Only law students pursuing a Juris Doctor (non LL.M) degree in an accredited law school in the U.S. at least half time as determined by the school is eligible for a NAPABA Law Foundation Scholarship. The law school must be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

The Foundation considers all of the materials submitted by the applicant, with particular weight given to the applicant's essay. Letters of recommendation should be furnished by individuals who can provide relevant information and who can be contacted by the Foundation. The applicant must be in good standing at his or her law school. The Foundation considers factors including, but not limited to, the applicant's: