Representing Real People Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Patrick Malone and Associates

Patrick Malone & Associates — “Representing Real People” Scholarship

Overview
Across the United States, many people appear in court without legal representation. Civil cases do not guarantee a right to counsel, and those who cannot afford attorneys face a legal system that is often difficult to navigate and biased toward those with counsel. Self-represented litigants can suffer severe consequences — loss of housing, child custody, unpaid debts turned into judgments, and other life-altering outcomes. Issues such as evictions, foreclosures, domestic violence, unpaid wages, and intestate estates frequently require skilled, compassionate advocacy for individuals who lack resources.

Attorneys who dedicate their careers to representing everyday people help restore balance to the justice system. To support law students committed to that path, Patrick Malone & Associates is awarding two scholarships of $5,000 each. The “Representing Real People” scholarship is intended to ease the financial burden of law school for students who plan to represent individuals, particularly clients of limited means.

Qualifying practice areas (examples)
- Family law
- Employee-side employment law (representing employees)
- Landlord–tenant law (representing tenants)
- Personal injury (representing injured people and their families)
- Elder law
- Immigration law (individual representation)
- Disability rights
- Estates and trusts / probate matters (representing individuals)
- Public interest law focused on individual rights

Eligibility
Accreditation: Applicant must be accepted to, and plan to enroll in the fall term at, an accredited U.S. law school.

Career focus: Applicant must intend to pursue a legal career representing individuals, with special consideration for those who will serve clients of limited financial means in the United States.

How to apply
1. Download and fully complete the application form (link/reference provided on the announcement).
2. Mail the completed application postmarked by July 1 to Patrick Malone & Associates (PM&A) at the address shown on the application form, together with the following materials:
- A personal essay;
- Proof of acceptance to or current enrollment at an accredited U.S. law school;
- Official law school transcripts covering all completed terms through the application date;
- Official, complete undergraduate transcripts for all colleges attended.

Questions about the scholarship or application process may be directed to the contact information listed on the application form.