My name is Elizabeth Gallatin, and I am currently a senior at Georgia State University, preparing to enter law school with the goal of becoming a prosecutor who serves with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice reform. My journey into law is not just academic—it is personal, purposeful, and rooted in a desire to restore trust in the legal system and advocate for those whose voices are often unheard. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how the law can feel distant and intimidating, especially during moments of personal crisis. After losing my father to cancer, I became acutely aware of how systems—medical, legal, and bureaucratic—can either support or alienate people in vulnerable situations. That experience shaped my values and ignited my resolve to pursue law not as a tool of power, but as a vehicle for service. I want to be the kind of lawyer who listens deeply, speaks honestly, and acts with empathy—especially when the stakes are high and the path forward is unclear. In today’s legal landscape, where efficiency and adversarial tactics often overshadow human connection, kindness and empathy are not luxuries—they are necessities. Clients come to lawyers during some of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Whether facing criminal charges, navigating family disputes, or seeking justice after harm, they deserve more than technical expertise. They deserve to be heard, understood, and treated with dignity. I believe that listening is not passive—it is an active form of advocacy. By truly hearing a client’s story, a lawyer gains not only facts but insight into what justice means for that individual. As a future prosecutor, I plan to integrate these interpersonal skills into every facet of my legal work. Prosecutorial discretion is a powerful tool, and I intend to wield it with care. That means considering the full context of each case—not just the charges, but the circumstances, the community impact, and the potential for rehabilitation. It means engaging with victims and defendants alike as human beings, not case numbers. It means asking not only “What does the law allow?” but “What does justice require?” Kindness in the legal field is often misunderstood as weakness. I see it as strength—the strength to challenge injustice without losing compassion, to uphold the law while recognizing its imperfections, and to advocate fiercely while remaining open-hearted. Empathy allows lawyers to connect across difference, to build trust, and to craft solutions that reflect both legal principles and human realities. My academic training has equipped me with strong analytical and writing skills, but it is my emotional intelligence and lived experience that will guide my approach to legal practice. I have spent my undergraduate years honing my ability to distill complex doctrines into clear, structured arguments, and I’ve learned that clarity is not just intellectual—it is ethical. Clients deserve to understand their options, their risks, and their rights in language that empowers them. Ultimately, I want to contribute to a legal system that is not only fair but also humane. That means challenging systemic inequities, advocating for restorative justice, and ensuring that every person—regardless of background—has access to representation that honors their story. I am not entering law school to win cases; I am entering to make a difference. This scholarship would support not just my education, but my mission. It would affirm that empathy, listening, and kindness are not peripheral to legal success—they are central to legal integrity. I am ready to carry those values forward, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Attending school in Atlanta, I witnessed firsthand how the justice system can be both a source of protection and a source of pain. My father’s death from cancer left a deep mark on my life, shaping my values and fueling my desire to serve others. That loss taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and advocacy—qualities I now carry into my pursuit of a legal career. I believe that law, when wielded with integrity, can be a powerful tool for healing and justice. After college, I plan to make my community—and the world—a better place by becoming a Special Victims Prosecutor who fights for those whose voices are often overlooked. Currently, I’m a Political Science student at Georgia State University, preparing for law school with a focus on criminal justice and public service. I’ve already begun working to make a difference through my internship at a Victim-Witness Assistance Program, where I supported survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other traumatic crimes. That experience opened my eyes to the emotional toll of delayed justice and the critical role prosecutors play in restoring trust and safety. I learned how to communicate with survivors in trauma-informed ways, how to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and how to navigate the complexities of victim-centered justice. These lessons have shaped my vision for the kind of prosecutor I want to become—one who listens, acts swiftly, and advocates with compassion. One issue I’m especially passionate about is the backlog of untested rape kits. Across the country, thousands of kits remain untouched, delaying justice and allowing perpetrators to remain free. This failure sends a devastating message to survivors: that their pain isn’t a priority. I plan to dedicate my career to changing that narrative. As a Special Victims Prosecutor, I will work with law enforcement, forensic labs, and policymakers to ensure timely testing, transparent communication, and survivor-centered practices. I also hope to advocate for legislative reforms that increase funding for forensic labs and establish clear protocols for evidence handling. Beyond the courtroom, I want to be a community advocate—someone who educates, empowers, and uplifts. I plan to volunteer with local organizations that support survivors, mentor students interested in law and public service, and participate in outreach programs that promote awareness and prevention. I believe that justice doesn’t start in the courtroom—it starts in the community, and I’m committed to being present in both. After college, I will continue building on the foundation I’ve laid through my academic work, internships, and volunteer efforts. Law school will deepen my understanding of criminal procedure, evidence, and victim advocacy, and I plan to seek out clinics and externships that allow me to serve real clients and contribute to meaningful change. I also hope to join professional networks and coalitions focused on reforming the criminal justice system and improving outcomes for survivors. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education, experiences, and passion to make the justice system more responsive, more humane, and more effective. I want to be part of a generation of legal professionals who restore trust, promote equity, and serve with purpose. The work won’t be easy, but it will be worth it—because every survivor deserves justice, and every community deserves safety. Thank you for considering my application. This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward becoming a prosecutor who not only enforces the law, but embodies its highest ideals.

