LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – California ChangeLawyers, a statewide foundation led by Klinedinst Shareholder Heather L. Rosing, awarded scholarships to 61 diverse law students last night at a special event at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles.
The scholars were selected from nearly 350 applications by the foundation’s Board of Directors after a rigorous review process. Applicants were asked to demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity and demonstrate leadership. Students were also asked to provide recommendations from a variety of sources, including law school faculty, private bar members, and judges.
The scholars came from law schools all over the state of California. Almost two-thirds of the scholars were women, and nearly all of the scholars are first-generation law students. In total, the foundation distributed close to $400,000 to these 61 law students.
“We are so proud of our amazing scholarship recipients,” said Rosing, who serves as Klinedinst’s Chief Financial Officer. “It has been such a pleasure to be a part of ChangeLawyers. Led by our incredible new Executive Director Chris Punongbayan, we are taking definitive action every day to provide access to justice to all Californians and to support our diverse law students.”
Several awards were also presented by the 29-year-old statewide organization. Former US Attorney General Eric Holder received the ChangeLawyer Award on behalf of his firm for their pro bono commitment to defend the rights of immigrant communities. “The future of our profession is being recognized and honored at this great event: committed, diverse students who will fight for justice and equality,” said Holder. “I am convinced that real, positive change is within the grasp of these brave young people and that they will change the world for the better.”
The foundation also gave ChangeLawyer Awards to Nina Shaw, one of the founders of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund. “Lawyers have traditionally stood in the front rows of the fight for equal justice, using the law as a weapon for change,” she said. “I am humbled to stand on the ground held by so many before me.”
Another award recipient was Leo Trujillo-Cox, Executive Director of the UCLA Law Fellows Program. Trujillo-Cox, like all of the awardees, was honored for his commitment to breaking the cycle of inequity and advancing systemic change for those who have been denied fairness and opportunity.
“We believe in the transformative power and promise of lawyers to impact positive social change,” Trujillo-Cox said. “We are proud to be an incubator for aspiring law students and a champion of increased diversity in the legal profession.”
Formerly the California Bar Foundation, California ChangeLawyers is a statewide foundation that empowers the next generation of lawyers, judges, and activists to create a more diverse legal profession, a fair justice system, and a better California.
Klinedinst congratulates Ms. Rosing, California ChangeLawyers, and all of tonight’s scholarship and award recipients. To learn more about Ms. Rosing, please visit:
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