Federal Circuit Bar Association's Scholarship

Who may apply?

Students (a) pursuing a juris doctor degree, (b) enrolling for the upcoming academic year (i.e., 2024/2025) in any law school accredited by the American Bar Association, (c) having financial need, and (d) showing a demonstrable interest in one of the many topics that lie within the procedure, substance, or scope of the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (e.g., international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the United States government, federal personnel, and veterans’ benefits). Students with interests solely in such areas as family, public interest, bankruptcy, or criminal law, for example, need not apply. Students pursuing advanced degrees (e.g., LL.M.) need not apply. Note: Scholarships awarded in any given year vary depending on the characteristics of applicants and on monies deemed available by the Federal Circuit Bar Association Charitable and Educational Fund (Fund) for that year. Administration of the program rests in the full and sole discretion of the Fund.

Judicial Scholarships

Howard T. Markey Memorial Scholarship: An award of $10,000 to honor the memory of Howard T. Markey, the first Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Like the other Fund scholarships, this scholarship seeks out law students demonstrating academic promise, economic need, and an interest in the subject matter of the Federal Circuit’s legal community. The Howard T. Markey scholarship also emphasizes a commitment to public service as a remembrance of Howard T. Markey’s unique contribution of values driven by a lifetime committed to the public. Only one Howard T. Markey Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year. If awarded, the scholarship is presented at the Association’s Annual Dinner in November.

Helen W. Nies Memorial Scholarship: An award of $10,000 honors the memory of Helen W. Nies, former Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Special considerations for the Helen W. Nies scholarship include: (a) encouraging the participation of women lawyers in the legal profession, (b) recognizing the contributions of women lawyers to society in general, (c) highlighting academic excellence, (d) addressing need, and (e) advancing the interest of women law students in intellectual property. Only one Helen W. Nies Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year. If awarded, the scholarship is presented at the Association’s Annual Dinner in November.

Giles Sutherland Rich Memorial Scholarship: An award of $10,000 honors the memory of Giles S. Rich, Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and an author of the 1952 Patent Act. Law students who apply for the Giles S. Rich award should show financial need and reflect academic excellence. They also should consistently demonstrate a dedication to the law, the rule of law, and our court system. Only one Giles S. Rich Scholarship is awarded each year. If awarded, the scholarship is presented at the Association’s Bench & Bar® Conference in June.

The Association Scholarships

Board Scholarship: An award of $10,000 will be given. The Board Scholarship seeks to encourage law students showing financial need and demonstrating both academic excellence and outstanding leadership. Only one Board Scholarship is awarded each year. If awarded, the scholarship is presented at the Association’s Annual Dinner in November.

Association Founder’s Scholarships: Depending on available funds and other factors, the Association may also consider awarding additional scholarships based primarily on need. The number of these scholarships is limited by monies available. Recently, the Association was able to award three of these scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each. If awarded, scholarships are announced at the Association’s Bench & Bar® Conference in June.

Veterans Scholarship: An award of $5,000 to be given to a U.S. Veteran. The award is based primarily on economic need, along with academic promise and an interest in the subject matter of the Federal Circuit’s legal community are considered. If awarded, the scholarship is announced at the Association’s Annual Dinner in November.