California Bar Foundation Selects Downey Brand Diversity Scholar for 2016

October 6, 2016

First-year law student Arturo Reyes is the recipient

Downey Brand is pleased to announce that the California Bar Foundation selected Arturo Reyes from UC Hastings College of the Law as the Downey Brand Diversity Scholar for 2016. Arturo was one of 29 rising first-year law students to receive a Diversity Scholarship this year.

Though contributions from law firms and other donors, the California Bar Foundation’s Diversity Program has been providing financial assistance and confidence-building recognition to incoming first-year law students from communities underrepresented in the legal profession since 2008. The program targets students from a broad array of backgrounds, life experiences and those with financial need that have a desire to make a positive impact as community leaders.

Arturo is no stranger to the legal community. Working as a litigation paralegal before deciding on law school, he helped attorneys in both California and New York provide legal assistance to immigrant communities and has experienced first-hand what it takes to overcome the obstacles immigrant families face. These obstacles are his deepest motivations for success. He is also interested in helping LGBT communities in California, specifically individuals seeking asylum. Arturo grew up in Oxnard, CA and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Political Economy. Since graduating, Arturo has worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office and as a litigation paralegal. He plans to focus on immigrant and refugee rights law upon graduation from UC Hastings.

Arturo was recognized at the California Bar Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on September 22, 2016.