Scholarships
Law School Scholarship Databank
Please direct any questions to the Law School Scholarship representative Cheri Tretter.
UND Law School Scholarships
The University of North Dakota is currently reviewing awarding requirements for Fall 2024.
LESLIE JOHNSON ALDRICH SCHOOL OF LAW ENDOWMENT
The Leslie Johnson Aldrich School of Law Endowment is a gift that the allocations from will support the Law Women's Caucus educational initiatives at the University of North Dakota School of Law.
MARK AND MARY ANDREWS SCHOLARSHIP
Mark and Mary Andrews, desiring to invest in the ongoing growth and development of the University of North Dakota and to assist North Dakota students in receiving a quality education at UND have established this scholarship. By establishing this scholarship, Mark and Mary also wish to show their appreciation for the quality education their daughters Karen and Sarah received at the University of North Dakota. It is their wish that the scholarship awards go to students who have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and strength of character which will, when combined with a good quality education, be a strong indicator of career success and meaningful and productive lives. Other criteria: ND student.
LEROY P. ANSETH SCHOLARSHIP
The LeRoy P. Anseth scholarship shall provide for one scholarship to a third-year student within the School of Law. First preference shall be given to a student from Williams County in North Dakota who is interested in Public Defense. If there are no applicants who meet these criteria, then any student from Western North Dakota who is interested in Public Defense will be eligible. The recipient shall have a proven record of academic achievement and the strong potential to succeed in the future.
RANDALL J. BAKKE SCHOOL OF LAW ENDOWMENT*
The scholarship recipient shall be a student who demonstrates a financial need, professionalism, skill, knowledge and proficiency in trial advocacy coursework, trial or appellate advocacy team or similar program and favorable consideration will be given for a student who is a member of the Federalist Society. The scholarship should be given to the individual at the start of the second semester of the third year.
SHIRLEY A. BAKKEN SCHOLARSHIP
This award is given annually to a law student who has lived and worked from childhood until the age of eighteen on a family farm in North Dakota. The award is made available by a gift from A.C. Bakken, Surrogate Judge, North Dakota Supreme Court, and former Presiding Judge, Northeast Central Judicial District, in memory of his wife, Shirley A. Bakken. The purpose of the eligibility requirement for the scholarship is to reflect A.C. Bakken's family farm origin and the appreciation he has for it and for the UND Law School, and foremost the love and appreciation which he has for his deceased wife, Shirley, for her devoted assistance and encouragement to him as a law student, lawyer and district court judge. Criteria: Raised on a family farm.
DAVID S. BIRKELAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Although David Birkeland's life was cut tragically short, his countless good deeds are vivid memories to all who knew him. His colleagues and friends from the University of North Dakota School of Law Class of 1963 have established the scholarship fund to forever honor this individual who positively affected so many people. Dave Birkeland, proud of his association with Concordia College, received several awards for his outstanding loyalty and service to that institution. Equally proud of his experiences studying law at the University of North Dakota, he maintained lifelong contact with the friends he made there. Recipients of this scholarship shall be enrolled in their second or third year of law school, be a graduate of Concordia College; and have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
THE JUDGE OLGER B. BURTNESS CONSTITUTIONAL LAW SCHOLARSHIP*
This scholarship was established with a contribution from Mrs. Olgar B. Burtness in honor of her husband, Judge Olgar B. Burtness. It is awarded annually to a second year law student receiving the highest grade in a constitutional law course.
CAMRUD, MADDOCK, OLSON, LARSON LAW FIRM SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Established by Madelyn E. Camrud in memory of her husband, Ted Camrud. Ted was a 1959 graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law. Allocations from this endowment will fund the recruitment of one or more scholarships to student(s) attending the School of Law the UND. The recipient(s) must be a North Dakota resident.
JUDGE JIM AND BEVERLY CARRIGAN TRIAL ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this endowment will be used to provide scholarships to the winning student team in the annual Carrigan Cup Trial Competition and/or other UND School of Law students who have demonstrated excellence in trial advocacy.
THE BONNIE CHRISTNER LAMBIASE SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this endowment shall provide scholarships to students who have dependents while attending UND School of Law. Preference will be given to a student who is a non-North Dakota resident.
