Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation

## About the WLALA Foundation Tuition Scholarships

**Purpose and focus**
The WLALA Foundation offers tuition scholarships to law students committed to advancing social justice, equality, and inclusion. The award honors the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by supporting students who demonstrate sustained devotion to issues affecting women, children, minorities, and other historically marginalized communities. These scholarships are intended to help future lawyers who will use their legal careers to promote equitable outcomes and public service in the Los Angeles area.

Key takeaways:
- Supports law students devoted to social justice and inclusion.
- Honors Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy.
- Prioritizes work affecting women, children, minorities, and marginalized groups.

## Eligibility Requirements

**Who can apply**
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited law school and plan to remain enrolled for the 2026–2027 academic year. Candidates must intend to practice law or perform legal work that affects Los Angeles County after graduation. Academic standing is also considered: applicants must rank in the top 50% of their class.

Key takeaways:
- Must be enrolled in an accredited law school for 2026–2027.
- Must plan to practice or do legal work affecting Los Angeles County.
- Must be in the top 50% of the law school class.

## Application Materials (Checklist)

**Required documents (besides the personal statement)**
Submit a current resume, a law school transcript (fall 2025 grades must be included; unofficial acceptable), and at least one reference letter (up to three allowed). These items allow reviewers to verify academic standing, professional experience, and references.

**Personal statement location**
See the Personal Statement Guidelines section for format and content requirements for the personal statement.

Key takeaways:
- Required documents: resume, transcript including fall 2025 grades, 1–3 reference letters.
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Personal statement requirements are detailed separately.

## Personal Statement Guidelines

**Format and length**
The personal statement must be typed, double-spaced, and no longer than two pages. Use clear, concise language and standard formatting so reviewers can quickly assess your narrative.

**Topics to address**
The statement should: describe your commitment to issues affecting women, children, minorities, and/or marginalized groups; explain how you will continue public-service-oriented legal work after graduation in or relating to Los Angeles County; and state why you need the scholarship and how it will benefit you.

Key takeaways:
- Personal statement: typed, double-spaced, maximum two pages.
- Address commitment to marginalized communities, future public-service practice in/related to LA County, and financial need/benefit.
- Use clear, focused examples to demonstrate sustained commitment.

## Contact and Questions

**Who to contact**
Direct questions about the WLALA Foundation Tuition Scholarships to the Scholarship Co-Chairs: Carmela Pagay (ctp@lnbyg.com) and Meehan Rasch (Meehan.rasch@gmail.com). They can clarify eligibility and application details.

**Next steps**
Follow the official WLALA Foundation announcement or application page for submission instructions and any timelines. Reach out to the co-chairs for any clarification before submitting materials.

Key takeaways:
- Email scholarship co-chairs for questions: ctp@lnbyg.com and Meehan.rasch@gmail.com.
- Check the official announcement/application page for submission details and deadlines.
- Contact co-chairs early if you need clarification before applying.