Career Development Office Blog

2015 Alford Excellence Award

By Career Development Office on March 12th, 2015

On May 21, 2015, the Multicultural Judges and Lawyers Section (“MJL Section”) of the Delaware State Bar Association will hold its annual Judge Haile L. Alford Memorial Breakfast. The event is held in honor of Haile L. Alford, the first African-American female judge in the State of Delaware. Judge Alford was appointed by Governor Mike Castle in 1992 and served on the bench until her untimely death in 2003 at the age of 54.

During the Alford Memorial Breakfast, the MJL Section intends to grant the 2015 Alford Excellence Award, a $3,000 scholarship, to at least three future attorneys who will sit for the July 2015 Delaware Bar Examination.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To be considered for the Alford Excellence Award, applicants must submit all application materials by April 30, 2015. Application materials include: (1) the 2015 Alford Excellence Award Application and (2) a personal essay (1000 word limit).

Part I

2015 Alford Excellence Award Application: The Alford Excellence Award will be awarded to at least three applicants with superior academic credentials, leadership qualities, a commitment to community service, and who intend to actively practice law in the State of Delaware.

Part II

Personal Essay: Each applicant must complete a persuasive essay, which highlights his/her demonstrated leadership abilities, commitment to community service, personal barriers, which have been overcome and/or provides examples of academic achievements, awards and certificates, personal qualities and character. In addition, applicants should address why they desire to actively practice law in Delaware.

Each applicant must complete all the requested information in the Application and include copies of a transcript (an unofficial copy is acceptable) and a resume. Applicants may also include copies of other relevant documents, such as awards, recognition certificates, etc.