Scholarships for Stetson Law

Stetson Law's Office of Student Financial Planning is dedicated to helping make your higher education affordable. This aid works alongside state and federal funds available to you. While we have listed some scholarships below, remember that there are many other external scholarships available and we encourage you to apply to any that you qualify for.

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At Stetson Law, you may receive a multi year scholarship when you enter as a full or part time student. All admitted students are automatically considered, and awards are based on your academic achievements, personal accomplishments, and ability to support the mission of Stetson Law. You will be notified by phone or email, and awards can range from partial to full tuition. Include an addendum with your application if you want your unique circumstances considered.

You may also qualify for additional scholarships after your first year of law school. These awards, generally partial tuition, are for students in the top five percent of their class with little or no other Stetson Law scholarships. They apply to fall and spring semesters and are renewable if you meet the conditions outlined in your award letter.

Some scholarships require a separate application. Deadlines are strictly enforced, and awards are announced via email. Most are open to both full and part time students.

Public Service Scholarship

Covers full tuition for your final year of law school. You must maintain good academic standing each semester. Applications are solicited during the spring semester each year, and the award is applied to your final year.

Need Based Scholarships

Applications are available each spring semester.

The scholarships listed below require currently enrolled students to submit a separate application. Scholarships are announced via campus announcements and email in the fall or spring of each year; submission deadlines are strictly enforced. Most scholarships are open to full- and part-time students.

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund

Established in 1991 by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Florida Chapter, this scholarship is awarded to outstanding students enrolled at Stetson University College of Law, and engaged in the study of family law.

Anne L. Weintraub Scholarship

This scholarship, which is given in honor of Anne Weintraub, is for students who show the same drive, determination, and compassion that Anne showed as a student. It is for students who have worked hard to improve their academic standing over time, and who have taken the time to give back to the school and student body.

Aubrey O. Dicus Jr. Scholarship Fund

Aubrey O. Dicus Jr. established this scholarship. Mr. Dicus received his JD from Stetson Law. He is a partner with the St. Petersburg law firm of Battaglia, Ross, Dicus and Wein, P.A.

Bernie J. McCabe Prosecution Clinic Scholarship

Award to a JD student who participates in, or has successfully completed, the Prosecution Clinic Program at the College of Law, is in good academic standing and aspires to pursue a career in public service. Bernard 'Bernie' J. McCabe earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stetson University in 1969 and his JD from Stetson University College of Law in 1972. While at the College of Law Bernie served as president of the Student Bar Association. Following graduation Bernie accepted the position as Assistant State Attorney, Sixth Judicial Circuit, State of Florida. He served as Division Director, Executive Assistant State Attorney, and Chief Assistant State Attorney. In 1992 he was elected State Attorney, Pinellas and Pasco Counties and re-elected in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012, 2016 and 2020.

Cacciatore Scholarship in Advocacy for the Protection of the Rights of Individuals

S. Sammy Cacciatore has devoted his career to the representation of individuals for redress of wrongs. Both in the trial courts and appellate courts, he has steadfastly fought for their rights and sought for his clients just redress and compensation.

Calvin A. Kuenzel Scholarship

Established by an anonymous donor and with gifts from friends of the late professor Calvin Kuenzel (1928-1998) to honor his 40 years of teaching at Stetson University College of Law. This scholarship is awarded based on need and merit.

Carol R. Samuels Scholarship

Established by Mr. Allen R. Samuels, '56, to honor his late wife, Carol R. Samuels: humanist, civic activist and volunteer, philanthropist, world traveler, business executive and wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Samuels was the College of Law's recipient of the first honorary PHT ("Putting Hubby Thru") degrees, which was bestowed upon her at her husband's 1956 graduation. This scholarship honors her passion for improving the lives of others.

Cecil C. and Augusta M. Bailey Scholarship

Established in 1987 by Cecil C. and his wife, Augusta M. Bailey, this scholarship is to assist students who have demonstrated character, academic achievement and the capacity for meritorious leadership in the field of law.

Charles Liberis Scholarship Endowment

Preference given to students who graduated from the University of West Florida.

Charlotte and Joseph C. Mason Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Mr. Mason's daughters to honor the memory of their father, an intellectual property lawyer with a degree in chemical engineering and a visiting lecturer at Stetson Law. It is awarded to a student who demonstrates an interest in becoming a patent attorney and who has a technical undergraduate degree in engineering or in the sciences.

Darby Dickerson SLAAC Scholarship Fund

Established by the Stetson Lawyers Association Advisory Council in 2010, this scholarship honors Dean Darby Dickerson's devotion to leadership, writing, advocacy, love for higher education and pursuit of other scholarly endeavors.

Doug and Margaret Lee Scholar

Partial-tuition scholarship for up to 88 credit hours; scholars are selected based on devotion to public service and strong academic performance, with a preference for Stetson University graduates. The Doug and Margaret Lee Scholarship is named after Dr. H. Douglas Lee who served as president of Stetson for 22 years. His presidency focused on a commitment to academic excellence, the integration of values into the teaching-learning process, and active forms of social responsibility.

Dr. Dorothy E. "Dotti" Bressi Memorial Scholarship

Dotti joined Stetson Law in August 2000 and led the successful Cornerstone Campaign. Throughout her life Dotti was committed to making a difference through her leadership, spirit, and dynamic personality. She touched so many lives through her work, life, and example.

Dr. Wendy B. Libby Endowed Scholarship

Established to provide financial assistance to Stetson Law students who have a Stetson undergraduate degree from the DeLand campus and a devotion to social justice.

Earl A. Jinkinson Antitrust Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student who attained the highest academic standing in the antitrust course at the College of Law.

Edward D. Foreman Scholarship

The Edward D. Foreman Scholarship is named after a special man and was designed to honor his myriad contributions to his family, the legal profession, and his community. This scholarship represents one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a law student. It recognizes outstanding academic and professional accomplishments and the potential to make a significant, meaningful contribution to the legal profession and the community.

Edward Vogler II Family Scholarship Endowment

Funds will provide need-based assistance to a student in good academic standing at the College of Law.

Elsie B. and Edward C. Jacob Memorial Scholarship

This fund was established by the family and friends of Elsie B. and Edward C. Jacob, in their memory. This scholarship is based on need and merit.

Florida Military Academy (FMA) Scholarship

The FMA was housed on Stetson's Gulfport campus from 1932-1951. During those years, young men from around the country attended the military school prior to college or a career in the armed services. The surviving members of FMA endowed this scholarship as a tribute to both the FMA and the students who received their military education on what is now the Stetson University College of Law campus.

Floyd W. Murray Scholarship

This scholarship was established through the estate of Floyd W. Murray class of 1922 and is awarded based on need and merit.

Frederick B. Karl Veterans Scholarship

Alumni and friends of Justice Frederick “Fred” Karl '49 and his wife, Mercedes Karl, funded this scholarship in their honor. A World War II veteran, Fred spent his life and career dedicated to public service. Fred was a recipient of both the Silver Star and Purple Heart as a result of his actions in the Battle of the Bulge and is one of only a few individuals to have served in all three branches of state government in the state of Florida.

Gariann Vause Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by family and friends in memory of Gariann Florence Vause, the daughter of Professor W. Gary Vause, Stetson University Vice President and Dean of the College of Law who passed in 2003. Gariann Vause received her B.A. and JD degrees from Stetson University and served as editor of the Stetson Law Review. She practiced law in Connecticut until her untimely death in 1994 at the age of 29.

Gary R. Trombley Scholarship

This scholarship has been established by Gary R. Trombley. Mr. Trombley received his JD degree from Stetson Law in 1973. He serves as President of the Stetson Lawyers Association from June 1999 through Mar 2000. He is an active member of the Stetson University College of Law Board of Overseers.

