The Academic Scholarship Application period is open through April 5, 2024.

For 2023-2024, EMLF presented $30,500 in academic scholarships to eight students from four member schools. As part of its mission to foster the study of energy and mineral law, $700,000 – plus in scholarships has been given by EMLF. This year’s Scholarship Committee met on May 10, and reviewed 17 applications.

The committee: Nicolle Bagnell, Reed Smith; Buzz Bellville, Appalachian School of Law; Melanie Kilpatrick, Williams Kilpatrick; Blake Klinkner, Washburn University; Tom Lane, Bowles Rice; Joseph Reinhart, Babst Calland; and Ernest Smith, University of Texas.

Scholarship Funds

• James H. Davis Scholarship: The James H. Davis Scholarship was established in 2004 primarily through donations from the National Council of Coal Lessors and its members.  Each year, a scholarship is awarded to a student with Appalachian roots.
• Mary Sue Schulberg Scholarship: The Mary Sue Schulberg Scholarship is giving annually in remembrance of Mary Sue, a former president and longtime valued member of EMLF, through the generosity of Mary Sue’s family and friends.
• Cabot Scholarship: The Cabot Scholarship was established in 2012 as a result of a litigation settlement which directed funds to EMLF for use in providing scholarships to students at West Virginia University School of Law.
• Sharon Daniels Scholarship: The Sharon Daniels Scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of retiring longtime Executive Director, Sharon Daniels.
• EMLF General Scholarship Fund: Scholarships are also awarded from the EMLF General Scholarship Fund, which is funded through donations from our members and program fees.

Eligibility

Law school students for the current academic year are eligible to receive scholarships. The scholarship can only be used in connection with a degree program sponsored by a law school which is a member of the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation. If your school is not included in this list, ask your law school administration to inquire about membership benefits, including immediate eligibility for student scholarship participation.

Field of Study

Law students must demonstrate an interest in the study of natural resources, energy or mineral law.

Amount of Scholarships

Scholarship awards generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. Multiple applicants will receive scholarships.

Criteria for Selection

The following criteria will be used to determine the recipients of the scholarships: (a) potential to make a significant contribution in the field of energy, mineral and natural resources law; (b) academic ability; (c) leadership ability; and (d) financial need.

Applications must include current transcript and two letters of recommendation with at least one from a law school dean, faculty member, or member of the legal profession. Submit the application and supporting material by dawn@emlf.org by mail to EMLF Scholarship Application, 2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite B215, Lexington, KY 40504, or by fax to: 859.226.0485. If sending material by email, please put your name in the subject line so that the supporting material can be linked to your application.

All applications must be submitted directly to the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation.