Arias Family Leadership and Engagement Scholarship

Applications for the 2026 scholarship are due May 15.

 

This scholarship was founded in 2026 to provide active members of the New Lawyers Division (NLD) with the opportunity to attend AAJ Annual Convention, where the recipients have the opportunity for professional development, growth of their professional networks, and more engagement with the NLD and AAJ. AAJ's conventions are the best ways to connect AAJ trial lawyers plus offers unparalleled community, networking, and education.

The scholarship will cover registration, hotel, travel, and up to $150 daily for meals and incidentals (up to $5,000 total) for AAJ Annual Convention.

Scholarship Criteria

This scholarship is open to any plaintiff attorney who:

• Is a current member of AAJ
• Has been practicing for five years or less
• Demonstrates an interest and proficiency in trial advocacy skills
• Demonstrates a financial need for the scholarship
• Has not previously attended an AAJ Annual Convention
• Demonstrates a commitment to service with AAJ/NLD through two of the items below:
  •  Attended a membership drive or AAJ PAC drive
  • Judged a round of AAJ's Student Trial Advocacy Competition (STAC)
  • Served on an AAJ or NLD committee
  • Attended an AAJ Education program
• Commits to attend Annual Convention for a minimum of three days, including attending the following Convention events:
  • Joint-caucus service project
  • NLD/Law Student welcome reception
  • NLD business meeting
  • NLD awards ceremony, where scholarship recipients will be recognized
  • NLD-sponsored CLE program
  • At least one Advocacy Track CLE session

Application Process

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

• Resume
• Statement of financial need
• A cover letter addressing the scholarship criteria and any special considerations

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications for the 2026 scholarship are due by May 15.

 

Please reach out to the AAJ Membership Team with any questions.