Current Students

Institutional Scholarships and Awards for Upper-Class Students

Touro Law Center strives to foster a student-centered academic environment where students are afforded the opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals through open access to faculty, administrators, alumni, local area judges, and attorneys.
The Administration recognizes the burdens associated with the cost of legal education and although Touro Law is among the least expensive private law schools in the State, priority has been given over the last year to external fundraising for both scholarships and summer fellowships.
The following scholarship and grant opportunities are available to upper-class students. 

SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS

ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS:

Achievement scholarships are typically awarded to upper-level students based on class rank and grade point average at the end of each academic year and vary based on full- or part-time division. In addition, some students who do not attain the retention standards for scholarships that were awarded upon admission may be offered reduced scholarship assistance if they are in the top half of their class at the end of the academic year. There is no application process for these scholarships. Achievement scholarships may be added to existing merit scholarships awarded upon admission. The amount of achievement awards vary based on class rank and division. Students will be able to apply one-half of the award in the fall semester and one-half of the award in the spring semester. Achievement awards are not applicable for intersession or summer session and no more than 50% of an annual award may be used in one semester.

COMMUTER SCHOLARSHIPS:

Established in 2013, commuter scholarships are available to continuing students who travel to the Law Center at least 60 miles round-trip per day and more than two days per week. The scholarship is renewable for additional semesters with application. These scholarships are awarded competitively and applications are due during the Spring semester for the upcoming academic year.

YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM:

Touro College and Touro Law Center participate in this grant program available to eligible veterans that permits a scholarship award up to 25% of tuition. This scholarship is in addition to any available GI and VA benefits the student may be qualified for from the federal government. Veteran students must contact the Financial Aid Office to confirm eligibility.

ANNUAL/ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS – BY APPLICATION

Touro Law Center continues to add new scholarships for upper division law students. Students enrolled at the law center are encouraged to apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible, based on the criteria of each scholarship available. All scholarships require an essay based on stated scholarship criteria. Applications are due during the Spring semester for the upcoming academic year.
ARLINE BESUNDER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2013 by Harvey Besunder, Esq. in memory of his wife Arline ’92. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) woman student who shows an interest in health law and/or professional ethics.
THE BASILE LAW FIRM P.C. BUSINESS AND CORPORATE LAW SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2019 by The Basile Law Firm P.C. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising second-year student (any student entering his/her second semester or year as of the fall semester) with a demonstrated interest in business and corporate law.

BEDFORD INSURANCE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2016 by Mario Capobianco and David Park of Bedford Insurance. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who shows academic promise. 

BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2015 by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student whose demonstrated law school experience to date has influenced his/her career goals for the future.  
CAMPOLO, MIDDLETON & McCORMICK, LLP SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2014 by the Law Firm of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student with an interest in land use.
CATHY AND HOWARD STEIN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2017 by Howard Stein. The scholarship will be awarded to two (2) rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) students each year in good academic standing for whom the scholarship will make a significant impact on his/her ability to attend the Law Center.
CERTILMAN BALIN ADLER & HYMAN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established by Touro Law Center Board Chair Howard Stein and the partners of Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman in 2013. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) who shows academic promise.
CHRIS J. COSCHIGNANO AND SAHN WARD COSCHIGNANO SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2016 by Chris Coschignano ’90 and the members of the Sahn Ward Coschignano, PLLC law firm. The scholarship will be awarded to two (2) rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) students who have an interest in practicing in the area of land use or real estate law. 

CLIFFORD RICHNER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2016 by Clifford Richner.  The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student for whom the award will make a significant difference in the life of the student during and after his/her legal education at Touro Law. Preference will be given to a student who may be the first in his/her generation to attend law school, or to a student with significant family/job responsibilities.
CULLEN & DYKMAN LLP SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2015 by partners of the Cullen & Dykman LLP law firm. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who shows academic promise.

DAVIDOFF FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Ruben Davidoff, Touro Law LL.M. class of 2010. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student in good academic standing for whom the scholarship will have a significant impact on his/her ability to attend the Law Center.

DEBORAH WAIRE POST SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2016 in honor of Professor Deborah Waire Post. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) African American student who comes from modest means with working parents and who may be the first member of his/her family to attending college and graduate school.

DELL FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2016 by Joseph Dell. The scholarship will be awarded to four (4) rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) students each year for whom the scholarships will make a significant difference in the lives of the students during and after their legal education at Touro Law.

