Civil Justice Essay Contest -2004

Sponsored by the Basile Law Firm

The Basile Law Firm is a civil trial firm dedicated to preserving the jury system. The purpose of sponsoring this essay contest is:

• Education and communication with the
   public and media regarding the role,
   responsibilities, duties and privileges
   of the trial bar in the United States
   legal system; and

• Providing financial assistance to
   individuals residing in San Luis Obispo
   County for higher education through
   scholarships awarded for
   essay contests.

Purpose of the Essay Contest

The scholarship awards are intended provide a financial incentive to educate students (and the public generally) about the public good achieved through the civil justice system.

The Basile Law Firm is offering 3 scholarships in the amounts of $1,500 for first place and two runner ups at $500 each to be awarded to graduating high school seniors in San Luis Obispo County who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary college or university the following fall. These scholarships will be awarded based on the judging of essays submitted on a topic to be selected each year.

For the 2004 contest the suggested topic is: “Does the civil jury system serve individuals and provide for the public good?”

Eligibility

Applicant must be an enrolled senior in good standing at a San Luis Obispo County high school. Applicants must be planning to enter an accredited college or university in the fall semester. A completed application form is required to participate.

Essay Format

The essay must be 1,500 words or less, including footnotes. A digital copy in either Word or WordPerfect format may also be provided along with a hard copy (paper).

Criteria for Judging

Entries will be judged based on quality of writing, accuracy of information, degrees to which the essay is persuasive and addresses the stated topic. The winning essay will be determined by several practicing lawyers and possibly judges.

Submission of Application and Contest Entries

Hard copies and diskettes of the essay, along with the completed application should be mailed to:
The Basile Law Firm
755 Santa Rosa St. #310
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

If selected, the applicant agrees to cooperate with media and publicity concerning the award. The Basile Law Firm reserves the right to use information from essays submitted as part of its publicity on scholarship recipients and to publish or release for publication submitted essays.

Award Payment Procedure

The checks are made payable to the student and the institution. They are to be mailed to the appropriate college or university office along with a transmittal letter listing the student’s name and amount of the scholarship award. Additionally, the letter stipulates that checks should be returned if the student is no longer enrolled at the institution. Winners will be responsible for providing the The Basile Law Firm with proof of admission and attendance at the college or university upon request.

First Annual Timelines

January 2004:   Information distributed to San Diego County High Schools.
March 1, 2004:  Deadline for submissions.
April 15, 2004:   Announcement of winner.
May 2004:         Presentation of exemplar check at recipient’s High School
                          Award Assembly.