The Rodney King Civil Rights Scholarship
The Trial Lawyers College Rodney King Civil Rights Scholarship honors the enduring legacy of Rodney King, and the movement for justice his story continues to inspire. This scholarship reflects TLC’s commitment to providing civil rights lawyers training and support to empower them in the battles of this unique and profoundly important area of trial practice.
The scholarship also recognizes the lifelong civil rights advocacy of Milton Grimes, who served as King’s lead trial attorney, winning a $3.8 million civil judgment in King’s 1994 landmark civil rights jury trial. Milton Grimes, a longtime faculty member and former Vice-President of Trial Lawyers College, dedicated his career to training lawyers to fight for the voiceless and defenseless.
Eligibility
This scholarship serves as a living tribute to Rodney King’s impact, to Milton Grimes’ bravery and skill as a civil rights trial lawyer, and to Bill Trine’s dedication to Trial Lawyers College. It will support civil rights attorneys who embody their shared spirit of courage, justice, and perseverance.
Primary
Practicing attorneys who have committed to work in civil rights litigation as a regular part of their practice, and who have demonstrated substantial personal engagement in civil rights issues. Applicants should have litigated, in the role of lead counsel or “second chair,” at least five civil rights cases to final disposition.
Secondary
An experienced trial lawyer working in public interest, indigent defense, or advocacy on behalf of underserved populations, provided that the applicant has served as lead counsel in at least three jury trials on behalf of injured plaintiffs or criminal defendants.
Selection will follow principles of inclusivity, with attention to underrepresented communities.
Application for the 2026 Rodney King Civil Rights Scholarship
Applicants must apply for the 3-week Trial Lawyers College and submit their application and supporting materials for the Rodney King Civil Rights Scholarship by [insert date - 14 days after the deadline for 3-week College applications].
Award & Recognition
Tuition and Travel Expense
Full tuition to the 3-Week Trial Lawyers College plus up to $1,000 in travel expense.
Recognition
The recipient will receive a commemorative plaque. The recipient’s name, accomplishments and recognition as a Rodney King Civil Rights Scholar will be publicized on TLC’s website and in TLC communications. The recipient will be recognized at the 3-week Trial Lawyers College and any subsequent TLC events they attend. The recipient’s work and story will be shared via The Warrior, website, email communications and alumni channels.
Meet Bill Trine
The Rodney King Civil Rights Scholarship is made possible through the vision and generosity of one of the original founders of Trial Lawyers College, retired Boulder, Colorado trial lawyer Bill Trine. Since 1994, Bill has served TLC and its people as a mentor, a faculty member, a board member and an advisor. His work as a trial lawyer was enormously consequential, changing the broken lives of the injured plaintiffs and grieving families he represented. Bill is a key contributor to the development of the TLC Method, founded in psychodrama, and its ability to reveal truth and open hearts – in the courtroom and in our work with our clients.
Click here to read Bill Trine’s article for the Summer 2025 issue of The Warrior about The Rodney King Civil Rights Scholarship.