CHARLES E. DAHL LAW AWARD DISTRIBUTION FUND
To be used to fund the one-year tuition requirement of UND School of Law for a second year student whose personal qualities are similar to those exemplified by Charles E Dahl as a student, a scholar, a soldier, and a citizen during his short life. This fund can also be used to support the Law School’s Public Interest Law Students Association (PILSA).
DEAN W. JEREMY DAVIS LAW DISTRIBUTION FUND
Allocations from this endowment will provide scholarship for a second-or third-year student at UND School of Law. The scholarship recipient will be an individual who has shown dedication to the development of the School of Law by making significant contributions to its growth and providing leadership through example. The scholarship committee from UND School of Law will select the recipient each year. This scholarship may also be used for the publication called Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies.
WILLIAM DE PUY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The income from this endowment is used to award annual scholarships to one or more upper-class students who have a record of high academic performance and will have displayed leadership and aptitude indicative of a successful career in the legal profession. The endowment was established by associates and friend of the late William T. (Bill) DePuy (Law 1926). The William DePuy Memorial Scholarship was established, in perpetuity, in his honor and memory to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students enrolled in the School of Law at the University of North Dakota. Criteria: Academic performance, leadership and aptitude.
THOMAS L. AND NAN K. DEGNAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
This scholarship was established to provide a living memorial honoring Thomas L. and Nan K. Degnan, by their daughters, Nancy, Becky and Denise. The family wishes the recipients, like their father, to be builders of and a credit to the profession of law. Candidates must be residents of North Dakota in their second or third year of studies within the School of Law. It is the Donors' strong desire for the individuals who benefit from this endowed scholarship to serve as role models for others, to possess the strength of character, the scholastic attainment and accomplishments which are indicators of the recipients' future success in the profession of law. The individuals' financial needs will be of equal consideration with the aforementioned characteristics.
JUDITH DICKINSON QUASI-ENDOWMENT
The UND Foundation has established this Quasi-Endowment to benefit Law students who are studying Native American Law. Preference to students of the Iroquois American Indian Nation and with particular emphasis given to students whose ancestors fought in the Seven-Year War and Battle of Oriskany. This endowment can also be used for the recruitment of Native Americans Into Law.
THE HONORABLE ROBERT LAIRD ECKERT MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND
The Honorable Robert Laird Eckert Memorial Endowment Fund shall be used to provide scholarships to law school students at the University of North Dakota School of Law. It is the Donor's intent these scholarship awards shall be based on merit only. Recipient(s) of The Honorable Robert Laird Eckert Memorial Scholarship should be motivated, hardworking, and dedicated students who share the high principle and potential for professional career success as was seen in Robert Laird Eckert in his lifetime.
LEONARD ERICKSON MEMORIAL LAW AWARD
R. JON FITZNER SCHOOL OF LAW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Allocations from this endowment will provide one or more scholarships to a deserving law student who is a graduate of a North Dakota high school.
LOUISE AND HEBER EDWARDS/JUDITH GREENAGEL MEMORIAL LAW SCHOLARSHIP
This award is given to a third year law student who shows aptitude, integrity, financial need, and a sincere desire to complete his/her legal education. It was established by Louise Edwards in memory of her husband and daughter, both graduates of the university. Criteria: Entering 3rd year student showing aptitude, integrity, financial need & desire to complete legal education.
GLENN AND MARY GEIGER SCHOLARSHIP
Glenn and Mary Geiger established this scholarship to be awarded annually to deserving students to recognize the importance of higher education and the excellence of the University Of North Dakota School Of Law. Scholastic ability, personal character, and dedication shall be considered in selecting recipients of this Scholarship. Glenn Geiger is a native of Kenmare, ND and is a 1948 graduate of the UND School of Law. He is a football letter winner and was selected all conference player in 1943. He was also a member of Sigma Chi, Blue Key and Iron Mask. Mary is originally from Pawtucket, Rhode Island and graduated from Yale School of Nursing. Glen and Mary have shown great enthusiasm in strengthening UND and have been involved as supporters of UND in many capacities. Glenn is President of Glenn G. Geiger, Co., Inc., specializing in executive benefit programs. Criteria: Deserving student demonstrating scholastic ability, personal character & dedication.
