Financial Aid Office - Scholarships
Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Spring 2026 Thomas J. Henry Law Week Essay Contest
ABOUT THOMAS J HENRY
Over the years, Thomas J. Henry (TJH) has gone from being the go-to auto, trucking, and on-the-job injury firm in Texas to becoming a nationally recognized personal injury practice handling all types of accident claims and representing clients in mass tort, product liability, child injury, and whistleblower protection cases nationwide as one of the largest law firms in Texas. Mr. Thomas J. Henry is a renowned trial attorney who has been practicing law for over 30 years. He has represented countless victims in catastrophic trucking and auto accidents, on the job accidents, medical malpractice claims, and many other claims across the United States. Mr. Henry has devoted his entire career to fighting passionately for his clients.
TJH LAW WEEK ESSAY CONTEST FOR TMSL STUDENTS
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law will celebrate Thomas J. Henry Day. This celebration falls during TMSL’s annual observance of the American Bar Association Law Week nationally. Through the firm’s philanthropic commitment to developing law students, TJH will award a first ($1,500) and second ($1,000) place prize to students participating in the TJH Law Week Essay Contest. The winners will receive a scholarship stipend that will be given directly to the student pending timely submission of all required documents. All currently enrolled TMSL 1L, 2L, and 3L students are invited to participate.
ESSAY GUIDELINES
This process will be managed in Symplicity. In order to participate you must have an approved 1-page legal resume in Symplicity. Resume reviews can take at least 2-3 business days. The essay guidelines include:
- Essay must be 230-250 words (±10 words acceptable).
- Topic: A trial attorney you admire — the essay should explain:
o Who the attorney is
o What qualities, achievements, and/or cases make them admirable
o How their work inspires you as a future legal professional
- Essay must be the student’s original work. AI-generated essays will be eliminated.
- Include your resume.
Submit your essay in Symplicity as the “Writing Sample.” Symplicity will automatically attach your default resume. Please submit only the requested information. Applicants that do not comply with these guidelines will not be considered for review.
The essay submissions will be reviewed by a panel of internal and external collaborators and evaluated based on the following:
Category Description
Clarity & Organization Clear structure, logical flow, and strong writing mechanics
Depth of Insight Thoughtful reflection on the attorney’s impact and significance
Originality Unique perspective, creativity, and authentic voice
Relevance to Topic Direct connection to the theme and prompt
Professionalism Tone, formatting, and adherence to guidelines
The deadline is Friday, April 3, 2026 by 11:59 CST.
ABOUT THOMAS J HENRY
Over the years, Thomas J. Henry (TJH) has gone from being the go-to auto, trucking, and on-the-job injury firm in Texas to becoming a nationally recognized personal injury practice handling all types of accident claims and representing clients in mass tort, product liability, child injury, and whistleblower protection cases nationwide as one of the largest law firms in Texas. Mr. Thomas J. Henry is a renowned trial attorney who has been practicing law for over 30 years. He has represented countless victims in catastrophic trucking and auto accidents, on the job accidents, medical malpractice claims, and many other claims across the United States. Mr. Henry has devoted his entire career to fighting passionately for his clients.
TJH LAW WEEK ESSAY CONTEST FOR TMSL STUDENTS
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law will celebrate Thomas J. Henry Day. This celebration falls during TMSL’s annual observance of the American Bar Association Law Week nationally. Through the firm’s philanthropic commitment to developing law students, TJH will award a first ($1,500) and second ($1,000) place prize to students participating in the TJH Law Week Essay Contest. The winners will receive a scholarship stipend that will be given directly to the student pending timely submission of all required documents. All currently enrolled TMSL 1L, 2L, and 3L students are invited to participate.
ESSAY GUIDELINES
This process will be managed in Symplicity. In order to participate you must have an approved 1-page legal resume in Symplicity. Resume reviews can take at least 2-3 business days. The essay guidelines include:
· Essay must be 230-250 words (±10 words acceptable).
· Topic: A trial attorney you admire — the essay should explain:
o Who the attorney is
o What qualities, achievements, and/or cases make them admirable
o How their work inspires you as a future legal professional
· Essay must be the student’s original work. AI-generated essays will be eliminated.
· Include your resume.
Submit your essay in Symplicity as the “Writing Sample.” Symplicity will automatically attach your default resume. Please submit only the requested information. Applicants that do not comply with these guidelines will not be considered for review.
The essay submissions will be reviewed by a panel of internal and external collaborators and evaluated based on the following:
Category Description
Clarity & Organization Clear structure, logical flow, and strong writing mechanics
Depth of Insight Thoughtful reflection on the attorney’s impact and significance
Originality Unique perspective, creativity, and authentic voice
Relevance to Topic Direct connection to the theme and prompt
Professionalism Tone, formatting, and adherence to guidelines
The deadline is Friday, April 3, 2026 by 11:59 CST.
Scholarships
Thurgood Marshall School of Law encourages students to explore and apply for all applicable scholarships. The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid make every effort to inform students of scholarships administered by Thurgood Marshall School of Law and external scholarships as they become available.
We suggest that you apply for any and all external scholarships if you meet the eligibility requirements; receiving an external scholarship could reduce your alternative loan borrowing. Remember, the less you borrow, the less you'll have to repay.
Merit Scholarships
All admitted J.D. students, with the exception of those who have previously attended law school, are considered for renewable merit scholarships which will be awarded until such funds are expended. No separate application is required. Scholarships are based on the review of academic performance of the student (LSAT/ GRE, GPA) and on a holistic review of the entirety of your application for admission.
Scholarship recipients must meet all the law school admission requirements and must complete a FAFSA (U.S. Citizens) or TASFA (International).
If a student is awarded a merit scholarship, they will be notified by the TMSL Admissions Office. Scholarships are renewed for their second and third year provided that the student meets the performance standards as stated in their scholarship offer letter and remains full-time in the J.D. program at TMSL.
The scholarship is paid in two installments each year, one each for the fall and spring semesters and will be applied to your student account.
For priority scholarship consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit their application prior to April 1 each year.
Please note that the law school’s scholarship program described above is subject to fund availability and review each academic year. Any modifications in the program resulting from the review will be posted, and a written notice sent to any affected student.
External Scholarships
We encourage you to look outside of the law school for scholarship opportunities. The following is a list of on-line search engines that you may use to begin your search (the search engines are free).
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