The Maricopa County Bar Association and its Young Lawyers Division invite you to be a part of our upcoming Barristers Ball and Silent Auction held on October 7, 2023, at the Hilton North Scottsdale at Cavasson. Each year, the Silent Auction portion of the Ball benefits a local charitable cause. This year’s beneficiary is the Maricopa County Bar Foundation (MCBF) Justice Michael D. Ryan Diversity Scholarship.

The Justice Michael D. Ryan Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship, given to diverse law students at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law or the UofA James E. Roger School of Law. As part of its mission, the MCBF strives to aid law school students from diverse backgrounds with the student loan debt associated with obtaining a law degree. The Justice Michael D. Ryan Scholarships are designed to help students afford their dream of service to the community through law.

Justice Ryan was a long-time member of the MCBA Diversity Committee and supported all diversity efforts. After his untimely death, the Maricopa County Bar Foundation established the scholarship in his honor.

Here is how the scholarship has helped the 2022 scholarship recipient, Evanna Rouhani; “The Michael D. Ryan Scholarship was so influential in alleviating some of the financial burdens of law school. When I first had an inkling that I may want to go to law school, I shot down the idea, concluding that law school is reserved for those with significant financial resources. Scholarships like this one ensure that those who come from diverse backgrounds can take on the financial burden with some support. This scholarship helped not only in a practical matter but also to provide hope that I would be able to make it through law school.”

And from 2021 recipient Jannessa Doyle, "I want to offer my highest gratitude for your financial support towards my education. Receiving this award has allowed me to further my dreams of pursuing a legal career, and it is an honor that I truly value. Awards such as this help minority students to pursue a legal education and increase diversity in the legal community. Thank you for your support!"

Your Silent Auction donation will help us continue to support and grow the Justice Michael D. Ryan Scholarship fund. In addition to supporting a very worthy cause, this is a very special opportunity to market your products and/or services to Maricopa County lawyers, judges, and their guests. Donations of any type are welcome, including products, services, or gift certificates. All donations must be received by September 1, 2023.

Please send a donation form with your donation to ensure accurate information about your organization and donation. Donations should be sent to Laurie Williams, c/o Maricopa County Bar Association, 3030 N 3rd St, Ste 1260, Phoenix, AZ, 85012.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We truly appreciate your participation in the 2023 Barristers Ball benefitting the Justice Michael D. Ryan Diversity Scholarship. Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact us by phone at 602-257-4200 X. 100 or via e-mail at kgoodman@maricopabar.org.