ALAN GRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP DISTRIBUTION
Allocations from this distribution are used to fund the North Dakota Law Review
THE WILLIAM L. AND MARILYN J. GUY LAW SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this endowment will support scholarships for students in the School of Law within the University of North Dakota who are in the top 50% of their class and who are interested in trust and/or estate law. These scholarships will be awarded every third year beginning in 2013.
SAMUEL AND ETTA HALPERN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this fund will be used for scholarship at UND School of Law to go to students involved in the Public Interest Law Student Association (PILSA).
THE JOHN HAVLIS MEMORIAL LAW SCHOLARSHIP
The John Havlis Scholarship Fund was established by the Class of 1983 to honor their classmate after his untimely death in 1992. Consideration shall be given to scholastic achievement and financial need, but these shall not be over-riding criteria. Allocations from this endowment shall be used to provide a scholarship award to one or more qualified students enrolled in the School of Law who have a keen interest in and are planning to practice one of the following areas of law: legal services, human rights, poverty law or any other public service field of law that serves the greater good. The recipients shall be in their third year of Law School. The recipients shall be chosen by a Committee established for this purpose within the School of Law.
THE HECK FAMILY SCHOOL OF LAW SCHOLARSHIP
The foundation shall distribute allocations from the fund each year for scholarship(s) to second year law student(s) with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
HOFLAND AND JOHNSON LAW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
Allocations from this endowment will be awarded to a student attending the Law School at the University of North Dakota. Preference should be given to a student with an undergraduate degree in science.
WILLIAM J. HOLLAND FOUNDATION LAW AWARD*
JAMES AND VERNA JOHNSON LAW SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from the endowment will support scholarships in the School of Law at UND for a law student who is pursuing a US Transportation Certification.
VERNON M. AND MILDRED JOHNSON LAW SCHOLARSHIP
It is the donors wish that income from this named endowment fund scholarship awards at UND School of Law. The scholarships shall be awarded to students in their second or third year of law school who have demonstrated the ability necessary to become outstanding attorneys. Financial need, scholastic ability and personal character shall be considered in selecting the scholarship recipients. Some of these funds will also be used for Moot Court course work.
KAISER, MARVIN & JOYCE SCHOOL OF LAW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
The allocations from this endowment will provide a recruitment scholarship to a law student at the University of North Dakota School of Law. Preference will be given to a North Dakota student.
ALAN J. LARIVEE MEMORIAL LAW SCHOOL AWARD ENDOWMENT
Monica Larivee of Grand Forks, North Dakota, desiring to invest in the ongoing growth and development of the University of North Dakota, and in memory and honor of her son, Alan J. Larivee, have established this endowment. This prestigious award shall be available to students who are entering their third year of law school and who meet the following criteria: Qualified recipients must be of high moral character and have an interest to practice in the area of criminal defense law. Candidates must have a record of acceptable academic performance and demonstrated financial need. Further, it is the Donors' desire that candidates for the Larivee Award possess some of the qualities common to those of Alan J. Larivee, a competitive, yet compassionate, demeanor and an effective communicator.
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation Summer Law Rural Justice Practice Scholarships
UND Law, Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation, the State Bar Association of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Bar Foundation continued to promote the Rural Justice program to support summer law-related positions in rural areas throughout the state to address the critical unmet need for attorneys to serve the citizens of North Dakota in rural areas. The scholarship and grant awards to work in legal positions in the summer are:
- School of Law Larson Foundation Summer Law Rural Justice Practice Scholarships
- School of Law Public Interest Summer Work Grants
- School of Law Rural Justice Judicial Clerkships
Funding Process, Priorities, and Application
RANDY H. LEE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT*
Allocations from this endowment shall be used to provide one or more scholarships to a student(s) attending the School of Law within the University of North Dakota. The student(s) who receive this scholarship shall have performed well in the Professional Responsibility course or otherwise have demonstrated an understanding and commitment to the principles of professional responsibility. The student(s) shall be of high moral character and demonstrate the potential to have a successful career that embodies the values of professionalism.
