2024 Kush Arora Federal Justice Reform Scholarship

Congratulations to our past scholarship recipients, find out more about our previous winners here!

As a dedicated Maryland criminal defense attorney, Kush Arora focuses his practice on representing individuals accused of various offenses, from misdemeanors to felonies. The role of a criminal defense attorney is as tough as it is important, as it upholds the presumption of innocence, the cornerstone of our justice system. As such, sound legal counsel is essential for all accused individuals.

Attorney Arora takes his responsibilities seriously within the Maryland criminal justice system. He values students’ recognition and understanding of the justice system, questioning whether laws are just or unjust, and why. These traits are valuable for all citizens, not just criminal justice professionals. Committed to fostering future leaders in legal reform, Attorney Arora provides financial support and academic recognition to those dedicated to these ideals.

Whether pursuing a law degree, a degree in another field related to the criminal justice system, or through civic participation, Attorney Arora believes the success of the criminal justice system depends on bright young individuals pursuing their academic dreams. To support students in achieving their goals and strengthening the justice system, Attorney Arora has established the Kush Arora Federal Justice Reform Scholarship. This scholarship awards $1,000 to a deserving student who demonstrates a thoughtful, well-reasoned view on the justice of specific laws and criminal justice policies.

Award Amount: $1,000

Eligibility

• The scholarship program is available to undergraduate, graduate, and law school students as well as incoming first-year college students who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an accredited institution within the United States for the Spring or Fall 2025 semesters.
• Employees of Kush Arora Criminal Defense Attorney, their immediate relatives (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and those residing in the same households as such individuals (whether related or not), are ineligible to enter the competition. 
• The candidate must be in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA and display an interest in criminal justice reform.

Application Requirements

• The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
• The candidate must submit a 750-1000 word essay response to the prompt: Provide a well-reasoned argument about whether a specific policy (of your choice) in the criminal justice system is unjust and requires reform, or is just and should remain the same. 
  • Applicants essays will be judged on the reasoning of the response, not on the position of the argument.
  • 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 provide a professional resumé detailing their professional and academic experiences.
• The candidate must provide a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or those who have just moved institutions may submit both an unofficial transcript from their present school and the most recent official transcript from their previous school. High school students may provide documentation of admittance to their college or institution.
• Preference may be given to students either from or attending secondary school in Maryland. 

The deadline for this scholarship is December 31st, 2024. The recipient of the 2024 Federal Justice Reform Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline.

Please note that scholarship related questions will not be answered by phone.