USA Scholarships
Phyllis Lister-Brown Scholarship 2026 - DFW Law
The Phyllis Lister-Brown Memorial Scholarship carries the name of a pioneering Dallas attorney and sits among the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation merit scholarships for 2026. JLTLAF renamed the broader portfolio the Civil Rights and Community Service Scholarship program, but this award still recognizes the top academic performer among eligible minority law students connected to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. You must be a second- or third-year student in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school, a US citizen or permanent legal resident, and either from DFW or studying at a DFW law school. AccessLex and JLTLAF materials describe a minimum 3.0 GPA expectation for merit lines. Dollar amounts change with gala fundraising. Deliver the complete 2026 PDF application by 5:00 p.m. Central on 25 September 2026.
What is the Phyllis Lister-Brown Memorial Scholarship?
The Phyllis Lister-Brown Memorial Scholarship remembers a Dallas legal trailblazer while rewarding the minority law student who best combines grades with community presence. J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation folded the award into its 2026 Civil Rights and Community Service Scholarship lineup, yet the academic bar stayed high because this prize grew out of the old Judge's Scholarship line.
Geography matters as much as GPA. You either grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex or you are sitting in a DFW law school classroom today. Students at SMU, UNT Dallas College of Law, or Baylor Law fit naturally; someone at the University of Texas in Austin without a DFW tie should browse other Texas guides instead.
You also need to be a 2L or 3L, which catches many eager 1Ls who discover JLTLAF during orientation. Use the first year to build the writing sample and service record the committee expects, then apply when your transcript shows a full year of law grades.
The dollar figure floats with gala fundraising, so budget conservatively. Even a partial award helps when bar prep loans loom, and the November gala recognition connects you to Dallas bar leaders who hire clerks and associates. Treat 25 September 2026 as immovable and verify every PDF page before you hit send.
Eligibility
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✓US citizen or permanent legal residentJLTLAF requires United States citizenship or permanent legal resident status. Applicants on temporary visas without permanent residency do not meet this requirement.
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✓Second- or third-year law studentYou must be a 2L or 3L enrolled part-time or full-time at an ABA-accredited law school in the United States. First-year students are not eligible for the 2026 merit cycle.
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✓Good academic standing with strong gradesMerit scholarships expect proof of good standing and academic excellence. Third-party databanks cite a 3.0 GPA minimum for this award line; your transcript should reflect sustained performance.
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✓Minority student linked to Dallas-Fort WorthThe Phyllis Lister Brown Memorial Scholarship targets minority law students who are from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex or who attend law school in the metroplex.
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✓Interest in civil rights and community serviceThe 2026 JLTLAF program emphasizes civil rights engagement across merit and need awards. Your resume, essay, and reference should show service beyond classroom work.
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✓One JLTLAF scholarship per applicantThe foundation awards only one scholarship per applicant in a given year even if you compete for multiple named merit prizes.
Benefits
- Award amount Varies annually with gala fundraising
- Named recognition Phyllis Lister Brown Memorial honoree
- Law school expense support Applied toward tuition and related costs
- Gala presentation Winners recognized in Dallas each November
- Automatic multi-year renewal Not guaranteed
- National relocation stipend Not included
Document checklist
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✓2026 JLTLAF scholarship application (PDF)Download the current-year application from jlturnerfoundation.org/scholarships. Prior-year forms are rejected.
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✓Official law school transcriptSubmit an official transcript documenting good standing as a 2L or 3L. Order early to avoid missing the 25 September 2026 cutoff.
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✓Resume and short biographyInclude a professional resume plus a biography of 150 words or fewer. Winners may also supply a third-person gala biography if selected.
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✓Writing sample and essayProvide a legal writing sample and complete the essay prompts in the PDF. Choose polished work that shows analytical skill.
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✓Letter of referenceOne reference letter from a professor, employer, or community leader who can speak to your academics and service record.
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✓Professional headshotUpload a professional photograph suitable for gala publications if you advance as a winner or honoree.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Phyllis Lister-Brown Memorial Scholarship?
It is a named merit scholarship from the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation for minority law students with strong academic records who are connected to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. JLTLAF formerly called the award the Judge's Scholarship before renaming it to honor Phyllis Lister Brown.
Who can apply for the Phyllis Lister Brown Scholarship?
You must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident, a second- or third-year student in good standing at an ABA-accredited US law school, and a minority student from DFW or attending law school in the DFW metroplex.
When is the Phyllis Lister-Brown Memorial Scholarship deadline?
JLTLAF must receive completed 2026 applications on or before 5:00 p.m. Central Time on 25 September 2026 according to the foundation scholarship instructions.
How much is the Phyllis Lister Brown Memorial Scholarship?
The foundation does not publish a fixed dollar amount because gala fundraising sets the pool each year. Treat the award as meaningful partial funding rather than guaranteed full tuition.
Can first-year law students apply for the Phyllis Lister-Brown Scholarship?
No for the 2026 cycle. Eligibility is limited to second- and third-year law students. Apply after you advance to 2L status if you are currently a 1L.
Is the Phyllis Lister Brown Scholarship only for women?
AccessLex and JLTLAF describe the award as going to an outstanding minority law student without limiting the merit line to one gender, unlike the male-focused Fred Finch Scholarship in the same merit portfolio.
Where do I submit the Phyllis Lister-Brown application?
Start at https://jlturnerfoundation.org/scholarships, download the 2026 JLTLAF scholarship application PDF, and follow the submission instructions in that document.
Can I receive multiple JLTLAF scholarships in one year?
No. JLTLAF awards only one scholarship per applicant per year even if you apply within the broader merit and need-based pool.
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