SCHWEERS ESSAY CONTEST

In 1999, the Schweers family endowed the Academy of Trial Lawyers' William S. Schweers Sr. Essay Contest. Mr. Schweers was catastrophically injured in a bicycle accident in 1993. Before that time, however, he was a pillar of the legal and educational communities and served as President of the Academy.  Mr. Schweers passed away on January 11, 2007.  

The contest recognizes Mr. Schweers' passion for advocacy and education by providing an opportunity for high school students to advocate a position on a topical subject. The contest is open to Allegheny County high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Each fall, the Academy Essay Committee crafts a topic of general legal interest which will allow the students to demonstrate their advocacy abilities. Three top winners are rewarded monetarily and invited to an Awards Dinner where they will have an opportunity to discuss their views and explore the law with Academy members.

The topic for this year's contest was "In these times when our country is engaged in conflict against terrorism, how important is an independent judiciary?"  

The winners were honored at the Awards Dinner on February 22, 2007.  Finishing in first place was Elise Lieu of Fox Chapel High School.  Second place was awarded to Rachel Fabi of Mt. Lebanon High School, and third place went to Josh Kalla of Shadyside Academy.

The topic for the 2008 contest will be circulated in late-September 2007.  For information about the 2008 contest, please contact the Academy of Trial Lawyers at 412-343-9266 or academy@atlac.org