
McLain Law Fund for Future Defenders Scholarship
The McLain Law Fund for Future Defenders provides a $5,000 annual scholarship to support students pursuing careers in criminal justice law at universities throughout Texas. This program was created to uplift and empower future legal professionals who are dedicated to protecting constitutional rights and advancing justice in their communities.
Although the deadline for this year’s scholarship has passed, we remain committed to recognizing the outstanding students who embody these values and inspire others through their dedication.
Our Purpose
This scholarship was established by Patrick J. McLain, founder of the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC. His vision is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a strong and fair defense. For Patrick and his team, criminal defense is more than a legal practice—it’s a mission to safeguard due process and constitutional protections for all individuals.
Through the McLain Law Fund for Future Defenders, we aim to:
- Encourage students to pursue careers as criminal defense attorneys
- Provide meaningful support to those passionate about justice
- Inspire future defenders of the Constitution
Continuing the Legacy
Each year, this scholarship honors students who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to justice. Their stories remind us why supporting the next generation of legal advocates is so essential. We look forward to sharing more inspiring journeys from future scholarship recipients in the years ahead.
Meet Our Scholarship Recipients
2025 Recipient: Catalina Bramati
The University of Texas School of Law
We’re thrilled to announce Catalina Bramati as this year’s scholarship winner. Her academic excellence and passion for criminal justice law distinguished her from a highly competitive group of applicants.
Reflecting on this honor, Catalina shared:
“I am deeply grateful to have received this scholarship, as it eases the financial burden of law school and allows me to dedicate myself to my studies at UT Law fully. Opportunities like this inspire me to continue pursuing my academic passions in the legal field to become an attorney who makes a meaningful impact.”
2024 Recipient: DaMazia Gaines
Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University
Our inaugural scholarship was awarded to DaMazia Gaines, whose dedication to criminal defense and commitment to justice truly stood out.
In her own words:
“This scholarship has reignited the fire within me, giving me the strength to keep pushing forward each day.”
We are honored to support DaMazia as she pursues her career in criminal defense and fights to protect the rights of others.
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