James W. Stoudt Memorial Scholarship

The James W. Stoudt Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation is a lasting testament to one of the Pennsylvania Bar’s steadfast supporters – the late James (“Jim”) W. Stoudt.

Known for his elegant and effective leadership and gracious presence, Jim was instrumental in the creation of the Pennsylvania Bar Trust and served it in many varied capacities for more than 40 years. Although his tenure was briefer, he played an equally pivotal role in the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation, serving as a Director and as our first unanimously elected Director Emeritus. We will always be appreciative of his unwavering commitment, his willing spirit, and his sage advice and insights.

In memory of Jim’s contributions to the Foundation and to the Bar community as a whole, and with the support of Jim’s family, we created the James W. Stoudt Memorial Law School Scholarship Fund of the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation. Supported by the proceeds of “Foundation of Treasures,” the Foundation’s annual silent auction, the James W. Stoudt Memorial Law School Scholarship Fund currently provides three, $3,000 scholarships, two of which are specifically designated to support minority law students, to candidates attending any one of the following nine accredited law schools presently serving Pennsylvania:

  • James Beasley School of Law of Temple University
  • Dickinson Law
  • Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University
  • Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Drexel University
  • Penn State Law
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Law
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law
  • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and
  • Widener University Commonwealth Law School

The scholarships are provided on an annual basis and the recipients are selected by a committee comprised of Foundation Directors and Foundation members using eligibility criteria developed and approved by the Board. These include:

  • Good standing and academic achievement as evidenced by applicant’s academic transcript;
  • Financial need as certified by the applicant’s law school financial aid office;
  • Pennsylvania residency as documented by applicant’s current voter registration card or current Pennsylvania driver’s license; and
  • The potential for making a contribution to society and the legal profession either through anticipated legal field or other efforts as discussed in the applicant’s essay and evidenced by the applicant’s recommendations.

In addition, the minority scholarships are specifically earmarked for students from one of the following historically under-represented racial/ethnic backgrounds:

Black (African) Americans – Persons having origins from any of the Black groups of Africa.

Hispanic Americans – Persons having origins from one or more of the Spanish-speaking peoples of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central or South America or the Caribbean Islands.

Native Americans – Persons having origins from or more of the original peoples of North America and who are recognized as an Indian by a tribe or tribal organization.

Applications are due December 1.

Resources
Stoudt Scholarship FAQ
Stoudt Scholarship Application

Stoudt Recipients