The National LGBTQ+ Bar offers three scholarships of $2,500 each, annually. Students must be accepted or enrolled at least half-time in an ABA-accredited law school to be eligible, and must complete an application. Scholarships will be awarded to one incoming 1L student, one rising 2L student, and one rising 3L or 4L (enrolled in evening or part-time program) student.
The National LGBTQ+ Bar’s Scholarship Committee will evaluate each of the applicants by June 1 of each calendar year; decisions will be based, in significant part, upon demonstrated commitment to working though the law to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ people. Funds are granted on an unrestricted basis and may be used for tuition, housing, books, transportation, living expenses, bar application/study expenses, or any other law school-related expense.
2024 Winners
Philip Mi is an incoming 1L student at the University of Wisconsin Law School. As a Chinese, non-binary international student, He is dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights both within his country and internationally, aiming to raise the visibility of individuals with multiple marginalized identities and fostering an understanding of intersectionality. Before attending law school, he volunteered with two LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations in China, focusing on impact litigation and legislative advocacy on issues such as recognizing same-sex marriage and transgender rights. During his studies in Tokyo, he conducted an in-depth research project on “The Recognition of International Same-Sex Marriages in Japan and China,” specializing in comparative international private law. Additionally, he also contributed to the LGBTQ & Ally Network of Support Training on campus and Outlaw in his second legal study journey in New York. At University of Wisconsin Law School, Philip plans to actively engage with the LGBTQ+ Law Student Affinity Group and OUTLaw, and collaborate with Lambda Legal and other organizations dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and scuba diving. Philip is proficient in Chinese, Japanese, and English, with basic knowledge of German and French.
Joe Servidio (they/them) is a queer community organizer pursuing a J.D. at Yale Law School. Before law school, Joe worked as the Deputy Executive Director of the largest LGBTQ- and HIV-funder in Washington, D.C. Joe also served as Board Vice President of Joseph’s House, a respite and hospice home for chronically unhoused people with late-stage HIV/AIDS or cancer. While in D.C., Joe helped grow two of the largest grassroots coalitions focused on local government action—the D.C. LGBTQ Budget Coalition and #DecrimPovertyDC Campaign. To date, the coalitions have secured over $20 million in local investments for LGBTQ programs, including the creation of the region’s first shelter for unhoused LGBTQ adults. Joe is honored to receive the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s support.
Evonne is a non-traditional law student at University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law. Prior to law school, they were an Educator for many years before becoming an Immigration Paralegal at Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) and Ogletree Deakins. They served on BAL’s pro-bono team, assisting DACA and N-400 applicants throughout the DFW Metroplex. As a law student, Evonne served as UNT Outlaw’s 1L Representative and as President their 2L year. Both years they served as a Student Director to the Dallas LGBT Bar Association. In this role they volunteered at Texas Latino Pride, name + gender marker clinics, and they were honored with the 2023 Outstanding Student Director Scholarship. Evonne played a significant role in creating UNT Outlaw’s annual Breaking the Binary: Fashion Show and panel discussion. This event invites law students, local attorneys and judiciary members to enjoy a snapshot of the evolution of the legal world, and its reflection of inclusiveness for all genders, gender expressions, cultures, and intersectionality. This year’s event included a fundraiser for the Dallas Hope Center, a LGBTQ+ youth shelter. When Evonne is not studying or volunteering they enjoy hiking with their wife and Goldendoodle, Cooper. They are looking forward to baby Eli expanding this dynamic trio in October.