Good Works Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Karin Riley Porter Attorney at Law

Virginia criminal lawyer Karin Riley Porter believes in advancing the cause of the criminal justice system and criminal defense services by ensuring that everyone within the Commonwealth of Virginia receives fair representation and that those who are dedicated to that calling can realize their full academic potential. One of the primary aspects of criminal defense is representing individuals in vulnerable situations and protecting them and their family’s interests. Furthermore, many people who aspire to be lawyers or pursue other demanding careers fail to find the time to promote the good of others in their community.

To that end, the firm is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for future lawyers and other college and university students who are also actively engaged in making their community a better place by leading and planning community service projects. One student will be awarded the 2025 Karin Riley Porter Good Works Scholarship of $1,000.

Eligibility

• The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Employees of Karin Riley Porter Criminal Defense Attorney and Price Benowitz LLP, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
• Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
• The candidate must submit a 500-word essay that identifies the applicant and describes the applicant’s leadership and dedication in giving back to his or her community through community service projects, including projects involving criminal justice issues.
• 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 student’s either from or attending secondary school in the state.