The Thomas More Social Justice Scholarship Program at Gonzaga University School of Law provides a unique opportunity for exceptional students to further their commitment to social justice and to become leaders in the profession. Each year, a scholarship committee selects four students to be Social Justice scholars. These scholars are awarded full tuition, regardless of financial need, to allow them to pursue careers in social justice and to serve the public good.

Individuals selected to be Social Justice scholars will be able to enhance their educational experiences and pursue their social justice interests through coursework, mentorship, programming, and community involvement. In addition, among other opportunities, scholars will be entitled to a summer grant of $5,000 after either their 1L or 2L year to cover living or travel expenses while working at qualified unpaid internships. Upon the completion of the requirements and expectations of the program, plus the satisfaction of an additional writing requirement, scholars may also receive a Certificate in Civil and Human Rights at graduation.

Social Justice scholars are selected based on their commitment to social justice and their leadership potential and promise. In addition, each Social Justice scholar must bring diversity to the program and to the profession, in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, gender identity and expression, immigration status or socio-economic background. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups in law school in general and Gonzaga University in particular are especially encouraged to apply.

The Thomas More Scholarship is available to incoming law school students as well as current Gonzaga School of Law students. Applicants should evidence a strong social concern for the welfare of others, as demonstrated through a history of volunteer service and other activities.

Academic achievement, life and work experience are all considered in an effort to evaluate an applicant’s ability to successfully carry a full academic load and participate in Thomas More Scholarship Program activities.

Selected applicants typically achieved undergraduate GPAs of 3.5 or higher and LSAT scores in the top quartile.

Prior to attending law school, our Scholars have served as teachers, musicians, and nurses, as well as parents and spouses and in dozens of other roles. Many have also served as members of Peace Corps, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Teach For America, the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, branches of the U.S. military, AVODAH (the Jewish service corps), and similar organizations.

• senior
• graduate

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• International or Other Visa Status
• Undocumented

1. All applicants for the Thomas More Social Justice Program must complete the application for admission to Gonzaga Law School. In addition, applicants for the Thomas More Social Justice Scholarship program must submit:

   • A supplemental essay of a maximum of 400 words addressing how you would contribute to the mission of the program. The essay should address your demonstrated commitment to social justice, your potential and promise to be a leader, and your contribution to the diversity of the profession.

   See application review timeline and deposit information on site: Thomas More Scholarship Program: Full Tuition Scholarship at Gonzaga Law | Gonzaga University

Professor John Morey Maurice initiated the Thomas More Scholarship program in 1980 and served as the Director for 25 years. The goal from the beginning was to establish a public interest scholarship program that would affirmatively reflect the Gonzaga mission of social justice and service to others.

While some aspects of the program have changed over the years, the central elements, initially informed by the life of Thomas More, still direct the Program. We continue to focus on helping students to realize a career dedicated to public service, foster and exercise leadership skills, and promote a sense of community at the law school and beyond.

Thomas More (1474-1535) is the model and inspiration for this public interest law scholarship program. He was an English lawyer, public servant, and a man of letters and science.

Please review program requirements at https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-law/clinic-centers/thomas-more-social-justice-scholarship-program/program-requirements. 

Thomas More Scholarship Program
Gonzaga University School of Law
P.O. Box 3528
Spokane, WA 99220-3528

Email: tmscholarship@lawschool.gonzaga.edu
Fax: 509-313-5840