We are excited to bring back the Colorado Criminal Defense Scholarship for 2026! At Petrash Law, we believe in reinvesting in the students who will one day lead our legal system and protect our communities. This $1,000 scholarship is back for another year to reward insight, hard work, and a genuine passion for criminal law.

This year’s prompt encourages you to look closely at the “why” behind defense work in Colorado. We want to hear your thoughts on how recent court decisions or new forensic technologies are changing the way attorneys approach their cases. By exploring these developments, you can demonstrate the critical thinking and impact that define a successful legal professional. Whether you are a high school senior or a graduate student, your voice matters in this conversation.

Applying for this scholarship is simple: fill out the submission form and provide an essay of 750 to 1,000 words. Remember to include your transcript and a resume that highlights your academic and professional milestones. The deadline for all applications is December 31, 2026, and we will select the recipient the following month. Join us in our continued mission to foster justice through education.

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026

Award Amount: $1,000

Eligibility

• The scholarship is available to current high school seniors, vocational students, college students, or graduates who are legal U.S. residents residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and enrolled in a vocational program or a two- to four-year post-secondary institution.
• Employees of Petrash Law, their immediate families (parents, children, siblings, and spouses), and individuals living in the same household as these persons (regardless of relation) are not eligible to participate in the competition. 
• Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 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 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Investigate emerging trends in criminal defense law in Colorado, such as changes in legislation, landmark court decisions, or advancements in forensic science. Discuss how these developments impact defense strategies and advocate for justice.
  • Please note that we will check all essays for AI writing. If we detect AI-generated writing in the essay, we will deny the application.
• The candidate must submit a professional resume that lists their professional and academic experience.
• 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 and 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 Colorado.

The recipient of the 2026 Colorado Criminal Defense Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline. 

For all scholarship-related inquiries, please use this contact form. We are unable to answer scholarship questions by phone, email, or through any other contact forms listed on this website.

Please complete the submission form below to submit your application.