First in the Family Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by O'Cathain Law Group
Intro
O’Cathain Law Group recognizes the unique obstacles first-generation college students face and wants to support those who are the first in their families to seek higher education. To honor that determination and to encourage aspiring lawyers, we are offering the 2026 First in the Family Scholarship. This award is intended to provide financial assistance while celebrating resilience, ambition, and the transformative effects that first-generation students often have on their families and communities. If you are the first in your family to attend college and plan to pursue a career in law, we encourage you to apply.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents living in any of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.
- Candidates may be high school seniors, students enrolled in vocational programs, undergraduates at accredited two- or four-year institutions, or graduate students.
- Applicants should be the first members of their families to pursue higher education.
- Employees of O’Cathain Law Group, their immediate relatives (parents, children, siblings, spouses), and anyone living in the same household as those employees are not eligible.
- All applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.
- Must be an undergraduate student pursuing a legal career.
Application requirements
- Complete the application form below with all requested information.
- Submit an original essay of 750–1,000 words responding to: How has being the first in your family to pursue higher education shaped your personal, academic, or professional journey so far, and what experiences or motivations have inspired your aspiration to become an attorney?
- Essays will be screened for AI-generated content. If an essay is found to contain writing produced by artificial intelligence, the application will be disqualified.
- Provide a professional résumé outlining academic and work experiences.
- Supply a transcript from your current school. First-year college students, recent transfers, and graduate students may submit an unofficial transcript from their current institution together with the most recent official transcript from their previous school. High school seniors should include proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are from, or currently attend secondary school in, the state.
Notification
- The recipient of the First in the Family Scholarship will be announced on June 15, 2026.
If you have questions about the application process or required materials, please contact our office before submitting your application.