General Scholarships

Awarded based generally on merit and need:

Dr. Herberta Ann Leonardy Memorial Scholarship
J. Ben Watkins Endowed Scholarship Awarded to students with demonstrated need.
Jack M. Eckerd Scholarship Fund
McBride Family Scholarship
Nierenberg Family Scholarship
Zinat Shadman Milani Endowment Scholarship

Graham Carothers Scholarship

Given by the family of Graham Carothers, Class of 1963, to support JD students who have excelled or show the potential to excel in public service and charity dedicated to underprivileged or special needs children, a passion of Mr. Carothers during his distinguished lifetime.

Hearne Family Environmental Law Scholarship

Awarded to a student in the JD program enrolled in the Environmental Law program who demonstrates financial need and is in good academic standing. Preference is given to students who in addition to meeting these criteria, also express an interest in advising business clients in environmental compliance, innovation, and stewardship.

Hill Ward Henderson Scholarship Endowment

Established to provide need-based scholarship assistance to a student in good academic standing. Preference will be given to students who have completed their first year of law school.

Holland and Knight Endowed Scholarship Honoring Chesterfield Smith

The law firm of Holland & Knight established this scholarship in 1994 to honor the firm's most distinguished partner, Chesterfield Smith, whose dedication and personal contribution to the firm is unmatched and who has done so much to instill and advance this generous, community-minded spirit among the core ideals of the Holland & Knight Commitment. This scholarship is awarded annually to a second or third student who has demonstrated the skills and character that are embodied in this commitment.

James C. Hauser Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the family of James C. Hauser and is intended for third-year law students who earned a 3.25 GPA or higher. The family prefers a law student who grew up in a single-parent home and who has the intention of practicing in Florida upon graduation.

James Nemec Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated a commitment to Stetson and to giving back to their community.

James R. Wilson Scholarship

Established in 1995 by the Volusia County Estate Planning Council in honor of James R. Wilson, a distinguished attorney and former faculty member at Stetson Law. Given to a law student from Volusia County who has attained the highest overall grade in the Trusts and Estates course.

Jeffrey A. and Patricia F. Smith Scholarship Endowment

Jeffrey A. Smith was a 1973 Stetson Law graduate. He practiced criminal law in Fort Lauderdale for over twenty-five years. He worked as an Assistant State Attorney until his retirement in 2013 at the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Inverness, Florida where he handled all juvenile cases and established the county’s drug and mental health courts.

John F. Cherry Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1984 by the late Margaret W. Cherry in memory of her husband, John. This scholarship is based on need and merit.

John W. Bussey III Scholarship Endowment

Established to provide need-based scholarship assistance to a student with an expressed interest in Advocacy. Awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in Intramural Advocacy Competitions during their first year or is a current member of an Advocacy Board.

Joseph J. Reiter Scholarship

This scholarship, given by Joseph J. Reiter, Class of 1968, will support continuing JD students who have excelled or shown the potential to excel in advocacy, an area in which Mr. Reiter has excelled during his distinguished career. Normally, a student will receive this award at the end of his or her first complete year at the College of Law. Other criteria for the award include academic performance and a devotion to profession and greater community.

Judge Anthony H. Johnson Veterans Scholarship

Following high school Tony Johnson joined the Marines serving with the 1st Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment in Vietnam. After his service he became a police officer and Detective in Washington, D.C. and returned to Florida in 1975 to serve as a Deputy Sheriff in Pinellas County until he was appointed a Special Agent of the U.S. Secret Service. He left the Secret Service to attend law school as Stetson College of Law graduating in 1980. He then entered the Navy Reserve Intelligence Program where he served for 27 years and retired as a Captain. Three years after becoming a member of the Florida Bar, he was elected as a County Judge and is a retired Circuit Judge in Florida. He served as an Orange County Judge for three decades and founded the Legal Assistance for Warriors project.

Judge Edith M. Atkinson Scholarship

Edith M. Atkinson, Class of 1922, practiced in Dade County, Florida and was the first woman judge in that county, having served with distinction as Judge of the Juvenile Court during the 1920s. In grateful appreciation of her generous support, the College has established an endowed scholarship and grant fund in her name and in her memory.

Judge John M. Scheb Scholarship

This scholarship will assist students from Sarasota and Manatee Counties with excellent academic records who exhibit traits in common with Judge John M. Scheb: honesty, integrity and professionalism.

