May 12, 2017

Southwestern Students Receive Beverly Hill Bar Foundation Scholarship

Southwestern students Monica D. Ponce De Leon and Betzayda Montoya received the Beverly Hills Bar Foundation (BHBF) Scholarship, which is presented to academically gifted students involved in public service work. Both students have demonstrated an impassioned commitment to their work in public interest, a commitment which Montoya attributes to values instilled through her upbringing and life-experience. “As a first-generation high school graduate, born and raised in South Los Angeles, I know first-hand the positive impact one person or program can make.”

Both students lauded Professor Laura Cohen for providing support in their work at the clinics and counsel in the process of applying and interviewing for the scholarship. “Thanks to Professor Cohen’s guidance and tutelage, I was able to use my privilege to connect with Whittier High School students in a meaningful way." Ponce De Leon further attests to the value of Prof. Cohen’s instruction, “She gave me the confidence to believe in all the work I have done and to know that my experiences are worth sharing.”

Beverly Hills Bar Foundation President Jim Jahant adds, “We are also proud to support deserving law school students through the Foundation’s scholarship and Rule of Law award programs. These accomplished young men and women have already made a positive and indelible impact on the community through their dedicated public service.”

The scholarships are presented to law students from ABA-accredited local schools including UCLA, USC, Loyola, Pepperdine, and Southwestern law schools in a special ceremony at the Annual Supreme Court Luncheon, which, since 1954, has honored the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the California Supreme Court.