Future Leaders in Law Scholarship Program

Bennett Jones LLP

Get $10,000 for your first year of law school and up to $20,000 more for subsequent years.

Published by G Paul · last checked September 24, 2026

Award value

$10,000

Deadline

Jul 17, 2026

Level

Graduate

Open to

Across Canada

Applications are closed for this cycle

Applications are not open right now (they last closed Jul 17, 2026). Many awards like this one run again each year, so we re-check this page and update it when the next cycle opens. Last verified Sep 24, 2026.

Still open

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What you will need

For First-Year Award applicants: 1-2 page cover letter detailing educational goals, career plans, and why you are a strong candidate
For First-Year Award applicants: up-to-date resume
For First-Year Award applicants: official transcripts from all university-level undergraduate and graduate programs
For First-Year Award applicants: one to two reference letters (cannot be from family members)
For Upper-Year Award applicants: up-to-date resume
For Upper-Year Award applicants: official transcripts of first-year and/or second-year law school grades

About this award

You can receive $10,000 for your first-year tuition in a recognized J.D. (Juris Doctor — a professional law degree) or L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws) program at a Canadian law school. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. If you continue to meet the eligibility rules, you can receive an additional $10,000 per year for your second and third-year tuition. This is for you if you are an incoming law student who identifies as Black or Indigenous, or if you are the first person in your immediate family to go to college or university, and you want to build a career in business law. The deadline for both the First-Year Award and the Upper-Year Award is July 17, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EDT. You will hear back from Bennett Jones LLP regarding your application status, though the specific notification method is not listed — you should ask them if they notify via email or a portal. Three scholarships are offered annually. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Bennett Jones LLP how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Money is paid directly to you by September 15, 2026, once you provide proof of enrollment for the academic year. Confirm with Bennett Jones LLP if the funds are sent to your bank account or applied directly to your school's tuition bill. To keep the funding for your second and third years, you must complete a full course load and maintain a minimum B minus average (or numerical equivalent) during the prior academic year. You must also continue to meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Who qualifies

To get the First-Year Award, you must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident entering your first year of full-time study at a J.D. (Juris Doctor) or L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws) program at an accredited Canadian law school. You must demonstrate an interest in business law and identify as a member of the Black community (including African Canadian, African, Afro-Caribbean, or Afro-Latino groups), the Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), or be the first generation in your immediate family to complete or attend post-secondary education. This means your parents or guardians did not complete a college diploma, CEGEP (a pre-university college in Quebec), or university degree. To get an Upper-Year Award, you must be entering your second or third year of full-time study, have received a previous award from this program, and have maintained a minimum B minus average with a full course load.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Open to graduate students
Studying law or business law

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Order your transcript1–2 weeks
Your school's registrar can take a week or two.
Ask for reference letters2 weeks
Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.
This round closed on July 17, 2026
Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

Cover LetterAvoid writing a generic letter about wanting to be a lawyer. Instead, clearly explain your specific goals for a career in business law and how this money helps you reach them. Detail exactly how your community or extra-curricular work makes you a strong fit.
ReferencesAvoid using a family member or relative as a referee. Instead, choose a professor or employer who can speak to your academic or professional strengths. Ensure they focus on the specific achievements you mentioned in your cover letter.
StrategyAvoid submitting a resume that only lists your duties. Instead, highlight your qualifications and experiences that show a genuine interest in business law. Make sure your resume is completely up-to-date before emailing it.
RealismAvoid assuming this is a guaranteed fund for all three years. Instead, remember that you must maintain a B minus average and a full course load to qualify for the Upper-Year Awards. Plan your finances knowing that renewal depends on your grades.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

This round is closed. Check the award's official page for when the next round opens.

When is the deadline?

This round closed on July 17, 2026. Many awards like this run again each year, so check the award's official page for the next round.

Is this award renewable?

Yes, this award is renewable for up to 3 years.

Can international students apply?

No. You need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 24, 2026