Texas State Bar: You Tube Wants You

Think you have some talent as a filmmaker? If so, the eyes of the State Bar of Texas are upon you. It is sponsoring a YouTube contest offering cash prizes and scholarships for the best 30-second video showing why either lawyers or the courts are important to our society.

Two years ago, the Texas bar became the first-ever bar association to hold a YouTube contest. In that first go-around, the bar awarded a $2,500 cash prize and two $2,500 scholarships for short videos depicting the theme, "Lone Star Stories: Texans on Justice."

In what is perhaps a sign of the economic times, the cash prize this year is just $500, but two will be awarded, along with a $500 scholarship to the winning under-18 videographer. The one prerequisite to enter is that you have to be a Texas resident or a lawyer licensed to practice there. Here are the official rules

Submissions will be posted to the bar's YouTube group starting Jan. 15 and the deadline for entries is April 1. One winner will be chosen from the under-18 age group and another from entrants 18 and over.

A third Peoples Choice winner will also be named. Winners will also get a trip to Austin, where they will be recognized as part of a Law Day celebration on April 30.