About Los Abogados
Founded in 1976 by a visionary group of Latino lawyers and law students, Los Abogados stands as Arizona's esteemed Hispanic Bar Association. Our inception was driven by a singular mission: to forge a community that empowers Latinos within the legal profession. Over the decades, Los Abogados has evolved into a vibrant familia for Latino lawyers, law students, and judges throughout Arizona, fostering an environment of support, growth, and unity.
At the heart of Los Abogados is a commitment to the professional and personal development of our members. Through our comprehensive programming, we offer a suite of opportunities tailored to those in the legal field. Our offerings range from luncheon CLE programming that delves into current legal issues, to social gatherings and family events designed to facilitate meaningful connections. Highlight events such as our annual Gala and Golf Tournament serve as cornerstone activities, bringing our members together in celebration of our collective achievements and aspirations.
The Valdemar Cordova Scholarships
A testament to our commitment to education and empowerment, Los Abogados has proudly established the Valdemar Cordova Scholarships at two of Arizona's leading law schools: Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law. With an initial endowment of $200,000 split equally between the institutions, these scholarships represent our investment in the future of Latino legal professionals in Arizona.
The impact of these scholarships has been immediate and profound. The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, with its initial $100,000 endowment matched, has already awarded $100,000 in scholarships, with the total endowed scholarship value soaring to $246,704 thanks to the generous contributions of our members and supporters. This ensures that, through reinvestment, we can continue to support aspiring lawyers indefinitely.
Similarly, the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona has seen its initial $100,000 endowment grow to $105,993, providing scholarships to deserving students since 2018. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden on students but also reinforce our dedication to diversifying the legal profession and supporting the academic endeavors of Latino students in Arizona.
Advancing Diversity and Mentorship
Beyond financial support, Los Abogados is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals through initiatives like the Pipeline Fellowship Program, which offers free LSAT preparation to future lawyers, and the Los Abogados Mentorship Program, connecting Latino law students with experienced practitioners for guidance and support.
Our efforts extend to broadening the diversity of the bench and the legal community at large, reflecting our belief that a diverse legal profession is essential for the just representation of all communities. Through these and other initiatives, Los Abogados remains at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession in Arizona.
As we look to the future, Los Abogados remains dedicated to its founding principles of community, empowerment, and advocacy. We invite you to join us in our journey, whether as a member, a mentor, a student, or a supporter, as we continue to pave the way for the next generation of Latino legal professionals. Together, we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable legal landscape for all.