Public Interest and Legal Desert Attorney Scholarship

The Family Law Section is pleased to provide scholarships to the 2026 Family Law Annual Meeting for qualifying public interest lawyers and those practicing in legal deserts, a county with fewer than one lawyer per 1,000 residents. The Annual Meeting will be held in Asheville from May 1-2, 2026.

We understand that those practicing in legal deserts could be unable to attend annual meetings due to economic hardship, distance or other factors. We recognize your invaluable contributions to the practice of family law in North Carolina and offer these scholarships to help provide CLE and social event opportunities regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. Scholarships will be provided on a “first come, first served” basis, with preference given to in-person attendees.

What do the scholarships cover?

A limited number of scholarships are available. The scholarships will pay the NCBA member registration fee for the Annual Meeting CLE and a travel stipend of up to $350 to cover travel expenses incurred for in-person attendance. Once approved, you will be notified that you have been selected as a scholarship recipient for the 2026 Family Law Annual Meeting and you will be provided with instructions on next steps.

Who is eligible for the scholarship?

An eligible scholarship candidate is:

• A member of the NCBA Family Law Section
• A legal aid attorney, pro bono provider, public interest provider and/or legal desert attorney that practices family law
• In good standing with the North Carolina State Bar

Special consideration will be given to in-person attendees, but live webcast attendance may be considered based on need.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

You can apply for the NCBA Family Law Section Annual Meeting Scholarship by completing the application form found below.  The last day to submit a request for a scholarship is April 22, 2026. We aim to notify Scholarship recipients on or before April 24th.

What about confidentiality?

Although NCBA and the Family Law Section may publicize the fact that scholarships have been awarded, as well as the number of scholarships awarded, the individual identities of scholarship applicants shall remain strictly confidential (unless the recipient allows for publication).