from working-class families or who have an affiliation with a labor union.
People's Electric Law School Women's Fund Endowed Scholarship. Established by a gift from Frederic Halper in memory of Louise A. Halper, a member of the Rutgers Law School Class of 1973. Awarded to a female student whose activities have contributed to the progress of women and to the ideals of Rutgers Law School, also known as the People's Electric Law School, notably sexual and racial equality and use of law as a positive instrument for social change.
William S. Powers Research Fellowship Fund. Established by a gift from the law firm of Rothgerber Appel Powers and Johnson to honor William S. Powers, a 1937 graduate of the law school, on his 80th birthday. Awarded to one or more deserving full-time law students who are interested in opportunities to conduct research and writing with law faculty members.
Honorable Sylvia B. Pressler Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was created to honor the life & work of Sylvia B. Pressler (’59) and to support full-time students attending Rutgers Law School–Newark. Awards will be based on academic merit and financial need. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the public interest. Scholarship awards may be renewed provided the recipient maintains eligibility.
Mary and Jesse Ridley Scholarship Fund. Established in 1992 by Jesse Ridley in honor of his late wife, Mary. An electrician by trade, Mr. Ridley had been president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1158 for more than 35 years. The income from the fund provides assistance to promising students on the basis of need.
Gayton A. Rotunda Scholarship. This scholarship was created in 2008 to provide support for students attending the law school. Awards will be based on financial need, and may be renewed depending on the availability of funds.
Samuel Rubin Law Scholarship Fund. Established in 1958 as an endowed scholarship fund for law students through the generosity of Mr. Samuel Rubin, a friend of the school.
Edward H. Saltzman Fellowship Fund. Endowed fund established in honor of Edward H. Saltzman by his son, Michael I. Saltzman, and his family to support a student who will serve as a research assistant to a member of the faculty who teaches in one or more of the fields of criminal law, evidence, and trial practice. The student’s financial need; scholastic achievement; and evidence of personal responsibility, high moral character, and integrity are considered in awarding the fellowship.
Nathan N. Schildkraut Scholarship. This scholarship will be awrded annually to student(s) enrolled at the law school based on performance in the intramural competition conducted by the Moot Court Board related to Appellate Advocacy. Excellence in Appellate Advocacy will be paramount in designating the Nathan N. Schildkraut Scholars, but award amounts will be based on financial need.
Jacob (Jack) Schwartz Fellowship Fund. Established by friends and family of the late Jacob Schwartz to honor his memory by supporting research in the fields of utility regulation and administrative law. Students are assigned to work with a faculty member who has submitted a suitable research proposal.
Austin Scott Scholarship. Income from the estate of Martin S. Steelman, an alumnus of Rutgers College, provides a scholarship for a student at the law school and at Rutgers College, in memory of Austin Scott, a former head of the Rutgers College Department of Economics and a distinguished scholar.
Alexander & Ruth Seaman Scholarship. Established in 2008, this scholarship was created to provide support for law students. Awards are based on academic merit and financial need.
Charles Silverman Memorial Scholarship Fund. Established with a bequest from Charles Silverman to support law students in need of tuition assistance.
Marie Slocum Scholarship. Established in honor of the late wife of Professor Alfred A. Slocum and awarded to a first-year student participating in the Minority Student Program. Based upon academic achievement, financial need, and involvement with public interest/community concerns.
Judge Harvey Smith Memorial Scholarship. Established in 2014 by his children, Lisa Smith and Louis Smith (class of 1993), and awarded to a full-time law student based on demonstrated academic merit and financial need.
A.J. Smaldone Memorial Fund. This fund was created in memory of A.J. Smaldone by her friends, family, the Class of 1977, and its 25th Reunion Committee. The fund is intended to support scholarships or other assistance for law students with disabilities or other significant challenges. It also supports a variety of other disability law initiatives and the A. J. Smaldone Terrace & Garden at the law school. Scholarships will be based on merit and/or need.
Honorable William F. Smith & Honorable James B. Smith Scholarship. Established in memory of Judge Smith in 1969, upon the first anniversary of his death, by his many friends. He was an alumnus, a law professor at the school, a federal district court judge, and a distinguished member of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. His son, James B. Smith, was an alumnus of the school (’67) who had a distinguished legal career, serving as a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and as a municipal court judge.
David S. Solomon Scholarship Fund. Memorial fund created in 1996 by friends of David S. Solomon, a 1968 graduate of the law school. It is intended to support law students, who will be known as Solomon Scholars, with demonstrated financial need and an interest in pursuing a career in labor and employment law.
