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Greetings,

This week, we feature two generations of LawCats, Matt Sharp (’92) and Andrea Sharp (’21). Inspired by his daughter’s University of Arizona Law experience, Matt founded a new scholarship for students interested in trial practice.

We are so grateful to Matt for creating this new scholarship, and to all the loyal alumni in our community who support future generations.

Until the footnotes,

Marc

University of Arizona Law alumnus and trial lawyer Matthew (Matt) L. Sharp (’92) has established the Sharp Family Scholarship for JD students interested in pursuing a career in trial practice. The scholarship honors members of the Sharp family who have attended University of Arizona Law, including his daughter Andrea Sharp, a graduate in the class of 2021 

“This scholarship recognizes the importance of University of Arizona Law. While it played an important role in my career, the education that Andrea received, her growth and the leadership characteristics she developed in her three years were monumental, and the impetus for this scholarship,” shares Matt.

Andrea Sharp clerked for Nevada Supreme Court Justice Elissa Cadish upon graduation. Nearly 30% of Andrea’s graduating class also pursed clerkships that year, a trend we’ve continued to see in this year’s employment data. Andrea is presently a Washoe County Public Defender.

Matt runs his own firm in Reno, Nevada, where he represents individuals and businesses injured by the unlawful conduct of others, including negligence, malpractice and insurance bad faith. Over the past decade, he has worked with judges and legislators to ensure equal access to the justice system by testifying before the Nevada Legislature on a wide range of legal issues. 

The inaugural Sharp Scholar, rising second-year law student Laura Faulk (pictured at right), was named during the 2022-23 school year. 

“I am grateful to be the first Sharp Scholar. The generous award gives me more flexibility to pursue a career in public interest without significant financial burdens. It also gives me confidence to know that there is a family who saw potential in me and is willing to invest in my legal education,” says Laura.

See the full story here. 

AROUND THE COLLEGE

This past June, an exceptional group of high school students embarked on a journey of exploration and learning at the James E. Rogers College of Law Summer Law Camp. Hosted by the BA in Law Program team, this immersive camp aimed to introduce young minds to the world of law and justice.

For three days, students from diverse backgrounds and schools all over Arizona delved into legal topics including contracts law, criminal law, free speech and more, as well as discussions about legal careers. Students also enjoyed demonstration workshops from community partners such as Southern Arizona Legal Aid and Teen Court. The camp was designed to provide a comprehensive experience encompassing interactive lectures, workshops and stimulating mock trials.

One of the highlights of the camp was the opportunity for participate in mock trials. Divided into teams, they assumed the roles of lawyers, witnesses and jurors. Their passion for advocacy was on display and it was evident that more than a few future lawyers were in attendance, as well as at least one courtroom sketch artist!

The camp also visited the Pima County Superior Court, where students observed the morning criminal calendar with Judge Scott McDonald and a mis-trial in Judge Renee Bennett’s courtroom. Judge Bennett then educated students about the role of judges and juries before inviting students to literally get a “view from the bench.”

At the farewell ceremony, the camaraderie that had developed among students was apparent. Many students expressed their eagerness to pursue legal studies and that the camp had kindled a spark. Typical of the students’ responses was this comment from a student exit survey: “Thank you for giving us your time, intelligence and knowledge to each and every one of us throughout the past three days! I am so grateful for the constructive criticism and the feedback we all received during mock trial.”

If you know a student, attorney or community member who would like to participate in next year’s Summer Law Camp, please reach out to Linus Kafka at lkafka@arizona.edu.

IN THE NEWS

Arizona driver in fatal autonomous Uber crash in 2018 pleads guilty, sentenced to probation

The Arizona Republic, featuring Andrew Woods

Twitter, @uarizonalaw

Matt Sharp first mentioned his daughter Andrea to me in one of our visits to Reno perhaps six years ago. I later had the chance to talk with Andrea about her possible interest in law school … and her interest in Arizona.

We were delighted when Andrea chose both a legal path, and to come to Tucson. She was a brilliant student and an active leader around our College and the university. It is thrilling now to have a scholarship in honor of the Sharp family. Thank you! 

Warmly,