JACK MARCIL LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT*
Allocations from this endowment shall be used to provide scholarships to third-year students enrolled in the School of Law at the University of North Dakota. The scholarship recipient shall be a student who demonstrates professionalism, skill, knowledge and ability in the area of trial and appellant advocacy. The scholarship should be given to the individual at the start of the second semester of the third year.
ADRIAN O. MCLELLAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Established by Ada McLellan Haraldson in memory of her late husband, Adrian O. McLellan. Adrian was a 1939 graduate of the University of North Dakota School of Law. Criteria: A deserving man or woman from North Dakota.
MICHAEL E. MILLER MEMORIAL
Michael E. Miller graduated summa cum laude with a JD degree from the University Of North Dakota School Of Law in 1957. He died on April 3, 1990 without finalizing his estate plans, but his handwritten notes found by his personal friend, Paul T. Sather, brought about the establishment of this memorial endowment. It was Michael's wish that the income from the endowment be used towards the education of deserving UND School of Law students with a major in accounting and who are in good standing within their law school class. Students may receive the Michael E. Miller Memorial Scholarship for more than one academic year, provided they maintain high academic standards. The Dean, along with the Scholarship Committee, shall select the qualified students who will receive this prestigious award. Criteria: Degree in accounting and good academic standing within law school.
JUDGE JAY & JUDY MONDRY SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this fund shall go to a deserving law student with preference given to UND School of Law students from Northwest Minnesota & Northeastern North Dakota.
HOWARD AND JOHNNIE MOUM LAW SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this fund will be for recruiting scholarships for UND School of Law students.
LEWIS H. OEHLERT MEMORIAL LAW AWARD*
Allocations from this endowment shall be used for furnishing a law school scholarship to an incoming, worthy and needy student who achieves the top score on their LSAT exam.
DAVE AND DIANE PETERSON LITIGATOR'S SCHOLARSHIP FUND*
This fund shall provide for one or more scholarships to a current University of North Dakota student(s) in his or her second year of law school and who have demonstrated, through course work and advocacy skills competitions, an interest in a legal career path related to litigation. The recipient shall have a proven record of academic achievement related to litigation skills and the strong potential to succeed in the future.
THE BRUCE AND ROBERTA QUICK SCHOLARSHIP*
This award is given to students who are entering their third year of law school and who meet the following criteria: Qualified recipients must be of high moral character and have an interest to practice in the area of criminal law. Candidates must have a record of acceptable academic performance and demonstrated financial need.
WILLIAM H. SALTZMAN LAW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
The William H. Saltzman Law Scholarship Endowment will shall provide scholarships to students at the University Of North Dakota Law School who are non-residents of the State of North Dakota.
JUSTICE PAUL M. SAND MEMORIAL LAW SCHOLARSHIP
The Justice Paul M. Sand Memorial Law Scholarship Endowment was established by his daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Earl McClenathan, to be used as a scholarship for a student or students enrolled at the University of North Dakota School of Law. The recipient(s) must be a North Dakota resident. Preference should be given to students with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 with an intention to work in state government or other public service in North Dakota. Financial need should also be considered.
MARVIN D. SANDERS SCHOLARSHIPS
The will of the late Marvin D. Sanders established a trust, the income from which is awarded annually to provide several scholarships to law students on the basis of academic ability, contribution to the educational program of the School of Law, and financial need.
JOHN SCHNEIDER SOCIAL JUSTICE LAW SCHOLARSHIP
Allocations from this endowment will be awarded annually to a second year law student, preferably from North Dakota, or otherwise to a student from the Upper Great Plains (South Dakota, Wyoming, or Montana). The recipient should have a commitment and dedication to community service and have demonstrated a keen social awareness as a champion of “we the people”. The recipient’s professional aim should be the advancement of rights of common people and their selection based on their depth of commitment to the ideals over any other consideration. This fund is currently being used to provide scholarship for our Public Interest Law Students Association (PILSA).
BARBARA SHAFT FALETTI MEMORIAL LAW SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT*
Allocations from this endowment shall be used to fund a cash scholarship each year to the law student who at the end of his or her second year has maintained the highest cumulative grade point average.
