Law Firm Accepting Applications for Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship

Application period closes February 27, 2026

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel is accepting applications for the Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship, an annual $15,000 award to be presented to a deserving law school student. The award will recognize those law students who best embody Butzel’s Core Values of Excellence, Drive, Trust, and Teamwork. The scholarship honors Richard "Dick" Rassel, a distinguished Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame litigator and former Managing Partner of Butzel, who has embodied these values throughout his illustrious career as an attorney, leader, and community advocate.

Eligibility:

• Current 1L law students enrolled at an accredited Michigan law school.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Must be enrolled for the 2L academic year at an accredited Michigan law school to receive funds.

Application Requirements:

Applicants must complete and submit the following:

1. Application Form

• Personal information, GPA, and law school details.
• Statement of motivation for attending law school and post-graduate plans.

2. Personal Statement (Essay)

• Applicants must submit an essay (500-1,000 words) explaining how they embody the Butzel Core Values: Excellence, Drive, Trust, and Teamwork.

3. Resume

• Highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.

4. Letter of Recommendation

• One letter from a professor, mentor, or employer attesting to the applicant’s alignment with the Core Values.

5. Transcript

• An unofficial or official law school transcript verifying academic standing.

Timeline:

• Application Period: Opens February 1 and closes February 27, 2026.
• Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed in March by the Selection Committee.
• Scholarship Announcement: The recipient will be announced by early March.
• Scholarship Award: Funds will be disbursed to the recipient later this spring.
• Recognition Event: The recipient will be invited to a special event to celebrate their award.

Applicants should submit their application via this link: Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship Application Form. In addition, please provide a personal statement (500-1000 words detailing how they embody the Butzel Core Values), a Resume/CV, at least one letter of recommendation, and an unofficial or official law school transcript via the link.

All required materials must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lori Simoncic or Yara Shadda at simoncic@butzel.com  or shadda@butzel.com