NATLE GAC Scholarship Information

Governmental Affairs Conference Scholarship

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About the Scholarship

The Leah S. Guerry Governmental Affairs Conference is an essential conference for anyone involved in legislative and political activities for their association.

The National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives awards scholarships to Regular or Associate Members of NATLE for furthering their knowledge and professionalism. We view continuing education essential for NATLE members who are dedicated to the goals and objectives of NATLE and the preservation of the civil justice system. 

Guidelines and Criteria

• This scholarship is for the Leah S. Guerry Governmental Affairs Conference only and does not apply to add-on meetings or seminars, such as the Leadership Symposium.
• Scholarships are awarded only to NATLE members (chief staff executives or association staff). Chief Staff Executives receive priority.
• Recipients must have been a NATLE member for at least one year at the time the application is submitted and be a member in good standing.
• Recipients must not have received a scholarship within the last three years.
• The scholarship is for the exclusive use of the recipient and may not be transferred.
• Scholarships are used for travel-related or other expenses incurred to attend the GAC in a given year. These expenses are reimbursed up to a designated limit (no more than $2,500) for each scholarship. Accommodations are to be arranged by the recipient and will be reimbursed at a rate up to the basic room block rate; and will cover the night before the first day of plenary session through the night of the last day of plenary session to allow for travel.
• Awardee is responsible for making all travel arrangements; scholarship funds are distributed as a reimbursement. Expenses associated with cancellations are borne by the awardee and are not reimbursed.
• The recipient must attend the entire program for which the scholarship is awarded or forfeit the scholarship funds. Requests for modifications to the scholarship must be provided to the Scholarship Committee no less than 45 days before the designated program.
• The number of scholarships given annually is determined by the availability of funds.
• The NATLE registration fee is waived for the recipient.
• Each scholarship may have restrictions and limitations not listed here.
• Recipients are required to set appointments with all Justice Partners and vendor sponsors during the relative program.
• TLA Staff: You are required to receive approval from your TLA ED before submitting an application.

A committee of three to five members, appointed by the President, will review all applications and award the scholarships. In determining recipients, the committee will consider such parameters as the dedication to the objectives and goals of NATLE, length of service as chief staff executive, financial need, unusual circumstances such as natural disasters, and prior involvement in NATLE events. If the budget allows, the Board of Directors may award more than one scholarship per meeting.

Interested individuals will provide details to the Scholarship Committee of how their participation in a NATLE educational program will both enhance their professionalism and contribute to the success of their organization. They will demonstrate financial need, as well as any other reason they believe would qualify them to receive the scholarship. We assure all applicants confidentiality about any financial disclosures; however, recipients are announced to the membership as scholarship winners.

Timeline and Process
A call for scholarship applications is issued each year according to the timeline below on the closest business day of each date. The Scholarship Committee convenes by conference call to discuss applications and determine recipient(s). Recipient(s) are named no later than the end of August. 

Mid to Late-July: Call for GAC Scholarship Applications

Late-August: Deadline for GAC Scholarship Applications

Early September: Recipient(s) Notified and Announced