Judge Raphael Steinhardt Family Public Interest Scholarship and Judge Raphael Steinhardt Family Public Interest Wage and Salary Supplement Fund

It is the donor's hope that the recipient will repay the amounts received at some point when he or she becomes financially able to repay. The purpose is to be able to help other students financially in the future. The Scholarship has been established through the generosity of alumnus Raphael Steinhardt, Class of 1963, who has been an outstanding lawyer and County Judge of Dade County. He also served as a Stetson Law Overseer.

Judge Raphael Steinhardt Veteran's Scholarship

This scholarship was established as a way to honor and support our nation's veterans. The Scholarship has been established through the generosity of alumnus Raphael Steinhardt, Class of 1963, who has been an outstanding lawyer and County Judge of Dade County. He also served as a Stetson Law Overseer.

Judge Susan F. Schaeffer Scholarship

Judge Susan Schaeffer graduated first in her 1971 class at Stetson Law and became a judge in 1982. She was the first female chief assistant public defender and the first female Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit and the first Chief Judge, male or female, to be elected to three consecutive terms as Chief Judge. Judge Schaeffer has a tradition of "firsts" and is an active scholar and teacher.

Justin Brass Family Scholarship Endowment

Preference given to a student who graduated high school in Palm Beach County with a secondary preference given to a student who received their undergraduate degree from Florida State University.

Kapila Family Foundation Scholarship Fund

Preference given to students who are concentrating their studies in bankruptcy law.

Kay Eddy Memorial Scholarship

Dean Emeritus and Professor of Law, Bruce R. Jacob, established this scholarship. Mrs. Kay Eddy served the students of Stetson Law for over two decades as the Registrar and Director of Admissions. She was known for her dedication and service to her students, was a well-respected problem solver and worked diligently to help students with financial difficulties to find the means to stay in law school. She retired from the College of Law in 1971.

LeRoy Y. Hooks Elder Law Scholarship

This award, established by Jason L. Turner and the Hooks family, honors LeRoy Y. Hooks, a life-long professional educator who lost his life to Lou Gehrig's Disease. The scholarship will ready future lawyers from Stetson to assist the elderly in similar end-of-life issues. The scholarship will be presented in the Fall to a Stetson Law student who is pursuing a JD with a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law.

May/July 2013 Class Gift: Dean Bruce R. Jacob Scholarship

The committee of the graduating class of May/July 2013 established this scholarship to honor Dean Jacob because of his profound impact on many lives and the Stetson Law community as a whole. The legacy of Dean Jacob will continue always at Stetson Law not just for the many accomplishments he has as a lawyer, as a dean or as a professor but at least one student, every year, will know someone cares. Dean Jacob began his career in 1960 as an Assistant Attorney General of the State of Florida. There he represented the respondent in Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963) and he represented the state in 19 appeals before the Florida Supreme Court and District Courts of Appeal of Florida.

Murray Sams, Jr. Scholarship

Dr. Sams is a 1949 graduate of the College of Law, a noted Miami trial lawyer, and past member of the Board of Overseers. This scholarship is based on need and merit.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) White Collar Criminal Defense Scholarship

The student(s) receiving the scholarship shall have demonstrated a predisposition to success as an advocate. Among the indicators of this that the Committee may consider are outstanding performance in undergraduate mock trial or moot court programs.

Papantonio Family Scholarship Endowment

Established to provide scholarship assistance to a student with an expressed interest in Advocacy and Plaintiffs work. Awarded to a student who has demonstrated excellence in Intramural Advocacy Competitions during their first year on campus and/or is a current member of an Advocacy Board.

Polk County/Central Florida Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for law students who grew up and/or attended college in Polk County, FL.

Priscilla B. and Lawrence C. Adams Scholarship

Established by the donor in appreciation of their support and encouragement of the Donor and their longstanding commitment to outstanding education, both for their children and in their community.

