The Stechschulte Nell Justice for All Scholarship

At Stechschulte Nell, we are a distinguished Tampa-based criminal defense law firm led by Board-Certified attorney Ben Stechschulte and Amy Nell. With over 20 years of combined experience, our dynamic legal team brings unique perspectives to our practice – Ben as a former Hillsborough County prosecutor and Amy with her background in government law at the Florida Department of Transportation. We operate on a first-name basis with clients, treating each person as an individual with a reputation, family, and future worth protecting.

At Stechschulte Nell, we believe in developing personal relationships with clients while delivering knowledgeable legal representation across criminal defense, federal crimes, and DUI cases. Our mission extends beyond the courtroom to fighting for justice, protecting civil rights, and offering second chances to those facing life’s most challenging moments.

To further our commitment to the community and fostering future advocates for justice, we are proud to announce The Stechschulte Nell Justice for All Scholarship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate passion for making a positive difference in society.

The ideal candidate will show strong leadership qualities, dedication to helping others, and an understanding of how legal and social systems impact everyday lives. Whether pursuing studies in criminal justice, public policy, social work, or any field that contributes to building a more equitable society, applicants should articulate their vision for creating meaningful change. This scholarship will provide financial support to help a deserving student continue their education and pursue their goals of serving others. We recognize that tomorrow’s leaders emerge from diverse academic backgrounds and encourage applications from students in all majors who share our values of integrity, compassion, and dedication to justice.

Eligibility Criteria

This scholarship is open to any student who is currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional program in the United States. This includes accredited community college students as well as high school seniors and students who possess a GED who have been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited program.

The scholarship applicant must demonstrate their commitment to justice, advocacy, and creating positive change in their community in their essay.

All eligible candidates must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Essay Questions

Respond to the following questions in an essay of 1,000 words or less:

  • Describe a time when you witnessed or experienced an injustice in your community. How did this experience shape your perspective on fairness and the importance of standing up for others?
  • What role do you believe second chances play in our society, and how can we better support individuals who are working to rebuild their lives after making mistakes?
  • How do you plan to use your education and future career to advocate for those who may not have a voice or to contribute to a more equitable justice system?

Required Application Materials

  • Current resume
  • Essay: 1,000-word maximum
  • Current, unofficial transcript

Submission Deadline

All application materials must be submitted by: August 31, 2026

Scholarship Announcement

The winner of the scholarship will be announced: September 2026

Application Instructions

Scholarship applicants must submit all application materials by email to: [email protected]

If you have questions, please do not contact the office, but email the above address.