2026 Power of Listening Scholarship
At Herman & Wells, listening to clients is a core part of effective advocacy and legal representation. The firm understands that behind every legal matter is a person whose story deserves to be heard. Through this scholarship, we invite students to share their perspective on how active listening can improve outcomes in professional environments and why being heard can make a meaningful difference.
The 2026 Power of Listening Scholarship encourages students to reflect on the role active listening plays in complex systems such as healthcare, education, government, and the legal profession. In high-stakes situations, professionals are often expected to provide answers quickly—but meaningful outcomes often begin with truly understanding the people they serve. Listening carefully can uncover critical details, build trust, and lead to more thoughtful and effective decisions.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Award Amount: $1000
Eligibility
- The 2026 Power of Listening Scholarship is available to students who are currently enrolled in or planning to attend an accredited vocational program or two-year or four-year college or university. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, vocational students, undergraduate students, and graduate students who are legal residents of the United States and reside in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
- Employees of Herman & Wells, as well as their immediate family members, including parents, children, siblings, and spouses, and anyone living in the same household as those employees, are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- Applicants must also demonstrate strong academic performance. Candidates should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing at their current or most recent educational institution.
Application Requirements
- The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
- The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Explain why active listening by professionals is important to the people they serve, and how this could improve decision-making or outcomes in a high-stress or complex environment.
- Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
- The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
- The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.
The recipient of the 2026 Power of Listening Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline.
For all scholarship-related inquiries, please use this contact form. We are unable to answer scholarship questions by phone, email, or through any other contact forms listed on this website.
