LINDA J. MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP POLICY

Purpose

The Linda J. Murphy Scholarship (“Scholarship”) is intended to recognize female law students who have dedicated themselves in a significant way to advancing the quality of life and stature of women in society through community service or otherwise.  Linda J. Murphy, the scholarship’s namesake, was an outstanding member of the WLA who dedicated her life and legal career to advocate for the rights of women and minorities.  Linda J. Murphy served as President of the WLA from 1987 through 1988. 

The Linda J. Murphy Scholarship is administered by WLA’s charitable arm, the Women Lawyers' Association Foundation. 

Scholarship Committee

At the beginning of each year, the President of the WLA shall appoint a Scholarship Committee consisting of a Committee Chair and 3-5 members of the WLA’s general body.  At least one board member of the WLA Foundation shall serve on the committee and shall serve as a liaison to determine WLA Foundation funds available for scholarship in any particular year.  The Committee Chair shall be a member of the WLA Board of Directors. 

Application and Notification Deadlines

Applications for the Scholarship shall open in February or March of each year, via WLA’s website or other electronic medium, and remain open for a period of at least one month.  The Scholarship Committee shall select at least one (1) and not more than five (5) recipients of the Scholarship, and choose one (1) alternate scholarship recipient for each scholarship to be awarded in case a primary candidate cannot or does not accept the award for any reason.  The Committee shall present its selections to the President of the Board in April of each year.

Within seven (7) days of receiving the Scholarship Committee’s selections, the President and/or the WLA Foundation representative serving on the Scholarship Committee shall present the selected applicants to the WLA Foundation for approval. 

Within seven (7) days of receipt of the Foundation’s approval of the Scholarship recipients, the Committee Chair shall notify the applicants of the Committee’s decision regarding their applications.  The Scholarship recipients shall be formally recognized at the WLA’s Annual Installation Dinner in the fall. 

Eligibility

Application is open to current 1L and 2L female law students enrolled in a part-time or full-time legal program at a qualifying institution.  Applicants must be enrolled at one of the four Missouri law schools (Washington University, Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri in Columbia or the University of Missouri-Kansas City) or Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale.  

Selected applicants must provide verification of continued law school enrollment in the fall semester following the award.

Applicants must submit the following documentation to be considered:

• Linda J. Murphy Scholarship Application (completed in its entirety )and inclusive of,
• Law School transcripts, and
• Biographical sketch outlining the applicant's activities, honors and awards and statements addressing the applicant's background and future goals while highlighting the ways in which the applicant currently fulfills the goals of the WLA Mission Statement. 

Selection Criteria

The Committee will consider the following to make its decision:

• Demonstrated commitment to causes that are consistent with the mission of the WLA, 
• Academic record,
• Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities,
• Academic and professional honors,
• Work experience, and 
• Statement of goals and aspirations.

The Committee may also consider financial need and has the discretion to weigh this factor as it deems appropriate.  

Read about Linda J. Murphy here.  

Read about the Linda J. Murphy Scholarship here.

Access to the the Linda J. Murphy Scholarship Application is available here.