2026 Gaines Firm Scholarship: Win $1,000 for Your Legal Insight
At The Gaines Firm, we know how robust, thoughtful legal planning can be, especially regarding real estate. That’s why we’re offering a $1,000 scholarship to one student who can best explore this year’s topic:
Essay Topic:
The Intersection of Estate Planning and Real Estate Law: Ensuring Seamless Property Transfer
Smart estate planning is crucial for property, from minimizing tax burdens to avoiding probate court. This contest invites students to explore the strategies, tools, and challenges of passing down real estate in a way that reflects a person’s intentions and protects their legacy.
Key Points to Explore in Your Essay:
- Minimizing Tax Liabilities & Avoiding Probate
What are the most effective ways to incorporate real estate into an estate plan? - Wills, Trusts & Other Legal Tools
How do these instruments ensure a smooth and intentional transfer of property? - Joint Ownership Challenges
What happens when a property is co-owned, and how can proper planning prevent future disputes?
Who Can Apply?
- Students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- High school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited U.S. college or university (must provide an acceptance letter).
- Undergraduate, graduate, or community college students currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. program.
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit the following materials as PDF files in a single email:
- Resume – Name_Surname_Resume.pdf (must include contact details)
- Transcript – Name_Surname_Transcript.pdf (include cumulative GPA)
- Essay – Name_Surname_GainesFirm_Scholarship_2026.pdf (PDF, 1000 words required; essays not meeting this will not be considered)
- Acceptance Letter – Name_Surname_AcceptanceLetter.pdf (only for high school applicants)
Deadline: February 26, 2026
📧 Submit your complete application package to [email protected].
Why This Matters
As a personal injury and estate-focused law firm, we’ve seen firsthand how precise planning can protect families, reduce legal disputes, and uphold loved ones’ wishes. This scholarship encourages the next generation of legal thinkers to explore a topic that bridges two essential legal fields: estate planning and real estate law.
We can’t wait to read your essay.