Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship

Scholarship Amount: $15,000 for Law School Education

Purpose: The Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship is awarded annually to a Michigan-based 1L law student who exemplifies Butzel’s Core Values: Excellence, Drive, Trust, and Teamwork. The scholarship honors Richard “Dick” Rassel, a distinguished Michigan Lawyers 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.
• 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