DR. AND MRS. ALBERT SHERWYN AND JOSEPH AND SELMA COOPER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship was established in 2015 by Touro Law adjunct professors Ilene Sherwyn Cooper and husband Mitchell J. Cooper. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student with a grade point average of at least 3.5.

ELLEN EISENSTADT COHEN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by Touro College. The scholarship will be awarded to a female student who best exemplifies the qualities of Ellen Eisenstadt Cohen who was committed to her family, and a woman of integrity, skill and kindness.

EVELYN GLICKSTEIN KLIMPL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2016 by Dean Emeritus Howard A. Glickstein in memory of his sister Evelyn. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is a member of the Touro Law Center Law Review

FARRELL FRITZ, P.C. DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2017 by the Farrell Fritz, P.C. law firm. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student in good academic standing from a minority community. Preference will be given to a student with demonstrated financial need, for whom the scholarship will have a significant impact on his/her ability to attend the Law Center.

GERALD J. SCHER MOOT COURT SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by Florence Hessen Scher ’85 in honor of her late husband. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is an incoming member of the Touro Law Center Moot Court Board. The determination of the award is to be based upon 50% need and 50% on a written essay regarding the candidate’s Moot Court aspirations.

GROSSMAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by alumnus Jack Grossman ’88. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) who is a well-rounded student and active in student life at Touro Law Center.

GUTTERSON FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by alumnus Scott Gutterson ’83. The scholarship will be awarded to two (2) law students who demonstrate an interest in the fields of business, tax or entrepreneurship.

HENRY SCHEIN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2016 by Henry Schein, Inc. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student with a demonstrated interest in health law.

HONORABLE LEON D. LAZER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2018 by David Lazer, Deborah Lazer, Brett Lazer and the Evan Lazer Trust (David Lazer, Trustee). The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student in good academic standing.

HOWARD A. GLICKSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP IN CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS

This scholarship was established in 2017 by the Milton Handler Foundation in honor of Dean Emeritus Howard A. Glickstein. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student with a demonstrated interest and passion for civil and human rights.

JAMES WEISSMAN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by Linda Weissman. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student with an interest in business law.

JASON SOLEIMANI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2018 by Lorraine Ganjian. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising second-year student (any student entering his/her second semester or year as of the fall semester) in good standing.

JOHN SANTUCCI JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by alumnus Thomas Santucci ’83, along with family and friends in honor of his father John Santucci, former DA of Queens and a longtime friend to Touro Law Center. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student whose profile demonstrates a commitment to perseverance and personal integrity.

JOSEPH M. MARGER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by alumnus Joseph M. Marger ’89. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student with an interest in corporate or business law.

THE JOSEPH B. ROSENBERG SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2018 by Joseph B. Rosenberg. The scholarship will be awarded each year to the Editor-in-Chief of the Touro Law Review.

THE JUDGE SOL WACHTLER VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP

This Scholarship was established in 2014 by North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Foundation and Law & Psychiatry Institute in honor of Sol Wachtler, a life trustee of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, former chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, a longtime member of the Touro Law Center’s Board of Governors and a Korean War Army veteran. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student who is a veteran or is focusing on studying veterans’ issues, mental health or disability law.

KERMIT GITENSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by the Kermit Gitenstein Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded to two (2) rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) students who will be designated as Gitenstein Scholars. One Gitenstein scholarship is designated for a qualified student with an interest in health law and the second scholarship will be for a qualified student with an interest in aging and longevity law.

LEFKOWITZ FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by alumna Helen Lefkowitz ’88. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who is dedicated to professional ethics.

LUIS PAGAN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association Community Service Fund (LIHBA) with the goal of enhancing the diversity of the student population at Touro Law Center and in the Long Island legal profession. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who is a member of Touro Law's Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) with a demonstrated commitment to Long Island and the Hispanic community.

MARIO AND LINA CAPOBIANCO SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2015 by Mario and Lina Capobianco. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who shows academic promise.

MARTIN AND LAURIE TANKLEFF SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by alumnus Martin Tankleff ’14. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student interested in wrongful convictions specifically and more generally in criminal defense work.

MATTHEW MASCHLER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by alumnus Matthew Maschler ’97. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who is dedicated to the ideals of the profession and collegiality.

MELTZER, LIPPE, GOLDSTEIN & BREITSTONE, LLP SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the Law Firm of Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student whose demonstrated law school experience to date has influenced his/her career goals for the future.

