Law Students

State Bar of Texas Law Student Division Provides Great Benefits
By:  Cherika N. Edwards 

A lot of students struggle with understanding the benefits associated with becoming a member of the State Bar of Texas Law Student Division because our local young lawyer associations are so prominent in our city. This article seeks to lay out a few of the best benefits associated with the membership in the State Bar’s Law Student Division and encourage students to take the first step in becoming an attorney.

When you become a member of the State Bar of Texas, you are also a member of Texas Young Lawyers Association if you are 36 years old or younger or in your first five years of practice. That is like a two-for-one deal in itself.

The first thing I like to bring to students’ attention is that the Law Student Division offers its members two chances to win $1,000 in scholarships each year.  The Legal Professionalism Award in offered in the Fall and the Essay Contest is offered in the Spring. Two scholarship recipients will be selected from the Law Student Division applicants; both Texas law school and out-of-state law student members may apply.  The Texas Young Lawyers Association offeres law students another chance to win $1,000 with it's annual Diversity Scholarship program.  It is awarded to one or more law students at each of the ABA-accredited law schools in Texas. These opportunities will hopfully give students an opportunity to earn extra cash for books, supplies, or even gas to get to school.

Another benefit you may take advantage of is the programs put on at your school by your on-campus student representative.  They invite attorneys in your area to come speak with you about their practice area, networking and internship opportunities. Also, there is access to discounts on traveling, car insurance, mentoring, and much more. Some students are even reaching the age where they are no longer able to be on their parents’ medical insurance and the State Bar offers affordable insurance plans.

Each year, there may be an opportunity for you to become the next rep at your school, which affords you even more opportunities. Students can take advantage of these opportunities by contacting their school representative.  For more information on the Law Student Division, please visit the website by clicking here.