April 14, 2021

Jennifer Chang '11 Establishes Scholarship for First-Generation Clinic Students

During her last year of law school, Jennifer Chang ’11 participated in the Children’s Rights Clinic and learned an area of law that she knew little about. During her time, she developed a passion for helping students with disabilities. Given that Jennifer is Korean-American and Southwestern is located in Koreatown, Jennifer reached out to the local community to provide services to families in need. After graduation, she began her own practice in special education. She is now a Special Education Attorney who focuses on representing families with children with special needs to ensure the student is receiving appropriate accommodations and services from the school district. She demonstrated her desire to give back by working with Learning Rights Law Center to train Korean parents to advocate for their students with disabilities. These trainings were held at Southwestern Law School.

With all of the challenges that the pandemic brought, Jennifer saw an opportunity to give back to her community while paying it forward. Jennifer Chang established a $500 scholarship for each semester to be awarded to a clinic student who is a first-generation student.

"Through this opportunity, I hope to make a small impact on our first-generation law school students.  May you become great lawyers and pay it forward someday."  

- Jennifer Chang '11

In fall 2020, the scholarship recipient was Joanna Calderon. For spring 2020, the scholarship recipient is Abe Bran. These two individuals are first-generation students who are committed to making a difference in their community.

In addition, Jennifer has decided to bi-yearly contribute to the Children’s Rights Clinic. We are beyond grateful for this incredible gift. Thank you, Jennifer!