What is the Burnside Memorial Scholarship?

Jeremy Burnside was an Ohio trial lawyer who built his career representing everyday people. A graduate of the Appalachian School of Law, he took on the cases others wouldn't and gave himself fully to his family and his community. Above all, he showed up for his clients, his neighbors, and the causes he believed in.

The Burnside Memorial Scholarship carries that legacy forward. Each year, it gives Ohio and Northern Kentucky law students the chance to engage with critical constitutional issues and sharpen their advocacy skills, with awards to the top two submissions supporting their legal education.

Want to support the scholarship?

Join OAJ and NFP Structured Settlements at the Winter Convention Opening Party on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Cleveland, where we'll kick off the convention with a fundraiser for the Burnside Scholarship. Through Nov. 13, all donations are matched up to $15,000, thanks to the generosity of OAJ members Susan Petersen, Todd Petersen, and Andy Young.

Support the Scholarship

2026 Scholarship Competition

The 2026 Burnside Memorial Scholarship invited law students to discuss the pros and cons of the use of AI in the civil justice system with a focus on the effect on individuals seeking justice through the courts. Ultimately, if they concluded that the use of AI has a net positive or negative effect for civil claimants.

Applicants were also asked to record a 3-minute video presenting their initial impression of the issue, the most compelling or important piece of information they learned while researching the issue, and their conclusion upon completion of their essay.

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