On September 22, the California Bar Foundation’s distributed over $257,000 in scholarships to 44 deserving law students, including $157,500 in diversity scholarships to 21 law students. As one of 20 law firms and corporations to have made a multi-year commitment to the scholarship program, Keesal, Young & Logan is honored to help support such a diverse array of future lawyers.
KYL Partner Peter Boutin chaired the California Bar Foundation’s Scholarship Committee this year, leading the committee in vetting more than 300 applications and selecting this year’s deserving scholars. Mr. Boutin announced the scholarship awards at this year’s scholarship reception, which featured the Honorable Tani Canti-Sakauye, Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court. “This year’s Diversity Scholarship winners include a former Marine dedicated to community service, the first Latina student body president at UCLA, a social service worker who became an advocate for victims of domestic violence after tragedy struck her family, and the son of a Seminole chief committed to practicing Native American tribal law,” Mr. Boutin said. “With their impressive accomplishments in the face of significant personal challenges, the 2011 Diversity Scholarship winners are an inspiration to us all.”
Mr. Boutin and KYL Partners Julie Taylor and Cara Finan personally presented 2011 Keesal, Young & Logan Scholar, Leilani Lipa of UC Berkeley School of Law, with her scholarship award at the CBF Scholarship Reception in San Francisco.
Although the odds were stacked against her as an African American growing up in a blue-collar, single-parent household, Ms. Lipa realized the importance of her education and was fueled by a determination to rise above her circumstances. At George Washington University, she became a leader in her community, educated other students about healthy life choices through a student outreach group and developed a passion for helping others. Prior to law school, she provided audit and advisory services while with Ernst & Young LLP.
Launched in 2008, the Diversity Scholarship Program aims to help bolster the pipeline of diverse individuals, like Ms. Lipa, entering the legal profession in California. With awards of up to $7,500, this program helps to alleviate the significant financial burden of attending law school, and provides recognition to law students during the crucial first academic year. Since the Diversity Scholarship Program was launched, CBF has awarded more than $575,000 to 91 California law students.
For more information about the California Bar Foundation or for a complete listing of Diversity Scholarship Program winners, visit calbarfoundation.org.