Patrick Roberts Scholarship for Aspiring Criminal Justice Professionals

$5,000
1 winner$5,000
Open
Application Deadline
Oct 24, 2025
Winners Announced
Nov 24, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
Field of Study:
Career related to law or criminal justice (law enforcement, pre-law, paralegal, etc. as long as the focus is on criminal justice)

Attorney Patrick Roberts is a distinguished criminal defense lawyer in North Carolina, known for his unwavering commitment and exceptional prowess in representing his clients. With a career spanning over two decades, he has built a reputation for his strong defense tactics and sharp analytical skills. He has defended individuals accused of a wide range of complex crimes across the state, such as child sexual assault, drug trafficking, white-collar offenses, domestic violence, and other felony charges.

Mr. Roberts has received various awards, including the Client Champion Platinum Award from Martindale-Hubbell®. He was selected by his peers to receive the AV Preeminent designation from Martindale-Hubbell®, which acknowledges high ethical standards and competence in the field of criminal defense. Additionally, attorney Roberts was awarded the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40 titles, having been nominated by his peers and recognized through a national vetting process by the National Trial Lawyers in 2013.

Mr. Roberts' academic journey began at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a degree in Engineering before discovering his passion for law. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law and further refined his skills at the Trial Lawyers College and the National Criminal Defense College. His service as an Assistant District Attorney across North Carolina, along with appointments to the North Carolina State Ethics Commission and Juvenile Justice Planning Committee, reflect his commitment to justice, ethical standards, and community service. Mr. Roberts’ dedication and exemplary career make him an inspiring role model for the next generation of leaders in criminal justice. For additional Information on Patrick Roberts Law, visit www.patrickroberts.law.

This scholarship seeks to encourage and empower students to uphold the rule of law, advocate for the underrepresented, and contribute fiercely to the betterment of society through criminal justice.

Any high school senior or undergraduate student who is pursuing a career related to law or criminal justice may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants could be pursuing law enforcement, pre-law programs, paralegal studies, etc. as long as the focus is on criminal justice.

To apply, tell us about a major issue facing the criminal justice system today and how you would work to address it in your future career. Additionally, tell us how you have taken advantage of opportunities to work or volunteer and how you see these opportunities advancing your career.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published July 21, 2025
Essay Topic

What is one major issue facing the criminal justice system today, and how would you work to address it in your future career? How have you taken advantage of opportunities to work or volunteer in the criminal justice realm so far? How do you see these opportunities propelling your career within this sector forward?

500–750 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Oct 24, 2025. Winners will be announced on Nov 24, 2025.