For DonorsFor Applicants

Phillip Robinson Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$7,000
1 winner$7,000
Open
Application Deadline
Mar 1, 2025
Winners Announced
Apr 1, 2025
Education Level
Undergraduate, Graduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate or graduate student, currently in law school or actively applying
Background:
Low-income

Laws shape the way our world works and the next generation of attorneys will determine what our future looks like.

Unfortunately, law school is an expensive investment that offers limited opportunities for financial aid. Additionally, the rigorous nature of the curriculum makes it difficult for many law students to work while in school, making the financial burden even more significant.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Phillip Robinson by supporting law students who have financial need as they pursue their education.

Any low-income undergraduate or graduate student who is currently enrolled in law school or is actively applying to law school may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us why you want to practice law.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published August 1, 2024
Essay Topic

Why do you want to practice law?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

May 2024

Finalists
Astrid Hernandez
makai bradfield
Kimo Tuivaiti
Tyreeana Epps
Jason Futrell
Isaiah Burroughs
Lanna Androus
Astrid Obadia
Orbelin Pineda Espino
Kaylee Vitato
Isabel Biasella
Elizabeth Kameen
Marina Siretskiy
Alexis Chandler
Mohsen Khaial
Natalie Tutor
Jessica Moore
Liza Tsertsvadze
Yamileth Palacios Piedra
Yara Chabchoul
Quynh Mai
Jessica Villalobos-Martinez
McKenzie Parker
Richard Shelley
Ashley Larsen
Jared Villery
Dylan Simms
Sylvia Rossing
Amirah Cochran
Freda Doni
Dayana Perez
Adrianna Roth
Joy Aikens
Nicole Fordey
Joys Igban
Shirley Nichols
Amy Uribe-Rangel
Temilola Blessing Akinsilo
Hector Larson
Judy Akid
Sabrina Possia
malachi david
Janaisa Wallace
Ciandramarie Choun
Destiny Nwaobilor
Valeria Navarro
Anais Minks
Julia Baroi
Tyisha Morris
Theresa Kay
Ashley Ram
Brianna Adams
Marley Todd
Pauline Barosy
darwynn walking eagle
Alex Harris
Timothy Gaull
Alexiah Azad
Hayley Siegel
Courtney Snyder
Jack Love

Winning Application

Kaneesha Wilson
University of North TexasDenton, TX
As a recovered addict and alcoholic, I have had many run-ins with the criminal justice system back when I was using and wrecking my life. You might assume at this statement, that I would naturally be negatively biased towards criminal justice as an institution. But that's where the miracle happened for me. Each time I was arrested, my self-worth was destroyed. Incarceration changes you, and hardens you. But then a ray of sunshine in the form of my criminal defense attorney came to visit me in jail. He treated me like the human being I no longer felt I deserved to be. He gave me hope and became my advocate in several charges when I had felt so lost and alone facing what I had done. In each of my dozen arrests, there was one thing in common. Each time, no matter how out of control I had become, officers, paramedics, hospital staff dealing with my overdoses, and professionals showed me compassion when I didn't deserve it. My mind began to change and open up, and I realized that these people who step in to advocate for those who are lost in the criminal justice process play a huge part in reminding the accused of their humanity. I knew I needed to become a part of this system, to take my own experiences and struggles and use them for good. I must become an advocate for someone facing criminal charges who feels lost and alone. I will pursue my dream of becoming a criminal defense attorney and I will find a way to give a voice to those who have lost their own. My specific goal includes finding programs and pro-bono work that allows me to work with drug addicts and alcoholics, give back to the system that gave me back myself, and set me on a path to sobriety. My experiences, my tattoos, and my heart will reach those who believe nobody could understand. I will reach those who are lost, and change the stigma around the criminal justice system. I will work towards reform and rehabilitative goals of deterrence and find a way when all seems lost. I plan on bringing hope and attention to those affected by addiction and seek new and innovative ways of resolving criminal charges in rehabilitative ways that effectively give my future clients hope. Addiction is a disease of the brain, and the justice system could use more attention to how we handle drug-related offenses. Maybe one day, restorative methods built to help instead of hurt so that future crimes involving drugs are no longer a statistic or an expectation.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Mar 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on Apr 1, 2025.