2026 Defining Moments Scholarship
At KD Trial Lawyers, our commitment has always been to stand beside individuals and families during the most difficult times of their lives. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have dedicated themselves to providing strong advocacy, skillful representation, and compassionate guidance to clients across Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee, Union, and the surrounding counties. Whether handling complex personal injury claims, workers’ compensation cases, family law matters, or criminal defense cases, we understand the profound impact that sudden and unexpected events can have on a person’s future.
With this same dedication to supporting people through challenging moments, we are proud to announce the 2026 Defining Moments Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to recognize and empower students who have experienced pivotal life events — moments that may have reshaped their goals, relationships, or outlook on the world. By sharing their personal stories, applicants will highlight the resilience, growth, and perspective that can come from adversity.
We invite students to submit an essay reflecting on a personal injury or another life-altering event that left a lasting impact on their life or perspective. How did this experience change your aspirations, influence your relationships, or alter your vision for the future? By engaging with these defining moments, applicants not only pursue their educational goals but also honor the strength and determination that KD Trial Lawyers sees every day in the clients we serve.
If you are interested in applying, please review the Eligibility and Application Requirements below, and be sure to submit your application before the March 31, 2026 deadline.
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a vocational program or two to four year post-secondary institution.
- Employees of KD Trial Lawyers, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not), are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.
Application Requirements
- The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
- The candidate must submit a 750-1,000 word essay response to the prompt: Some experiences shape who we are, especially when they challenge us unexpectedly. Share a story about a personal injury or another life-altering event that had a lasting impact on your life or perspective. How did it change your goals, relationships, view of the world, or aspirations?
- 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 submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
- The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.
The recipient of the 2026 Defining Moments Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline. For all scholarship-related inquiries, please use this contact form. We are unable to answer scholarship questions by phone, email, or through any other contact forms listed on this website.
