Hon. Judge Beverly Reid O'Connell Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation
Scholarship Overview
The WLALA Foundation offers the Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in law or public service. The award recognizes individuals who have been motivated toward these fields through contact with the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles or its programs. The scholarship is part of WLALA Foundation’s broader efforts to promote civic education and legal mentorship for young people.
- Purpose: Support students aiming for law or public service careers
- Sponsor: Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation
- Connection: Funds applicants influenced by WLALA programs or leaders
- Intended outcome: Encourage continued engagement with legal/public-service paths
About Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell and the Power Lunch Program
Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell was a longstanding WLALA board member who founded the Power Lunch Program to introduce high school students to the judicial branch. The program combines civic education with in-person judicial mentorship, giving students direct exposure to judges, courtroom staff, lawyers, and law enforcement. Typical Power Lunch activities include courthouse visits and conversational lunches that demystify courtroom roles and judicial careers.
- Founder: Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell
- Program focus: Civic education and judicial mentorship
- Typical activities: Courthouse visits and lunches with legal professionals
- Impact: Firsthand exposure to courtroom operations and legal careers
Eligibility Requirements
Below are the specific criteria applicants must meet to be considered for the scholarship. Applicants must meet every item listed here; eligibility is verified during the review process.
- **Who may apply:** High school seniors who identify as women
- **Career interest:** Demonstrated interest in law or public service
- **Source of inspiration:** Inspired to pursue this career path by one of the following:
- the WLALA Foundation’s Power Lunch Program
- the WLALA organization
- a WLALA leader
- Must be a high school senior identifying as a woman
- Must show interest in law or public service
- Must cite WLALA or Power Lunch Program influence as the source of inspiration
Award Amount and Selection
The scholarship awards up to $5,000 to a selected recipient. WLALA Foundation administers the selection and awards the scholarship to a qualifying applicant whose application best reflects the program’s intent. Specific selection criteria, timeline, and disbursement procedures are managed by the foundation and may be updated annually.
- Award value: Up to $5,000
- Number of recipients: One recipient selected per award cycle
- Administration: Selection and disbursement managed by WLALA Foundation
- Review: Applicants reviewed against eligibility and scholarship goals
How to Apply — Required Materials and Submission Notes
Applicants must submit a complete packet of materials to be considered. Materials include contact details, a personal statement that follows specified formatting, and at least one reference letter (maximum three). Confirm submission method and deadline on the WLALA Foundation website or related announcement before sending materials.
- **Contact information:** Name, email address, and phone number
- **Personal statement:** Typed, double-spaced, maximum three pages; address where you have applied/been accepted to college, your career goals, and how WLALA (Power Lunch, the organization, or a WLALA leader) inspired your career choice
- **References:** Minimum one reference letter, up to three total
- **Submission note:** Verify submission method and deadline on the WLALA Foundation website
For questions about deadlines, submission format, or additional clarification, consult the WLALA Foundation’s official scholarship page or contact the foundation directly.