Greetings,

Of the top-tier US law schools, Arizona Law is among the most affordable. After first-in-the-nation tuition reductions, achieved with the support of the University and the Arizona Board of Regents, we stand out as the law school with the most affordable tuition for in-state residents.

We are also among the most affordable in the region. And as one example of where we place nationally, our non-resident tuition is more than $10,000 a year less than the in-state tuition for the least expensive public institution in California.

It costs a lot to provide a top legal education, and even our highly competitive tuition is a lot of money, especially when combined with living costs. While we work hard to keep tuition low, and to manage costs without compromising excellence, students still face a burden in their academic and living expenses.

With the generosity of our donors and partners, we are able to alleviate this burden and give students the chance to pursue their passions. 

This week we share the stories of those whose lives were changed -- scholarship recipient Kevin Munsch and scholarship creator Gabe Galanda -- and we salute all of our scholarship patrons, whom we celebrated last week at our annual scholarship luncheon.

Until the footnotes,

Marc

From Kent, Washington, Kevin Munsch has the drive to succeed. He came to the U of A for his undergraduate degree at the Eller College of Management. He was recruited to compete on the UA men's swim team, where he was a five-time All-American and team captain.

While at Eller, Kevin studied business management and entrepreneurship through the McGuire Entrepreneurship Program. He credits the McGuire Program with clarifying his goal to acquire a JD with a focus in business law and intellectual property.

"After graduation, I plan to combine my business and legal education to allow me to work effectively with a wide variety of clients from start-ups to mature businesses, able to offer unique value and dynamic solutions to complex business law issues. My areas of interest include intellectual property, startup/new venture formation, financing, general business law, and business development"

It was his determination on the swim team and his commitment to academic excellence that earned him the prestigious Rountree Scholarship at Arizona Law. Created by our longstanding supporter and generous benefactor, George Rountree ('60), the scholarship enables committed student athletes to pursue a legal education.

Kevin and his fiancee, Emma.

"Being a Rountree Scholar is truly special to me. The impact is incredible, lessening the financial burden of attending law school, and encouraging financial freedom and career flexibility after graduation, free from the restraints of excessive debt. Even more amazing has been the opportunity to meet such a distinguished alumnus and getting the chance to know and learn from him personally. George has been very generous with his time, always making himself available to meet when he is in town, and easy to keep in touch with. His willingness to help and mentor is extraordinary, and I cherish the advice and experience he has to share."  

During his first year, Kevin was an active volunteer for the Volunteer Lawyers Program of Arizona, providing assistance to practicing attorneys in civil legal matters. This past summer he interned with Hanis Irvine Prothero, a full service practice back in his hometown.

Connect to Kevin on LinkedIn.

Every dollar that funds scholarships is a dollar that makes a difference. The College of Law is not only in the business of educating new legal professionals -- we are changing lives.

Your support and commitment helps students like Kevin pursue their passions and refine their talents. To learn more how you can support students through scholarships, please contact Jonelle Vold, our Sr. Director of Development. 

Alumnus and friend to the College, and to me, Gabe Galanda has been a supporter of student achievement and opportunity for those who may not otherwise have considered law school as a viable option.

He is a founding partner of the Seattle law firm Galanda Broadman, PLLC, and an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribe. His firm represents tribal governments, businesses, and members in all varieties of dispute resolution and business matters. Gabe's practice focuses on complex, multi-party litigation and crisis management, representing tribal governments and businesses.

He has already achieved a long list of formal accolades. He was named to the Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list in 2009, and named a Difference Maker by the American Bar Association in 2013. He also serves on the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management and Policy's International Advisory Council.

Gabe felt a deeply personal call to action:

Gabe speaking at the scholarship luncheon.

Professor Rob Williams honors Gabe with a blanket presentation.

It is always wonderful to see students meet with their scholarship sponsors. This year's luncheon was no exception. Thank you to all of our attendees and to the many students who shared their stories. Check out some of our favorite moments from the event. 

