Established 2008

This scholarship fund is a part of the CFMT General Scholarship Application that is open annually from December 1st to February 1st.

Eligibility: The William and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship is for students from Middle Tennessee who plan to attend or are working their way through any accredited school of Law or any school of Law approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Preference will be given to students planning to attend or enrolled in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Homewood, Ala., and who are working. Eligible students must be preparing for a career in the legal profession and if already enrolled in law school, must be maintaining a C average or better.

History: Bill McHugh was a “lawyer’s lawyer.” He practiced his noble profession with skill and integrity for more than 55 years. After serving in the U. S. Air Force during World War II, he returned to Nashville and enrolled at Cumberland School of Law. “Bill loved the law and his many friends and clients loved him deeply. I want his record of service to our system of justice to endure, as well as his legacy as a ‘lawyer’s lawyer.’ What better way to honor the memory of this modest but accomplished attorney than to help others who seek to serve our legal system,” said his devoted wife of 57 years, Lou Gower McHugh. As a result, students from Middle Tennessee who are working their way through law school or who plan to enroll in any accredited school of Law, any school of Law approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court, with preference given to those attending Cumberland School of Law of Samford University, are eligible to apply.