First Generation Lawyers (FGL) 1L representative elections

Want to get more involved as a 1L? Run for FGL 1L Representative! Click the link in our bio on Instagram (@first_generation_lawyers) to apply or learn more.

Panera goodies on Thursdays

Please visit the snack shack on Thursday mornings for leftover goodies from Panera Bread. They are free, and you are welcome to take and enjoy them.

Dean's Office Hours

As our returning students know, I hold weekly office hours for students who'd like to stop by and talk with me about anything that's on their minds. Those hours vary from week to week to ensure that students aren't repeatedly barred from meeting with me due to the same recurring class conflicts. Rather than pepper your inboxes with weekly announcements about when the next office hour will be, we post a sign on the welcome desk in the suite of administrative offices across the hall from the student mail files. We'll post an updated sign each week indicating the time of next week's office hour. If it's urgent and the posted office hour won't work for you, please make an appointment through my assistant, Julie Kramer (319-384-4658, julia-kramer@uiowa.edu). 

First Generation Lawyers (FGL) Mentorship Picnic

Join FGL on Sept. 9 from 12:45–1:45 p.m. on the front lawn to kickoff their Mentorship Program over lunch with mentors!

Sharpen your skills at the ISBA 2026 Bridge the Gap Seminar

Held Sept. 10–11 at the ISBA Building in Des Moines and available online, this two-day seminar is designed for new and general practice attorneys who want to sharpen their skills and gain practical tools they can use right away. The seminar is free to students who have an ISBA student membership. Register for the event by visiting ISBA's website.

Iowa Intellectual Property Law Association Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by the Iowa Intellectual Property Law Association for current Iowa Law students who intend to practice intellectual property law in Iowa after graduation. A minimum of one $1000 and two $500 scholarships will be awarded. 

Criteria:

• Current law student
• Demonstrate some intent and/or desire to practice intellectual property law in Iowa after graduation. This includes patent, trademark, copyright, and/or trade secret law. 
• If multiple applicants meet the required criteria, applicants will be evaluated based on the evidence of intent to practice intellectual property law in Iowa after graduation, among other attributes.

Application should include resume, law school transcript and a personal statement and be sent to Joseph Hallman at joseph.hallman@ipmvs.com.

Apply by Sept. 18, and visit the website for additional details.

The Anita Hill Scholarship

This scholarship, established by former students of Professor Hill, honors her legacy by supporting law students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing democracy, civil rights, and gender equity. 

Criteria:

• Current 2L or 3L
• At least a 3.0 GPA
• Demonstrate commitment to advancing democracy, civil rights, and gender equity
• Demonstrate financial need

See the website for additional details.

Deadline: September 22, 2026

Click here to apply!

NLF Scholarships

The NAPABA (National Asian Pacific American Bar Association) Law Foundation has scholarship opportunities available. 

NLF Presidential Scholarship

The NLF will award two NLF Presidential Scholarships in the amount of $7500. This scholarship is based on having demonstrated outstanding leadership to serve the Asian Pacific American Community.

The Low Family Scholarship

One $2500 scholarship will be awarded to a law student who has a history of leadership and/or community service to the Asian Pacific American Community. 

LimNexus Scholarship

NLF established the The Lim, Ruger, & Kim Scholarship. Under the new name "LimNexus", a $2500 scholarship will be offered. 

For more information, please go to the NLF website at https://www.napabalawfoundation.org/scholarships. A Scholarship FAQ can answer most questions. The 2026 application is also available on this website. 

Deadline: September 23, 2026

Click here to apply!

Cutting Sign to the Legal Profession

The National Native American Law Student Association invites you to join us on Oct.16–17 at S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah for a two-day professional development program for law students interested in Indian law and working with Native Nations and communities. Preliminary registration closes on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. MT. Register at this webpage.

Workforce Recruitment Program

The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a recruitment program that connects federal employers with college students, graduate students, and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs. To apply, you will need a Schedule A Letter from your physician. If you'd like a sample letter, email tami-diebel@uiowa.edu. Summer is a great time to obtain this letter.

Applications are now open through Oct. 4.

Check out the website to learn more. If you have questions about this program, please reach out to Tami Diebel.

Virginia Law Review Essay Competition - Lived Experience and the Law

This upcoming year, the Virginia Law Review is hosting a nationwide essay competition for JD students centered on “Lived Experience and the Law.” Through focusing on the concrete influence the law has on individuals, communities, and identities, they hope to highlight previously overlooked experiences through student scholarship.

The winning student will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a $5,000 grant toward an organization or project that intersects with their article topic. Their article will also be published in Virginia Law Review Online.

If you have any questions, please email Melissa Norman at melissa-norman@uiowa.edu. Additional information can be on Virginia Law Review's website.

Deadline for submissions is January 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.