Representing Real People Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Patrick Malone and Associates

Every day across the United States, many thousands of people appear in civil court without an attorney. Because there is no constitutional right to counsel in civil matters and legal representation is often unaffordable, these self-represented litigants must navigate a complicated system designed by and for lawyers. Facing better-funded opponents who have counsel, pro se litigants regularly confront an uneven playing field with serious consequences.

Without legal help, individuals can lose their homes, custody of their children, and other fundamental rights. Even relatively small claims can have life-changing effects: corporations may obtain judgments on old debts that a lawyer could have defeated, pushing financially vulnerable people deeper into hardship. The stability and safety of many Americans depend on access to skilled, compassionate lawyers in areas such as evictions and foreclosures, child support and custody, domestic violence, employment disputes, immigration, and probate matters when someone dies without a will.

Attorneys who choose to represent individuals—especially those of limited means—can meaningfully restore balance to the civil justice system. To encourage law students who plan careers serving ordinary people, Patrick Malone & Associates is offering the Representing Real People Scholarship: two awards of $5,000 each to students committed to practicing on behalf of individuals.

Qualifying practice areas (examples)
- Family law
- Employment law representing employees (not employers)
- Landlord-tenant work advocating for tenants
- Personal injury law representing injured individuals and families
- Elder law
- Immigration law for individuals
- Disability rights
- Estates, trusts, and probate matters representing individuals
- Public interest law focused on individual rights

Eligibility
- Accredited institution: Applicant must be accepted to, and plan to attend in the fall of the application year, an accredited U.S. law school.
- Career intent: Applicant must intend to pursue a legal career representing individuals, with particular emphasis on serving clients of limited financial means in the United States.

How to apply
1. Download and complete the application form from our website.
2. Mail the completed application so it is received by July 1 to PM&A at the mailing address provided on the form. Include the following with your submission:
- A personal essay
- Proof of acceptance to, or current attendance at, an accredited U.S. law school
- Official law school transcript covering all completed terms through the application date
- Official, complete undergraduate transcript

If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, refer to the application form for contact information.