John J. Barry Memorial Scholarships
John J. Barry, a veteran federal trial and appellate lawyer and former Assistant U.S. Attorney in our District, served with distinction as the President of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey from 1996 to 1998. Upon his death in April 2000, the Association honored his legacy by creating a scholarship in his name.
Each year, the Association awards John J. Barry Memorial Scholarships to a second-year law student from each of New Jersey’s three law school campuses: Rutgers School of Law-Newark, Rutgers School of Law-Camden, and Seton Hall University School of Law. Over the past 23 years, the AFBNJ has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarship money to local law students, underscoring the Association’s commitment to developing and strengthening New Jersey’s legal community.
Scholarship recipients are evaluated based on their academic excellence, contributions to the law school community and community at large, financial need, intention to practice in New Jersey, and interest in contributing to the Federal Bar, as well as a recommendation from their respective law school’s administration.
Applications for the John J. Barry Memorial Scholarship open in the first quarter of each year and the process is outlined below.
January/February: Application is posted online, a notice is distributed to law schools and an application deadline is announced.
March: Members of the Association’s Barry Scholarship committees evaluate applications and invite top candidates for interviews.
April: Scholarship recipients are notified, along with their respective dean and the point of contact at the school’s financial aid office.
June: Scholarship recipients are officially recognized at the William J. Brennan, Jr. Award Reception.
To view the list of past scholarship recipients, click here.