One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues facing the criminal justice system today is the persistent backlog of untested rape kits. Across the country, thousands of kits remain shelved for years—sometimes decades—delaying justice for survivors and allowing perpetrators to remain free. This failure not only undermines the integrity of our legal system but retraumatizes victims who have already endured immense pain. As someone who aspires to become a Special Victims Prosecutor, I am deeply committed to confronting this crisis head-on and ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity, urgency, and respect. My passion for this work is rooted in both personal conviction and professional experience. I’ve had the opportunity to intern at a Victim-Witness Assistance Program, where I supported survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other traumatic crimes. That experience opened my eyes to the emotional toll of delayed justice and the critical role prosecutors play in restoring trust and safety. I saw how survivors often felt forgotten by the system—how the lack of communication, delays in evidence processing, and courtroom retraumatization could compound their suffering. It was in those moments that I realized I wanted to dedicate my career to advocating for victims, especially in cases involving sexual violence. As a Political Science student at Georgia State University preparing for law school, I’ve focused my academic path on criminal justice and public policy. I believe that prosecution is not just about enforcing the law—it’s about using legal tools to protect the vulnerable and promote systemic change. In my future career, I intend to work closely with law enforcement agencies, forensic labs, and victim advocacy organizations to ensure that rape kits are tested promptly and that survivors are kept informed throughout the process. I also hope to advocate for legislative reforms that mandate timely testing, increase funding for forensic labs, and establish clear protocols for evidence handling. The backlog of rape kits is not just a logistical failure—it’s a moral one. It sends a message that some crimes, and some victims, are not a priority. As a Special Victims Prosecutor, I want to change that narrative. I want to be the kind of prosecutor who listens, who acts swiftly, and who fights for justice with both legal precision and human compassion. I believe that every survivor deserves closure, and every community deserves accountability. My internship experience has already begun to shape my approach to prosecution. I’ve learned how to communicate with survivors in trauma-informed ways, how to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and how to navigate the complexities of victim-centered justice. These skills will be invaluable as I move forward in my legal education and career. They’ve also reinforced my belief that justice must be proactive—not reactive—and that prosecutors have a duty to lead that charge. Receiving the Patrick Roberts Scholarship would be a profound honor. It would not only support my educational journey but also affirm my commitment to public service and victim advocacy. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to pursue internships, clinics, and coursework that deepen my understanding of special victims prosecution and prepare me to make a meaningful impact. I’m determined to be part of the solution—to help eliminate the rape kit backlog, to reform how we treat survivors, and to ensure that justice is not delayed or denied. Thank you for considering my application. I carry this mission with me every day, and I hope to use my career to bring healing, accountability, and hope to those who need it most.

