2025 Recognizing Public Servants Scholarship

David Benowitz, a founding partner of Price Benowitz LLP, believes public servants are the backbone of our society. They dedicate their lives to making our communities safer, fairer, and more just. From teachers and firefighters to social workers and public defenders, these individuals step up every day to serve others.

He has seen firsthand the impact public servants—especially public defenders—have on people’s lives. As a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years’ experience, he understands the challenges they face and the sacrifices they make to ensure justice is served. That’s why he created the Recognizing Public Servants Scholarship—to support students who are passionate about public service and want to make a difference.

This $1,000 scholarship invites students to reflect on the vital role public servants play in our communities, with a special focus on public defender contributions. Applicants are asked to write a 750-1,000 word essay on the significance of public service and why public defenders are essential to our justice system.

Please read the scholarship eligibility and application instructions carefully. Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2026.

Award Amount: $1,000.00

Eligibility

  • The scholarship is available to high school seniors, vocational students, college students, and graduate students who are legal U.S. residents living in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a vocational program or a two- or four-year college or university.
  • Employees of Platinum Criminal Defense Law Firm, their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, and spouses), and individuals living in the same household (whether related or not) are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing to be considered for the scholarship.

Application Requirements

  • The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
  • The candidate must submit a 750 -1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Explore the significance of public servants and public service in our society. Delve into why public servants, particularly public defenders, hold a crucial role in our legal system. Highlight their importance in ensuring justice, safeguarding individual rights, and upholding the principles of fairness and equality for all.
    • Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
  • The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
  • The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
  • Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.

The recipient of the Recognizing Public Servants Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline. 

We will not be available to answer scholarship-related questions by phone. Please send any scholarship questions to [info@criminallawdc.com] with the subject line “Recognizing Public Servants Scholarship”.