Murray Rossen Criminal Justice Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Rossen Law Firm

Intro / Backstory
Murray Rossen’s love of the law shaped his life. Although accepted to Yale Law School, he enrolled at St. John’s University because Yale’s tuition was beyond his means. Years later, when his son Adam needed a co-signer for law school loans, Murray stepped in, believing in the transformative power of a strong legal education. That support made the Rossen Law Firm possible and helped launch Adam Rossen’s years of legal service on behalf of Florida residents.

Scholarship Overview
The Murray Rossen Criminal Justice Scholarship awards $1,000 to a student who demonstrates vision and commitment to improving the criminal justice system. The application closes on June 30, 2026. Applicants are asked to submit a creative video describing how they will use their education and skills to “rock the criminal justice world.” Videos must be at least two minutes long; there is no upper time limit so entrants can fully develop and present their ideas.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be current high school seniors, students in vocational programs, undergraduate students, or graduate students.
- Be legal residents of one of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia.
- Be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a vocational program or a two- to four-year postsecondary institution for the semester immediately following the scholarship deadline.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.

Please note: Employees of the Rossen Law Firm, their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, spouses), and anyone living in the same household as those employees are ineligible.

Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit:
1. Video Statement — A polished, thoughtful video (minimum two minutes) explaining how you intend to use your education and talents to make an impact in the criminal justice field. There is no maximum length.
2. Professional Résumé — A résumé outlining academic accomplishments, relevant internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.
3. Academic Transcript — A copy of your current transcript. High school seniors, recent college transfers, and first-year college students must also provide proof of acceptance to their upcoming college or vocational program.
4. State Preference — Not required, but preference will be given to applicants who are from or attend secondary schools in the state.

Selection Timeline
The scholarship winner will be selected during the month following the application deadline (i.e., by July 2026).

Encouragement
We welcome applications from passionate, academically strong students committed to advancing criminal justice. Use the video to show how you will help shape the future of the field and take advantage of this $1,000 opportunity to support your education.