Going to school in Atlanta, I witnessed how the justice system can be both a shield and a source of struggle for communities. My father’s death from cancer when I was young left a lasting imprint—not only emotionally, but in shaping my sense of responsibility to others. That loss taught me the importance of advocacy, empathy, and public service. It’s what drives me today as I pursue a career in law, intending to become a prosecutor who serves with integrity and compassion. I’m currently a Political Science student at Georgia State University, preparing to enter law school with a concentration in criminal justice and public policy. My academic journey has been shaped by a deep interest in the legal system and a belief that prosecution, when exercised ethically, can be a powerful force for good. I want to be the kind of prosecutor who doesn’t just seek convictions, but seeks justice—someone who understands the weight of the role and uses it to protect communities, support victims, and promote fairness. To me, prosecution is one of the most direct forms of public service. It requires discipline, courage, and a commitment to truth. Prosecutors stand at the intersection of law and community, and I believe they have a duty to uphold the law while also recognizing the humanity of those affected by it. I hope to contribute to reforms that emphasize restorative justice, expand diversion programs, and ensure that the justice system works for everyone—not just the privileged few. Receiving the Dr. Tien Vo Federal Agents To-Be and Public Service Scholarship would be a tremendous honor. Law school presents significant financial challenges, and this scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my academic and service commitments. It would also enable me to pursue internships and volunteer opportunities that align with my goals—such as working with legal aid organizations, participating in prosecutorial clinics, and engaging in policy research that supports criminal justice reform. This scholarship would not only support my education—it would affirm my commitment to public service and help me take the next step toward a career where I can make a meaningful impact. I want to be part of a generation of legal professionals who restore trust in the justice system and who understand that justice must be pursued with both rigor and empathy. Thank you for considering my application. Your support would bring me closer to my goal of becoming a prosecutor who serves with purpose, and I hope to one day give back to others as you have done for me.

In 1968, Paul Robert Cohen was arrested for wearing a jacket that displayed the words "F*** the Draft" in the Los Angeles County Courthouse. He was protesting the Vietnam War and the draft. Cohen was charged under a California statute prohibiting "maliciously disturbing the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or person by offensive conduct." The California Court of Appeal upheld his conviction, but he appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that his arrest violated his First Amendment right to free speech. The state argued that Cohen's jacket constituted offensive conduct and that it had the authority to maintain order. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, overturned Cohen's conviction. The majority opinion, written by Justice John Marshall Harlan II, held that the First Amendment protected Cohen's expression. The Court emphasized that the government could not criminalize speech simply because it was offensive. Justice Harlan famously wrote, "one man's vulgarity is another's lyric," highlighting the subjective nature of determining offensive speech. The Cohen v. California decision reinforced that the First Amendment protects unpopular speech and that individuals have a broad right to express themselves freely. The Cohen v. California case profoundly shaped my understanding of the importance of protecting free speech, even when the content may be offensive or controversial. This case highlighted the complexity of balancing individual freedoms with societal order and emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional rights. It resonates with me because it underscores the importance of tolerance and open-mindedness in a democratic society. The phrase "one man's vulgarity is another's lyric" captures the essence of diverse perspectives and the subjective nature of offensive speech. It serves as a reminder that what may be distasteful or provocative to one person might be a powerful form of expression for another. This realization prompted me to reflect on the importance of defending individuals' rights to express their views, even if those views are unpopular or contentious. Moreover, the Cohen case highlighted the essential function of the First Amendment in fostering vibrant public discourse. It reinforced the notion that free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, enabling individuals to challenge authority, question societal norms, and advocate for change. By protecting even offensive speech, the Supreme Court affirmed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that should not be curtailed lightly. Recently, President Trump's message to universities has raised concerns about free speech. He indicated that students participating in "illegal" demonstrations should face arrest or deportation, and universities allowing such protests might face funding cuts. This stance raises significant concerns about potential infringements on First Amendment rights, as it seeks to limit individuals' ability to express dissenting views and engage in peaceful protests. The juxtaposition of these two events highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public order and preserving individual freedoms. While the Cohen case reaffirmed the importance of protecting diverse forms of expression, Trump's recent actions suggest a move toward greater government control over speech and assembly. This shift has sparked widespread debate and controversy, with many arguing that it undermines the fundamental principles of free speech and academic freedom. Ultimately, the Cohen v. California case has had a lasting impact on my perspective. It has made me more aware of the delicate balance between maintaining public order and preserving individual rights, and it underscores the importance of defending free speech as a cornerstone of a free and just society. This case serves as a reminder that the fight for civil liberties is ongoing and that vigilance and advocacy are essential to ensuring that the principles of freedom and equality are upheld for all.