MEYER, SUOZZI, ENGLISH & KLEIN, P.C. DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2017 by the Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C. law firm. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who is in the top quartile of his/her class at the time of application. Preference will be given to a student with demonstrated financial need, for whom the scholarship will have a significant impact on his/her ability to attend the Law Center. The application shall include an essay on the following topic: Becoming an Attorney: the Benefits and Challenges of Diversity.

NAGIN FAMILY PUBLIC INTEREST SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2018 by Jason H. Nagin, Esq. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student in good academic standing who intends to enter into the field of Public Interest Law after graduation.  The applicant should demonstrate a long term interest and commitment to the field of Public Interest Law.

PATRICIA E. SALKIN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established by the family and friends of Dean Patricia Salkin on the occasion of her Academic Convocation and installation as the 5th Dean of Touro Law Center. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) female student who shows commitment to women’s and/or diversity issues.

POSNER & GAIER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2015 by alumna Phyllis Luster Gaier '85 in memory of her late husband and law partner Steve Posner. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) with an interest in criminal defense for indigent clients.

RIVKIN RADLER LLP SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by the Law Firm of Rivkin Radler LLP. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who shows academic promise.

RHONDA GELFMAN SZABO SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2016 by Rhonda Gelfman Szabo ’86. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) female student in good academic standing.

RUSKIN MOSCOU FALTISCHEK SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was renewed in 2019 by the Law Firm of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. The scholarship will be awarded to an upper-level student in good standing. 

SCHWARTZAPFEL LAWYERS P.C. SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by the Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C. law firm. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student who is a son/daughter of a union member, has a 3.5 GPA or higher, and is in financial need. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay describing what inspired them to pursue a law degree as part of their application.

SHEILA AND STUART SALKIN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by Dean Salkin and her husband Howard Gross in honor of her parents. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student who is either currently or was previously a K-12 teacher pursuing school while also raising a family; or someone raising a family who has expressed an interest in educational law.

SHIRLEY FUCHSBERG SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2013 by the Fuchsberg family in memory of their mother, Shirley Fuchsberg, a longtime supporter and friend of Touro Law. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) female student that shows academic promise.

STEPHANIE ESTEVEZ '00 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2015 in memory of Stephanie Estevez '00 by her husband and two children. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) female student who is a working mother while attending law school.

SUSAN M. DIETRICH CLYNE ’88 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was created by Touro Law in memory of Susan Dietrich Clyne ’88 who perished on 9/11 in the World Trade Center tragedy. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising 3L part-time student with significant family responsibilities.

THOMAS SHAW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Robert Shaw in memory of his brother Thomas Shaw, who was a student at the Law Center. The scholarship will be awarded to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who is passionate about helping the underprivileged with access to justice. Preference will be given to a candidate interested in pursuing a career in public interest law. The application should be accompanied by an essay addressing the candidate’s interest in “doing the public good.”

TSUNIS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2014 by John Tsunis. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student with an interest in land use and/or real estate law.

ADMINISTRATIVELY AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS

The following scholarships are administratively awarded to upper-class students based on the selection criteria set forth by the donors.

BESS AND SAMUEL ZEIGEN SCHOLARSHIP

The late Marshall (Buddy) Zeigen established this scholarship in 1997 in honor of his parents. It is awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who demonstrates exceptional academic promise along with a proven commitment to community service.

CLAIRE AND SAMUEL MOZEL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2015 by The Claire and Samuel Mozel Charitable Trust. The scholarship will be awarded to students with an interest in Jewish law.

FAY AND SAUL STARR SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was created by the Fischtein family in honor of Sharon Fischtein’s parents. It is awarded annually to a rising 2L (FT/PT) or rising 3L (five-year PT) student who is academically gifted.

THE JUDGE SOL WACHTLER VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This scholarship was established in 2015 by the Judy and Fred Wilpon Family Foundation in honor of Judge Sol Wachtler, the former Chief Judge of New York State, in recognition of his work with veterans, and the Wilpon family’s keen interest in assisting veterans. The scholarships will be awarded to Touro Law Center students who are U.S. military veterans and meet specific academic and financial criteria.
MARK C. ZAUDERER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established in 2016 by Mark Zauderer. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who achieves the highest grade for performance in Civil Dispute Resolution and Procedure.  In the event of a tie, an essay will be required.
SIDNEY R. AND WALTER SIBEN SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is named for its benefactors, the founders of the Siben & Siben Law Firm in Bay Shore. It is awarded annually to a continuing student who demonstrates exceptional academic promise.

