Carole Bailey Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by United States Court of Federal Claims Bar Association

Overview

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association awards at least one annual law student scholarship in honor of Carole Bailey, the Court’s former Chief Deputy Clerk of Administrative Services. The scholarship supports law students who demonstrate a commitment to or interest in public service legal careers. Awards are competitive and intended to encourage public service-oriented legal work. Applicants should review the eligibility and application requirements carefully before applying.

Description: The scholarship provides financial support to JD students and incoming JD students, recognizing Carole Bailey’s service to the Court. It is administered by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims Bar Association and is offered annually.

• Annual scholarship offered in honor of Carole Bailey.
• Intended to support students pursuing public service legal careers.
• Open to current and incoming JD students meeting eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to students enrolled or enrolling in ABA-accredited JD programs for the 2026/2027 academic year who can demonstrate a commitment to public service. Applicants may be current law students or admitted incoming students who have not yet started law school. While an interest in the subject-matter jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims is helpful, it is not required for selection. Candidates will be evaluated on their demonstrated interest or experience in public service.

Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled or enrolling in an American Bar Association–accredited JD program for the 2026/2027 academic year and must demonstrate either an interest in pursuing a public service legal career or a past or present commitment to public service.

• Must be enrolled or enrolling in an ABA-accredited JD program for 2026/2027.
• Demonstrated interest or commitment to public service required.
• Interest in the Court’s subject-matter jurisdiction is beneficial but not mandatory.

Award Details

The program awards at least one scholarship annually, with an award amount of up to $5,000. Awards are granted at the discretion of the Bar Association based on the strength of applications and demonstrated commitment to public service. The scholarship is intended to offset educational expenses and support recipients as they pursue public interest legal work. Specific selection criteria and the number of awards may vary from year to year.

Award Value: Up to $5,000 per award; at least one annual scholarship will be granted.

• Up to $5,000 per recipient.
• Minimum of one award given annually.
• Award decisions are based on application strength and public service commitment.

How to apply

Applicants must submit a set of required materials that demonstrate academic background, qualifications, and commitment to public service. Submissions should be complete and organized, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, and applicants who have not yet begun law school must provide proof of acceptance and enrollment for 2026/2027. Follow any submission instructions provided by the Bar Association to ensure timely consideration.

An application must include:

• A curriculum vitae or résumé with current contact information (email and phone number).
• The applicant’s most recent transcript (undergraduate, graduate, or law school); unofficial transcripts are accepted.
• A letter of recommendation from a professor or another suitable referee.
• An original essay of no more than 600 words, written solely by the applicant, describing interests, experiences, or qualifications that demonstrate a commitment to or interest in public service legal work.

• Include all required documents to avoid disqualification.
• Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application.
• If not yet enrolled in law school, submit proof of acceptance and enrollment for 2026/2027.