Professor James J. Brown Second Career Merit Scholarship

The scholarship is named for Florida Bar member James J. Brown, Attorneys' Title Insurance Fund Professor Emeritus, who excelled in teaching real property courses, training students to become competent practitioners, and representing the traditional, rigorous standards for achieving excellence at the institution during his 30 years of service. The scholarship honors a man who believed in “building Stetson lawyers one great student at a time.”

Professor Lee Coppock Trial Team Scholarship

Established by a Stetson Law alumna to honor alumnus, retired Trial Advocacy Fellow, and Florida Bar member Lee Coppock, who excelled in teaching trial advocacy and coaching Stetson's trial team. This scholarship honors a man who believes in "we are Stetson."

Professor Rebecca C. Morgan Elder Law Scholarship

This scholarship will provide support for students enrolled in the Elder Law Concentration.

Professor William Eleazer Trial Team Scholarship Endowment

Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus William R. Eleazer joined Stetson University College of Law in 1979 after a distinguished career with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida. He taught criminal law courses including evidence, trial practice and the prosecution clinic until he retired from full-time teaching in 1999. This scholarship is awarded to students who are members of the Trial Team and have excelled academically.

Raman Subramanian Personal Tragedy/Catastrophe Relief Scholarship

Nominations requested annually; funds used to assist a student who experienced a major personal tragedy or catastrophe that could affect his/her ability to continue law school, such as a health emergency, tragic accident, or major financial crisis. First-preference is given to students who have recently experienced a major personal tragedy or catastrophe first-hand.

Rich Nenezian, Jim Jones and Pete Cooley Memorial Scholarship

The Nenezian-Jones Scholarship was established by the friends of Rich Nenezian and Jim Jones to help defray educational costs of second or third year law students who have participated in intramural athletics at Stetson Law and who have demonstrated that there is more to law school than memorizing the Uniform Commercial Code. This scholarship honors two outstanding graduates of the Class of 1984 who lived life to its fullest outside the classroom and enriched the lives of all who knew them.

Richard A. Harrison Endowment Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Richard A. Harrison, a "Double Hatter." Mr. Harrison graduated from Stetson University in 1983 and the College of Law in 1986. He served as Articles & Symposia Editor of the Stetson Law Review. Mr. Harrison is Board Certified in City, County and Local Government by the Florida Bar and is a member of the Stetson Law Board of Overseers.

Rios Family Merit Scholarship

Awarded to a high-performing student in their second year of law school.

Robert E. Jagger Public Defender Scholarship Endowment

Robert Jagger was known for his devotion and commitment to the legal profession. Among other things, Jagger helped establish the Public Defender Clinic at Stetson and was instrumental in the statewide adoption of the student practice rule. The criteria for this scholarship will require that the recipient participates in, or has successfully completed, the Public Defender Clinic Program at the College of Law, is in good academic standing and aspires to pursue a career in public service.

Seymour and Susan Gordan Scholarship Endowment

Seymour Gordon is a 1960 Stetson Law graduate and Adjunct Professor at Stetson Law. Seymour has practiced law in St. Petersburg for over 58 years in areas including real estate, commercial, wills and estates, and estate planning. Seymour is a past president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

Sgt. Jessie Davila Memorial Veterans Scholarship

This scholarship is named in honor of Sgt. Jessie Davila, who was killed on February 20, 2006, while on a mission in Baghdad, Iraq His sacrifice inspired fellow service-member, Javier Centonzio, JD '12, LLM '14, to pursue his undergraduate and law degrees and to use his legal education to help others.

Sharma Family Veterans Scholarship Endowment

Established to provide need-based scholarship assistance with preference given to a Veteran or Active Military student.

Stanley Milledge Book Award

This scholarship, established by the family and friends of the late Judge Stanley Milledge, a member of the College of Law faculty before his death in 1965, is presented to a student who has excelled in some field to which Judge Milledge made significant contributions.

Stetson Lawyers Association Scholarship

The funds raised for this scholarship was a way for the Stetson Lawyers Association Advisory Council to assist students with the financial burdens associated with law school or with studying for the bar.

