McLain Law Fund for Future Defenders
Scholarship Opportunity for Aspiring Criminal Justice Lawyers
The McLain Law Fund for Future Defenders
We are offering the McLain Law Fund for Future Defenders, a $5,000 annual scholarship, to support students entering the field of criminal justice law. This grant is open to students accepted into a criminal justice law program at a Texas university.
Eligibility Criteria
- Enrolled as a student of a law program at a Texas university and colleges.
- Mid-career professionals enrolling as full-time students are welcome to apply.
Essay Submission
Applicants must submit an essay on:
- Why are criminal defense lawyers the best defenders of the U.S. Constitution?
- What inspires you to pursue a career in law?
- How would you use the $5,000 scholarship?
Essay Guidelines
- Length: 500-800 words
- Deadline: August 2, 2025
- Include proof of acceptance to an academic institution with your submission. Please note that your submission will not be eligible without proof of academic enrollment.
About The Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC.
McLain Law, founded by Patrick J. McLain, is dedicated to providing strong criminal defense. With years of experience in the field, we work hard to ensure our clients receive fair treatment and a solid defense. Our firm is committed to upholding the principles of the U.S. Constitution and protecting individual rights.
Our Philosophy and Mission
We believe in the right to a fair defense. Criminal defense is a crucial part of the justice system, ensuring that everyone receives due process. Our work focuses on honesty, diligence, and putting our clients first in every case we handle.
Why We Do What We Do
Our passion for criminal defense stems from a commitment to fairness and justice. We aim to ensure everyone has access to a strong defense and win cases so that their constitutional rights are protected. The attorneys of the Law Office of Patrick J McLain have a strong winning record surpassing most criminal defense attorneys. Through this scholarship, we hope to support and inspire future lawyers dedicated to upholding justice.
2024-2025 Contest Winner
Last year, the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC announced the winner of its first annual scholarship fund created to lend a helping hand to aspiring criminal justice law students.
DaMazia Gaines, who is a student at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas was selected from amongst the many fine applicants who submitted well-written essays. Ms. Gaines has been extended $5,000 in scholarship funding for the 2024-2025 academic year. Ms. Gaines demonstrated exceptional commitment to their academic pursuits as well as determination to succeed at practicing criminal law.
As Ms. Gaines wrote, “This scholarship has reignited the fire within me, giving me the strength to keep pushing forward each day.”
The scholarship was created to support students entering the field of criminal justice law at a Texas university. Our hope is to help promote future generations of law students who want to fight for their fellow students. We hope others will follow in Ms. Gaines‘ steps.