Jack Solomon Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1986 by a gift from Norma Solomon in memory of her husband, Jack Solomon, Class of 1941, who was a practicing attorney in Newark for 40 years. Awarded annually to a student with an established record of academic excellence, outstanding professional promise, and demonstrated financial need.
M. Marvin Soperstein Scholarship Fund. Established in 1984 by the friends and relatives of the late Judge M. Marvin Soperstein, Class of 1950. Income from this endowed fund provides assistance to students on the basis of need.
Donald R. Sorkow Scholarship Fund. Established in 1985 by his friends, family, and classmates, this endowed scholarship fund in memory of the late Donald R. Sorkow, Class of 1954, provides assistance to students on the basis of need.
Special Minority Students Scholarship Fund. Established in 1977 for students in the Minority Student Program who demonstrate financial need.
Charles J. Stamler Scholarship. Established in 1979, this scholarship is awarded to a senior law student in good academic standing who displays a humane sense of responsibility as evidenced by his or her scholarship or extracurricular activities.
Barbara A. Stempler Scholarship. Established in 2001 by her son, Richard, this endowed scholarship provides assistance to students enrolled at the School of Law–Newark. Awards are based on academic merit and demonstrated ability to overcome life obstacles.
Nancy B. Stiles Scholarship. Established in memory of Nancy B. Stiles, an alumna of the Class of 1982, by her family and friends. Awarded to female students at the law school who plan to enter the field of environmental law; selection criteria include academic merit and financial need.
Deborah Mallay Stoffer Memorial Scholarship. Established in 1960 by a bequest from David Stoffer, late member of the faculty of law, in memory of his daughter. The scholarship is awarded to a qualified student on the basis of need.
Nathaniel Sunshine Scholar. One student is designated every year as the recipient of the income from a fund donated by the friends of the late Mr. Sunshine, a graduate of the school, in his memory.
Judge Herbert H. Tate Sr. Scholarship. Established in 1989 by friends of Judge Tate to honor his achievements and memory as a distinguished graduate of the Class of 1935. He was the first African-American diplomat in Asia and the first African American to serve as assistant minority leader in the New Jersey Assembly. The award is provided to a student in the Minority Student Program based on outstanding achievement and financial need.
Menasha J. Tausner Memorial Prize. This award was established by friends and colleagues to celebrate the career of Dr. Tausner who was a gifted scientist and attorney and who spent many years serving in the New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate and in the Division of the Ratepayer Advocate. The prize is awarded to a full-time or part-time student who demonstrates a significant commitment to integrating a scientific, engineering, or technical background with his or her legal career. Interest in public service is also considered in the selection process.
Saul Tischler Memorial Scholarship. Created to honor and perpetuate the memory of Saul Tischler, Standing Master of the New Jersey Supreme Court, an alumnus, and former member of the faculty of the law school. Awarded annually to one second- and third-year day and evening student in each class, this honor is based solely on the recipient’s outstanding academic performance. Each student is designated a Saul Tischler Scholar in honor of the Standing Master’s outstanding contributions to legal scholarship in New Jersey.
Martin B. Unger Scholarship. This annual scholarship was established by Martin B. Unger Esq. to provide financial assistance to students in the law school. It will be awarded to full-time law students based on academic merit and financial need.
Union Scholarship Fund. Established by the Union Foundation in 1995 to support students from Union County, New Jersey, who are participating in the Minority Student Program. Recipients will be known as Union Scholars.
Charles J. Walsh Scholar Fund. This fund was established by Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross P.C. on behalf of the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Judge Charles J. Walsh. It’s intended to honor the career and legacy of Judge Walsh and to provide assistance to students enrolled at Rutgers School of Law–Newark in the form of scholarship support, summer internship stipends, active mentorship during law school, and career guidance. Charles J. Walsh Scholars will be full-time law students selected on the basis of academic merit. Special consideration will be given to promising students who may remain in New Jersey to practice law.
Marsha Wenk Memorial Fund. Created in 1996 by family and friends in honor and memory of Marsha Wenk, a 1987 graduate of the law school and recipient of the Alumni Association’s 1995 Fannie Bear Besser Award in Public Service. It is intended to support students who are interested in a career in public interest and in performing public interest work during law school.
Whitman Family Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2008 to provide support for students attending the School of Law–Newark. Awards will be given to full-time students based on academic potential and financial need. Preference will be given to students participating in the Minority Student Program.
Saul A. Wittes Scholarship Fund. Established with a bequest from Saul A. Wittes, a graduate of the Class of 1925, to provide support to students to be called Wittes Scholars.