Haggerty Scholars Program

The Haggerty Scholars Program is a yearlong law and civil rights mentorship from the Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for high school students in their senior year. It gives students a way to engage with Oregon's legal and civic community, and it was started to honor Judge Ancer L. Haggerty, Oregon's first African American federal judge. Each scholar is paired one-on-one with an attorney mentor for the 2026-2027 school year. In past years, mentors have helped students with college essays, taken them to watch courtroom proceedings, and offered networking help on topics the students are interested in. Scholars also spend a summer week visiting legal workplaces. Throughout the 2026-2027 year, scholars are invited to special events on law and civil rights, including an Oregon Federal Bar Association or Haggerty Scholars group event in the spring or summer of 2027. Earlier events have featured discussions with legal practitioners about criminal law, juvenile justice, mental health and immigration, as well as interactive sessions with the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon legislature. The program especially encourages students from under-served schools and historically underrepresented communities to apply.

Open to high school juniors with an interest in law and civil rights; the program runs during senior year (the 2026-2027 cohort was for the class of 2027). Scholars must spend time with an attorney mentor, visit legal workplaces for one summer week, and attend an Oregon FBA or Haggerty Scholars group event. Students from under-served schools or historically underrepresented communities are especially encouraged. Apply by emailing the completed application form, which includes a reference and short written responses.