McCarthy Tétrault · National
McCarthy Tétrault Awards for Indigenous Law Students
About this award
Apply by August 1, November 1, or February 1 for annual awards supporting Indigenous students in law programs at select Canadian universities. Apply through Indspire's central Building Brighter Futures program — one application covers all sponsor pools.
The provider doesn't post a fixed dollar amount — contact McCarthy Tétrault to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As these are scholarships, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student pursuing a legal career and attending one of the specific partner law schools. You have three deadlines to choose from: August 1, November 1, and February 1. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the Indspire portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask McCarthy Tétrault how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McCarthy Tétrault during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McCarthy Tétrault whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain. How to apply: This funding is administered through Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships program. Students complete one central application that's evaluated against all 360+ of Indspire's funding pools (including this one) — you don't apply to the sponsor directly. The Apply button on this page routes to Indspire's portal automatically. For the full program description, all three application deadlines, and detailed eligibility, see Indspire Building Brighter Futures Bursaries & Scholarships on FundMyCourse.
Can you get it?
- Indigenous — citizenship requirement
- Post Secondary — study level
- Studying Law programs — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is writing a generic essay about wanting to be a lawyer.
Winners instead connect their Indigenous identity to a specific goal in the legal field, such as improving access to justice for their community.
Mention exactly how this funding removes a barrier for you.
The biggest mistake is providing references who only know you socially.
Winners use professors or community leaders who can speak to your academic discipline and your connection to your heritage.
Ensure your referees can vouch for your commitment to the law.