SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Foundation awards scholarships each year to law students of all gender identities and expressions. Awards typically range from $1,500 to $3,000. Applicants may apply for and receive more than one scholarship, depending on the number of qualified applicants.
The Foundation is currently accepting applications for the following scholarships.
MCLAFFERTY MEMORIAL AWARD
The McLafferty Memorial Award is the most prestigious award given by the Foundation. It is awarded to the student with demonstrated academic achievements and possession of traits critical to the ethical practice of law. The Honorable William McLafferty very much embodied the role of judge and played a major leadership role in the court for many years. Judge McLafferty was first appointed to the Santa Barbara Superior Court Bench in November 1997 after having practiced law since the late 1960s. From 2007-2008, Judge McLafferty served as presiding judge. He was a dedicated public servant and a well-respected member of the Santa Barbara legal community. The applicant who best encompasses the traits set forth in the Foundation Scholarships criteria is awarded the coveted McLafferty Memorial Award.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA
Scholarship applicants will be evaluated based on following criteria:
Academic achievement
Financial need
Commitment to gender equality
Overcoming setbacks
Leadership
Dedication to the Santa Barbara legal community
HONORABLE JAMES E. HERMAN SCHOLARSHIP OF EXCELLENCE
The Honorable James E. Herman Scholarship of Excellence is presented by the Honorable Denise de Bellefeuille (Ret.) in honor to her husband, and judge, the Honorable James Herman, for his loving support for their 36-year partnership. Both Judge Herman and Judge de Bellefeuille have been members and supporters of SBWL. Applicants will be evaluated based on the Foundation Scholarships criteria.
ANTICOUNI & RICOTTA SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship to a law student based on the following two criteria:
Financial need
Overcoming obstacles based on socioeconomic and/or educational disadvantage
This scholarship is sponsored by:
At Anticouni & Ricotta, California’s employers and employees alike receive quality representation. The firm’s expertise extends over Contracts, Discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination, and many more. The firm has been a trailblazer in the practice of employment law, filing the first wage and hour class action more than 40 years ago.
JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIP
The Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion of race and gender equality. As trailblazing attorney, she was a fierce and strategic litigator using her powerful reasoning to create social change. As a Justice, she was a beacon of integrity and known for her commanding dissents. Justice Ginsburg’s legacy is one of inspiration and courage to use the law to impact lives and promote social justice. In an effort to honor her legacy, Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Foundation has established the RBG Tribute Scholarship Award. This scholarship is open to both undergraduate and law students. A successful candidate for this scholarship will encompass the traits of Justice Ginsburg and show a commitment to her legacy as described above.