Female students make up more than 1/2 of JDs earned every year, but among trial lawyers, stereotypes persist about what kinds of people and what kinds of personalities can "be" trial lawyers. To that end, NPLA is dedicated to supporting female law students who aspire to be trial lawyers.

The National Plaintiffs' Law Association is proud to offer law students a scholarship to join the Society of Women Trial Lawyers, an inclusive, nationwide organization of women trial lawyers and the people who support them. SWTL is dedicated to improving the professional and personal lives of ALL women trial lawyers.

NPLA/SWTL scholars will gain access to SWTL's fantastic, nationwide network of women trial lawyers, including SWTL's monthly webinars on topics related to plaintiff-side trial practice. Additionally, SWTL will work to pair scholars with a mentor in their geographical area of interest or practice area, who will help facilitate the scholar's connections with the SWTL network. 

This scholarship is for membership into the SWTL organization only. However, NPLA intends to put out another scholarship application in the new year for those who are interested in attending the Annual Conference, in Destin, Florida, from April 23-26, 2026. Priority for that conference scholarship will go towards NPLA/SWTL scholarship awardees selected through this membership application process, who have taken initiative to make the most of the SWTL network.

NPLA and SWTL will select scholarship winners based on their commitment to trial practice and description of how they intend to take advantage of the SWTL network and resources, and how joining SWTL will help them achieve their future career and practice goals. Note, only those who are currently 3Ls and who are committed to plaintiffs' work are eligible to be chosen as scholarship winners. However, 2Ls are welcome to apply and NPLA will hold on to your application to potentially offer you a scholarship this upcoming summer.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Any questions can be directed to lisa@nationalplaintifflawassociation.org.