The Pasadena Bar Association announces the dates for its 2012 Speech Scholarship contest.   The preliminary rounds will be held at La Salle High School, on April 21, 2012.   The final round will be held on Law Day, May 10, 2012, at noon, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.  

The top two finalists will speak in front of approximately 150 judges and lawyers.  The first place winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship.   The second place winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship.   And the third, fourth and fifth place winners will each receive a $100 scholarship.   Trophies and ribbons will also be presented to those contestants who place first through tenth.  

The choice of topics for the speeches will be announced within the next couple of weeks.  This tournament is an open tournament, meaning that the Pasadena Bar Association will allow students from any local high school to participate.   The Association expects a large number of contestants based on the success of last year's tournament.   In addition, the Association intends on promoting the event heavily during the next three months, including going to local high schools to speak to students who may have an interest in participating.

The Pasadena Bar Association Speech Scholarship Tournament is unique due to the fact that contestants will speak in front of a group of lawyers at every round (in other competitions competitors usually speak to only one judge, until the final round).  Members of our Association are really looking forward to participating in the preliminary rounds, as it gives them a sense of satisfaction that they are giving back to the community in a meaningful way that is unique to attorneys.   The Association invites any of its members who are interested in participating in judging the preliminary rounds to contact Donald Schweitzer at don@pasadenalawoffice.com.