An annual award from García Law for students from immigrant and working-class families pursuing higher education in New Jersey — the kind of background many of our clients share, and that our founding partner Kaefer grew up in himself.
The path to law school can’t depend on what your last name is.
García Law was founded by Kaefer J. Garcia, who grew up in the same immigrant and working-class communities the firm now represents. Before founding the firm, Kaefer worked at the Newark Prosecutor’s Office and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, served as a Municipal Public Defender, and advocated for tenants in Union City.
That path — from a working-class background to law school to founding a firm — isn’t supposed to be rare. But it still is. The cost of higher education is the first wall students from these communities hit. This scholarship exists to chip away at that wall, one student at a time.
If your story sounds anything like that, we want to hear from you.
Eligibility
- High school seniors and current college students enrolled in a New Jersey college or university.
- Pursuing any field of study (you do not need to be a pre-law major).
- Demonstrated academic effort and a personal connection to the immigrant or working-class experience.
Benefits
- Direct financial assistance toward tuition or academic expenses.
- Recognition from García Law and a spotlight on our website (with your permission).
- An invitation to coffee with the partners — meet the team and ask anything you want about law school, careers, or navigating the legal system.
How to apply
We kept this simple on purpose. No portal account to create, no application fee. Three steps, one email.
Tell us about yourself
Send us your name, contact info, and a short note about your background and goals — what you’re studying and why.
Send the documents
Attach your transcript, proof of enrollment, and a personal essay in a single email. No portal, no forms — just one email.
We’ll be in touch
Our team reviews submissions on a rolling basis. We’ll respond to every applicant — whether selected or not.
Required documents
- Unofficial Final High School Transcript
- Proof of Enrollment in a New Jersey College or University
- Personal Essay (500–1,000 words) — see prompt below
Rolling — reviewed quarterly
Submit all documents in a single email to kgarcia@garcialawnj.com. We respond to every applicant. Questions? Call us at (862) 284-3600.
Or use our contact form below if email isn’t convenient.
Have a question about eligibility before you apply?
Contact García Law