Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship Grant

Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Amount: US $10,000
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Summary

The Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship aims to support second-year law students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing them with opportunities in the Sarasota County legal community. This $10,000 scholarship includes a required summer internship, fostering professional development through mentorship. The program encourages applicants from Florida and out-of-state law schools with ties to Sarasota County, promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Overview

The purpose of the Sarasota County Bar Association Richard R. Garland Scholarship is to support a second-year law student who comes from a background or community that is often underrepresented or faced historical challenges. It aims to provide opportunities for those who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and voices to the Sarasota County legal community. The scholarship prioritizes those who demonstrate a commitment to creating a more balanced and supportive community for those who are underrepresented in the legal profession. By offering financial assistance to law students who may have been overlooked by traditional opportunities, this scholarship helps to foster a legal community where a wide range of voices and talents can flourish. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in practicing law in Sarasota County upon graduation. In addition to the scholarship award, the Sarasota County Bar Association (“SCBA”) will facilitate the recipient obtaining a summer internship in a private law firm or governmental agency in Sarasota County. Completion of the internship is a requirement for the scholarship award. The scholarship application is open to those law students enrolled in Florida law schools and those enrolled in out-of-state law schools, but who have or having had family, school, or community ties to Sarasota County and/or are interested in practicing law in Sarasota County. Finalists for this scholarship will be invited to an interview after the committee has reviewed their application. If invited to interview, the applicant must take part in the interview in order to be further considered for this scholarship. At the conclusion of the recipient’s summer employment, the law school where the recipient matriculates will receive the scholarship award of $10,000.00, to be used by the recipient for their law degree. The recipient may also earn wages from the employer during their summer associateship. The SCBA assigns an attorney mentor to each recipient. The SCBA, the mentor, and/or the summer employer coordinate activities promoting the recipient’s professional development during the internship period. The recipient and the employer will be welcomed and recognized at a reception by the SCBA and representatives from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.