TCDLEI Charlie Butts Memorial Scholarship

Since 2016, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute has funded a $6,000 scholarship designed for a 3L law student with a demonstrated interest in Criminal Law, especially Criminal Defense.

The award is named after Charles D. (“Charlie”) Butts, President of TCDLA (1987–88) and a member of TCDLA’s Hall of Fame, in recognition of his over 63 years of service as an attorney. The award will be presented each year at TCDLA’s Rusty Duncan Advanced Criminal Law Course by the TCDLA president. The Rusty Duncan Advanced Criminal Law Course is held in San Antonio in June.

Submit the completed form to mschank@tcdla.com, If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Schank at (512) 478-2514.

• Student must be a 3L law student with a demonstrated interest in Criminal Law, especially Criminal Defense.
• Student must write a statement regarding their views on the criminal defense role in our criminal justice system—no more than two pages, double spaced.
• Student must submit a recommendation letter from a TCDLA member.
• Student must submit recommendation letter from a Professor/Instructor in law school.
• Students should also articulate in one paragraph their background and/or need for funds.
• Student must express intent to practice criminal defense in Texas for the next five years.