Suzanne Edgett Collins Professional Reinvestment Scholarship Fund

Suzanne Edgett Collins, R.N.; M.P.H., JD, PhD, is a professor of nursing at the University of Tampa and provides legal consultative services in the areas of nursing licensure disciplinary defense. Dr. Collins is an alumna of Stetson Law and is admitted to the Bar in Florida and D.C. Collins believes that true professionalism includes a moral commitment to promote the growth and integrity of the profession of the law through the mentorship and financial support of law students and young lawyers.

Tampa Bay Alumni Association Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to financially assist students from the Tampa Bay area, with preference to students residing in Hillsborough County or who have graduated from a high school in Hillsborough County.

Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association Judge Alexander L. Paskay Scholarship Fund

Established in 1993 by members of the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association and the Florida Bar Business Law Section to honor Judge Alexander L. Paskay for his long and dedicated service and for his tremendous contributions to the field of bankruptcy law, this scholarship is awarded to student(s) based on their interest in bankruptcy law as well as merit and financial need.

The Caddell – Mahagan Family Scholarship Endowment in Memory of Patrick K. Caddell

Patrick K. Caddell earned his JD from Stetson in 1978. After specializing in probate law, he was elected to a Pinellas County judicial seat in 1986. He served honorably as a county judge for twenty-seven years and exhibited a strong commitment to education as a long-time professor at Stetson University College of Law. He served as Chairman of the Pinellas County Canvassing Board for twenty-two years, being the longest serving election canvasser in the state. He was also the only judge to receive the Governor’s Peace at Home: Stopping Domestic Violence Award and further received the Leadership Award for reducing domestic violence.

The Don Smith Family Scholarship in Memory of Brian Lee Smith within the Pinellas Community Foundation

Awarded to students who have been members or regularly attended a Boys and Girls Club or currently volunteer with a Boys and Girls Club. The financial need of a student shall be prioritized and given consideration.

The Educators to Advocates Scholarship

Awarded to a former or current educator attending Stetson College of Law. The educator must have taught for at least two years prior to enrolling at Stetson.

The Eunice A. Luke Scholarship

Endowment awarded to provide need-based assistance to a student in good academic standing.

The Honorable Thomas B. McCoun, III Scholarship Endowment Fund

Thomas B. McCoun practiced law for 41 years, serving the last 24 years as a Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. Judge McCoun taught as an adjunct professor at Stetson College of Law for many years. The scholarship recipient must be in good standing and participates in the federal judicial externship program, is a member of the trial team or in Trial Advocacy and demonstrates financial need.

The John F. and Denise R. Cooper Scholarship Fund

Established by long-term faculty member and Associate Dean of International and Cooperative Programs at Stetson University College of Law, John F. Cooper. Preference given to need-based students interested in international law or study abroad programs; and/or lawyers attending the College of Law to pursue a Master of Law (LLM) in the International Law program.

The Ruth Family Scholarship

Open to continuing JD students. The donors' intent is to reward students who show a true drive and determination to improve their academic performance while at Stetson Law.

Thomas C. Marks, Sr. and Bernadine B. Marks Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 2001 by Professor Thomas Marks as a memorial tribute to his parents, Thomas C. and Bernadine B. Marks.

Thomas R. Brown and Norma R. Brown Scholarship

Established by Thomas R. and Norma R. Brown to provide need-based scholarship assistance to a student or students who worked in order to pay for his/her undergraduate education.

Tracy Raffles Gunn Family Scholarship Endowment

Preference will be given to a student who is a member of the Moot Court or Stetson Law Review.

Law students are honored each year through ABA member groups' awards and scholarships. These ABA opportunities recognize public service, professionalism, community involvement in the legal profession, and much more. For more information about ABA scholarships and awards, visit here: Academic Scholarships for Young Lawyers and Law Students

Online Scholarship Resources

Writing Contest Resources

Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarships

Please review the Request for Participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program; up to $2,500 per semester (up to $5,000 per year); renewable through JD graduation.

Yellow Ribbon Program

How to Apply for Aid

Learn what the steps are to apply for financial aid at Stetson Law.

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