The John Marshall Scholars Program
This most prestigious scholarship was created to give highly qualified aspirants a truly incomparable legal education. John Marshall Scholars receive an annual $10,000 scholarship for three years of full-time study at Richmond Law providing they remain in the top third of their class at the end of first and second years of study. John Marshall Scholars may also qualify for other scholarships awarded on the basis of need or merit.
The John Marshall Scholars participate in the John Marshall Scholars seminar which is taught by Justice Elizabeth B. Lacy of the Supreme Court of Virginia. The class is the only Law School course to include students from all three academic years. Justice Lacy uses this opportunity to expose students to legal issues and controversies currently in the news and to introduce the Marshall Scholars to judges, justices, lawyers and academics who are actively involved in the issues.
When the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist came to Richmond Law, the Marshall Scholars had special opportunities to meet with him. When Justice Anthony Kennedy was the recipient of the John Marshall Foundation Medal in Law, Marshall Scholars were afforded the opportunity to meet and talk with him at a special reception at the home of Chief Justice John Marshall and a dinner thereafter. This spring, in conjunction with the Rule of Law Conference at the Law School, the scholars will enjoy a special luncheon with visiting jurists from Great Britain.
Student Stories
“The John Marshall Scholars program is unlike any other educational experience in law school. In addition to the generous scholarship award, the weekly seminar provides a view of the law the traditional classroom cannot. The topics for discussion and speakers span the broad legal spectrum, bringing current topics and developments in the law to the students in an interactive setting. With an emphasis on the impact the law has on society, the program focuses the students on the practical application of our studies - an invaluable complement to the classroom."
Jeff Hanna, L '09
“Participating in the John Marshall Scholars program is a truly unique and unparalleled learning experience. Each week consists of a fascinating discussion about a controversial area of the law which is led by one of the finest legal minds in the State. There is nowhere else I could have engaged in the open and free dialogue with the leaders of the legal profession in so close a setting. I am truly thankful for the program and consider myself extremely fortunate to be a part of it.”
Isaac McBeth, L ’11