JOHN SHAFT MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT
Grant Shaft of Grand Forks, North Dakota, desiring to invest in the ongoing growth and development of the University Of North Dakota, and in memory of his father John Shaft, has provided for the establishment of the John Shaft Memorial Endowment within the University of North Dakota Foundation. Allocations from this endowment shall be used to fund a cash scholarship each year to a law school student enrolled at the University Of North Dakota School Of Law. Criteria: Deserving Law Student.
SAM AND EVELYN SILVERMAN LAW ENDOWMENT
Sam and Evelyn Silverman, desiring to invest in the ongoing growth and development of the University of North Dakota, and in sincere appreciation of the education Sam received at the University of North Dakota, has established the SAM AND EVELYN SILVERMAN LAW ENDOWMENT within the University of North Dakota Foundation. This endowment shall provide annual funding for two (2) UND students who are pursuing a juris doctor at the UND School of Law. Criteria: Motivated and hard-working who share high principles and the desire to succeed.
TOM O. SMITH MEMORIAL LAW ENDOWMENT*
Allocations from this endowment shall be used to provide a stipend for a student participating in the special projects legislative internship within the UND School of Law. This is awarded every other year and the recipient shall be chosen by the Dean or the School of Law or by an individual appointed by the Dean.
KENNETH M. and FRANCES M. SWENSON SCHOLARSHIP
The Kenneth M. and Frances M. Swenson law school scholarship fund will be awarded to two students in their second or third year of law school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must be North Dakota residents with exhibited financial need.
TENNESON-SERKLAND LAW SCHOOL ENDOWMENT
Armond G. Erickson and Nancy M. Erickson of Fargo, North Dakota, desiring to invest in the ongoing growth and development of the University of North Dakota, and in sincere appreciation for the education they received at UND, have provided for the establishment of the TENNESON - SERKLAND LAW SCHOOL ENDOWMENT within the University of North Dakota Foundation. This endowment shall be used to provide scholarships to law school students who anticipate careers in the profession of law with special interest in practices in probate, estate planning or real estate.
THORMODSGARD MEMORIAL LAW AWARD*
This award was established by the estate of Olaf H. Thormodsgard, former Dean of the University of North Dakota School of Law. Scholarships will be provided to students achieving the highest grades in public law courses.
THORMODSGARD AWARD IN WILLS AND TRUSTS*
Allocations from this endowment shall be used to provide scholarship to the student(s) achieving the highest grade in Trusts and Estates.
BRUCE M. VANSICKLE SENATE DELTA THETA PHI LAW SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship or scholarships are awarded each year from the income of an endowment originally established by Richard Lord and James Baine. Preference shall be given to members of the Bruce M. Van Sickle Senate of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Criteria: At least a cumulative GPA of 2.5, commitment to the study of law and the legal profession, service to the law school, service to humankind, the scholastic promise of an individual, the individual’s needs, and the likelihood of the individual's future contributions to the legal profession.
HANS WALKER, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The foundation shall distribute allocations from the fund each year for scholarship(s) to incoming first year American Indian law student(s) at UND school of Law. First preference shall be given to student(s) who are enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation (MHA Nation). Second preference shall be given to student(s) who are enrolled members of the Spirit Lake Nation, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians or the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation. If there are no students who meet these preferences the scholarship(s) shall be given to student(s) who are enrolled members of any federal or state recognized tribe.
EDWARD JAMES WARD III SCHOLARSHIP
A scholarship is given annually to a third year law student who has contributed to and enriched the life of the law school community not only through scholarly activities such as class work and legal organization, but also through participation in legal projects and intra-and extra-mural activities. This award was made possible through the contributions of the family, teachers, colleagues, students and friends of the late Ed Ward, J.D., North Dakota, 1973, and Assistant Professor of Law, 1974-75. Criteria: Entering 3rd year student, contribution and enrichment. Also, to a student who hasn't received a lot of awards.
LIBBIE AND NETTIE WRIGHT ENDOWMENT*
Allocations from this endowment will provide an annual scholarship award to the top student of each UND Law School first-year class. Recipients shall be chosen with recommendation from faculty and the Dean.
*scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, high grades, and/or faculty/dean of top students in the respective courses and cannot be applied for.
Note to students: Recipients must be approved through the Student Financial Aid Office before scholarships may be awarded.
Thank you to our generous donors for their continued support of the University of North Dakota School of Law.