COLUMBUS — The Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys is seeking candidates for its annual Law Student Diversity Scholarship program open to incoming second and third-year African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pan Asian and Native American students enrolled at Ohio law schools.

Incoming second and third-year female law students enrolled at Ohio law schools are also eligible regardless of race or ethnicity. Other criteria for the scholarship include:

• Academic achievement in law school;

• Professional interest in civil defense practice; and

• Service to community and to the cause of diversity.

Up to three scholarships in the amount of $1,250 each will be awarded to successful applicants. Applicants are required to submit a completed application, law school transcript and a cover letter addressing the following: academic, personal and professional accomplishments, and why they should be selected as a recipient of the scholarship.

Applicants may submit up to three letters of recommendation. The completed application and all other requested material must be received by April 17. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Winners will be announced in June. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the OACTA Annual Meeting in November. The 2015 OACTA Law Student Diversity Scholarship Application can be found at www.oacta.org.

The Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys is an organization of attorneys, corporate executives and managers who devote a substantial portion of their time to the defense of civil lawsuits and the management of claims against individuals, corporations and governmental entities.

The mission of OACTA is to promote fairness, excellence, and integrity in the civil justice system by providing resources and education to attorneys and others dedicated to the defense of civil actions.

OACTA believes that a diverse membership makes a stronger organization. OACTA encourages diversity in all aspects of its activities and is committed to nurturing a culture that supports and promotes diversity.