Legal Resources
Paralegal Scholarship
The Patricia Murphy Coleman Memorial Scholarship supports the next generation of Illinois paralegals.
Deadline to Apply: 10/24/2025
In Memoriam
Patricia Murphy Coleman Memorial Scholarship
Since 1972, the Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA) has been a leading voice for paralegals in Illinois. The IPA exists because of our founders’ efforts and the many IPA members who have given their time and talents to make the IPA the organization it is today.
In February of 2017, the paralegal field lost one of its champions, Patricia Murphy Coleman. Pat was the first paralegal at Vedder Price where she retired in 2010. She served as President of the IPA from 1986-1988, held many other offices in the organization, and created the IPA’s quarterly publication Outlook. She received the Local Leader of the Year Award from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and the IPA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Those who knew her best will tell you she was a model of professionalism and dedication to the paralegal field. The IPA began offering a scholarship for paralegal students in 2019, and we feel that naming this scholarship after one of the IPA’s most significant leaders is a fitting tribute.
How It's Funded
Supporting Paralegal Students
Scholarship Pins
$10 per pin
Each year, the IPA sells scholarship pins to raise funds for the scholarship, with every dollar received going to the scholarship fund.
This Year
$1,000 in scholarships
Through its fundraising efforts and with the help of our generous sponsors, the IPA is excited to offer $1,000 in scholarship(s) this year.
Paralegal Day
Recipients Announced
At the Paralegal Day event that takes place in the fall, the recipient(s) of the award(s) are announced and presented with the scholarship certificate(s).
Get Involved
What Can You Do?
Details for the 2025 Scholarship, including the application, can be found here. Thank you in advance for your support.