THOMAS ROSICKI '97 AND CYNTHIA ROSICKI SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Tom Rosicki and his wife Cynthia.  The Rosicki Scholars Program was created for students who identify themselves as having a physical disability or another disabling condition resulting from a long-term medical condition or chronic disease.

AWARDS

ILENE H. BARSHAY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
Stan and Ilene ’87 Barshay, together with their family, created this award to recognize a rising 2L student who has demonstrated both excellence in Legal Process and compelling circumstances outside of the classroom. 
MORRIS E. FISCHER, LLC AWARD

This award was established in 2012 by Morris Fischer ’95. The award will be presented to the student who earns the highest grade in the Jewish Law class and/or demonstrates a strong appreciation for the importance and contributions of Jewish law.

FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIP & ACADEMIC SUPPORT

THE THOMAS AND CYNTHIA ROSICKI DISABILITY FUND

This fund was established in 2013 by Touro Law Center alumnus Thomas Rosicki ’97 and his wife Cynthia. The Fund is to be utilized as needed to meet reasonable accommodations for one or more students with a disability. At the discretion of the Law Center, interest income of the Fund can be utilized as a scholarship for a deserving student with a disability.

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Touro Law Center offers funding for summer fellowships on a competitive basis. The deadline for applications is in March each year. Unless otherwise specified, all Fellowships are awarded at $5,000 for the summer and acceptance of the Fellowship funds is contingent upon the students’ continuing their studies at Touro Law Center. Some of the Fellowships awarded are listed below.

THE FANNIE AND SAMUEL GLICKSTEIN MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP

Dean Emeritus Howard A. Glickstein established this fellowship in honor of his parents, Fannie and Samuel Glickstein. This fellowship is designed to encourage public interest employment by awarding a summer Public Interest Law Fellowship to a qualified student who demonstrates a clear passion for public interest work.

JUDGE SOL WACHTLER VETERANS SUMMER PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP

The North Shore-LIJ Health System endowed a “Judge Sol Wachtler Veterans Summer Public Interest Fellowship”. The interest income of endowment would be used to provide an annual Summer Public Interest Fellowship to a Touro Law student who wishes to participate in the work of the Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ Rights Clinic at Touro Law – or in another summer placement explicitly working with veterans to address the legal needs that arise from psychiatric or psychosocial issues arising from their military service.

THE DELL AND DEAN SUMMER PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FELLOWSHIP

The Dell & Dean Summer Public Interest Law Fellowship was established by Joseph G. Dell, Esq. and Christopher R. Dean, Esq. for Summer 2017. The Public Interest Law Fellowship Subcommittee will make the selection of the recipient of the Dell & Dean Summer Public Interest Law Fellowship. The Subcommittee will select a student who has a demonstrated record of public service from the pool of applicants for the Public Interest Law Fellowships. The Dean of the Law School will acknowledge the selection of the Fellow to Joseph G. Dell, Esq.

LONG ISLAND HISPANIC BAR EQUITY FELLOWSHIP

The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association Community Service Fund and Bethpage Federal Credit Union created this summer Public Interest Law Fellowship for a member of the Touro Law  Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) to work in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The selected candidate should be bilingual, have an interest in pursuing a career as a district attorney, have ties to Long Island or the Long Island Hispanic community and have performed community service in the Hispanic community.

TOURO LAW CENTER SUMMER PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FELLOWSHIP (PILF)

Based on funds raised at the Annual Public Interest Auction in March, Touro Law Center awards summer Public Interest Law Fellowships. Each year the Law Center offers about 13 PILF fellowships based on the success of the auction.

SUMMER FEDERAL WORK STUDY PROGRAM

This program is available to all returning upper-class students who are eligible to participate in the Federal Work Study Program. Traditionally summer legal intern positions in the various District Attorneys’ offices, courts and government agencies, as well as not-for-profit agencies such as Legal Aid, ACLU, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, etc. are unpaid. The Federal Work-Study summer program affords students the opportunity to take prestigious summer legal intern positions to gain necessary “real life” work experience, build their resumes, and network while moving forward to permanent job placement. This program also helps to off-set loan debt since students do not have to borrow additional funds to cover commuter and work-related expenses. The pay rate is $13 per hour for a maximum 30-hour work week. Work study funds are allocated on a first-come, first serve basis and a waiting list is maintained. An email announcement is sent with instructions for applying.

*In no event may scholarship awards exceed the cost of tuition for an academic year.

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