SMU Law launches new Impact Scholarship for students from underserved communities

SMU Dedman School of Law has raised $1 million toward endowment of new program

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU Dedman School of Law will offer a new full-tuition, three-year Impact Scholarship for an incoming law student from an economically or educationally underserved community, with a preference for a first-generation college student.

“A talented and diverse student body is a defining feature of a great law school,” said Jennifer Collins, Judge James Noel Dean and professor of law in Dedman School of Law. “Increasing our ability to offer scholarships to students with demonstrated leadership abilities makes our school stronger, and helps break down barriers for talented students. I’m really proud that we are able to begin this program and grateful to our alumni who are supporting it.”

The Impact Scholarship will provide full tuition plus a one-on-one mentoring program from an outside panel of prominent attorneys. These outstanding attorney mentors will meet with the students regularly to provide them with advice and guidance throughout their law school years and help them navigate the job search process.

Supporters have raised $1 million toward endowing the program and Dedman Law is continuing to raise funds toward supporting multiple Impact scholars. Lead donors include Cynthia Hoff Trochu ‘88, Jennifer Altabef ’81 and Peter Altabef, Christa Brown Sanford ‘04 and Ketric Sanford, and Judge Barbara Lynn ‘76 and Mike Lynn ‘75.

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About SMU Dedman School of Law
The School of Law at SMU was founded in 1925. It was named Dedman School of Law in 2001 in honor of Dallas benefactors Nancy and Robert H. Dedman, Sr., and their family. SMU Dedman Law enjoys a national and international reputation of distinction. It is among the most competitive law schools in the country for admission, as well as one of the most successful in the placement of its graduates.