Raisa Ahmad ('16) shares her passion for patent law and how  the scholarship established by Professor Sheldon Trubatch  and his wife Kate Phillips is helping advance her career.

Former sports reporter and first-time Jim Rogers Scholar,   Lacee Collins ('16), recalls her first meeting with Jim Rogers.

Aaron Gbewonyo ('15) shares the impact of a scholarship  on his education and career goals.

Bernardo Velasco ('17), former minister and son of  Judge Bernardo Velasco ('74)  tells his story and how a scholarship  allowed him and his family to come home to Tucson.

It goes without saying that Arizona Law was the state's first law school, begun shortly after Arizona became the 48th state. We greet February with a small sampling of other "firsts" from Arizona Law history -- with a focus on pathbreaking women at the college.

• The first woman law graduate was Lucy Stanton Huff, in 1921.

• The first woman law professor, Mary Doyle, arrived at the College of Law in 1974.

• In 1984, the entering class was comprised of 50 percent women for the first time in the college's history.

• And in 1999, Toni Massaro became the first female dean. 

Lucy Stanton Huff

Mary Doyle

Toni Massaro

The Rehnquist Court: Ten Years Later

The William H. Rehnquist Center on the Constitutional Structures of Government is hosting an all-day conference examining the jurisprudence of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist. With the benefit of ten years in hindsight, a distinguished group of jurists, scholars, and attorneys will discuss his influence and lasting imprint on American law.

Panelists include:

• Federalism: Lynn A. Baker, Eric Berger, and David S. Schwartz; moderated by Charles J. Cooper.
• The Role of Chief Justice: Judge John D. Bates, Judge Carolyn Dineen King, and Sally Rider; moderated by Russell Wheeler.
• Criminal Procedure: Richard D. Friedman, Alexandra Natapoff, and Judge John M. Walker, Jr.; moderated by Dean Marc Miller.
• The First Amendment and Religion: Caroline Mala Corbin, Richard Garnett, and Barry P. McDonald; moderated by Dean Emerita Toni Massaro.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Westward Look Resort

Tucson, Arizona

Register Here.

***These panels may qualify for CLE credit***

Arizona Law Tucson Happy Hour

All alumni are invited to a happy hour event hosted by the Tucson Recent Graduate Committee.

Thursday, February 12th

5-7 pm

The Lounge Area at Barrio Cuisine, 188 East Broadway.

Our students need you -- Volunteer at Arizona Law

Over the course of the next couple of weeks, we need volunteers to help students get "on their feet" experiences. We need volunteers to judge events, sit as jurors, and recruit others by getting the word out. Consider volunteering as an office or group. It's a wonderful way to give back to the college, and to see our talented students in action. 

We need volunteers for the following events:

Native American Law Students Association National Moot Court Competition

NALSA needs lawyers and judges to serve as judges for various shifts during the competition.

March 6th and 7th 

If you would like to volunteer, please contact student organizer Chase Velasquez.

Western Region Transactional Law Meet competition

We are looking for lawyers with transactional experience to serve as judges. 

February 27th 

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jonelle Vold. 

Advanced Trial Advocacy Program 

The Advanced Trial Advocacy Program, taught by Professor Jeffrey Willis, is looking for volunteers to be jurors this semester from 3:30-7:00 pm on Wednesdays (3 ½ hour time commitment please).

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Debbie Martin.

The Gutter Bowl is coming! Are you able to beat your managing partner and get the lowest score? Remember lowest score wins! How about your old classmate? Under the expert leadership of co-chairs Steve Hirsch and Chas Wirken, teams compete for the coveted Gutter Bowl Pin! Join us for an evening of fun, food, and good ol' fashioned competition.

March 4, 2015

6 pm - 9 pm

Bowlmor Scottsdale.

7300 East Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
 

Alumni, faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend.