The Robert A. McNew Law Student Scholarship promotes the practice of federal law by annually awarding at least one scholarship of $5,000 to a Federal Bar Association law student associate member attending an ABA accredited law school.

The Law Student Scholarship is named in honor of the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association past president and founder of the Fellows program, Robert A. McNew, who also served as president of the FBA and a director of the Federal Bar Building Corporation. Bob has been an active member of the FBA for more than 30 years and continues to support the Foundation in his retirement.

At least one scholarship is awarded annually to a current law student who is a Federal Bar Association law student associate member* in good standing. Applicants must exhibit professionalism and high character in their personal and professional lives as demonstrated in application materials:

  • Online application
  • Personal essay
  • Unaltered academic transcript (official or student copy)
  • Two letters of recommendation (these may include professors)

Letters of recommendation may be submitted with the online application or by the recommender to foundation@fedbar.org (make sure your name and “McNew Scholarship” appear in the subject line (i.e., B Smith McNew Scholarship). The criteria for recipient selection is based on student participation in the FBA, law school, community activities, and academic achievement.

The deadline to submit the scholarship application and required documentation is Nov. 1 of each year. Contact foundation@fedbar.org with questions.

*CLICK HERE to join or renew your membership!