Scholarship Program

The AWL Foundation has awarded scholarships annually since 1997 to women who are attending a Wisconsin law school and meet criteria that include service to others, academic achievement and unique life experience or circumstance.

All scholarship applicants must satisfy these requirements:

• Applicant must be currently attending a Wisconsin law school; 
• Applicant must have completed the first or second year of law school;
• Applicant must be in good academic standing;
• Applicant must be a woman; and 
• Applicant must meet one or more of the selection criteria for the AWLF scholarship.

AWLF Scholarship
Since 1997, the AWLF Scholarship has recognized outstanding law students in Wisconsin who demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to advancing women in the legal profession. This award celebrates students who are shaping their legal education through meaningful contributions to others—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or innovative approaches to equity and inclusion. Academic achievement, community involvement, financial need and unique personal or professional experiences are all considered as part of the selection process.

Virginia A. Pomeroy Scholarship
This scholarship honors the memory of AWL past-president and former Deputy State Public Defender Virginia A. Pomeroy, whose career embodied an unwavering dedication to fairness, integrity, and service to those most in need.  This award recognizes law students who share that spirit—those pursuing paths in criminal defense, civil rights, appellate advocacy, or any area of law that advances justice for vulnerable or disadvantaged communities. Applicants may demonstrate this commitment through clinical work, volunteer service, policy initiatives, or other efforts aimed at expanding access to justice. More on Virginia A. Pomeroy’s story can be found here.

Shirley S. Abrahamson Scholarship
Named for the first woman to serve on—and later lead—the Wisconsin Supreme Court, this scholarship celebrates her extraordinary legacy of courage, intellect, and dedication to equality under the law.  The award recognizes law students who reflect Justice Abrahamson’s values: perseverance in the face of adversity, commitment to improving the lives of women and children, and dedication to public service. Recipients embody her belief that the law is not only a profession, but a powerful tool for positive change. Applicants may demonstrate this commitment by describing ways they have overcome challenges and how this has influenced their path in the law and intentions for serving the community. More information about Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson can be found here. 

The 2026 Call for Applications is available here.