The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) of the Bar Association of San Francisco proudly unveils a monumental $1.2 million endowment generously bestowed by Richard Zitrin and the Arthur & Charlotte Zitrin Foundation. Richard Zitrin, a celebrated attorney with a long legal career in San Francisco, has long been a stalwart supporter of the JDC’s Minority Law Student Scholarship Program (MLSSP). Zitrin’s backing stretches beyond financial assistance, as these students soon learn they have a champion in Mr. Zitrin.
Chris Ballard was one of these students previously supported by Mr. Zitrin’s scholarship. Ballard’s journey to leading the youth empowerment organization Coleman Advocates started in his hometown of Wasco, California. Witnessing friends caught in the school-to-prison pipeline, Ballard felt the need to take another road and instead become a beacon of change. After graduating from CSU Fresno, where he gained an appreciation that "The law governs the social fabric [of society]," Chris enrolled in UC Hastings, now known as UC Law SF, buoyed by the Minority Law Student Scholarship from the Justice and Diversity Center. The scholarship, which he credits as crucial to his success, made it possible for him to focus on his studies without the burden of working to cover tuition.
Beyond the financial freedom for law students, Zitrin has taken his commitment to the next level to create opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups in law school. He has mentored dozens of law students in the program. "What can I say about Richard?” says Chris, “The man embodies the values of justice and equity." In Zitrin’s own words he sees the scholarship program as “an opportunity to help students get the financial help, networking, and mentoring they need to succeed.” Jamal Jackson, another MLSSP scholarship recipient now practicing law at the National Resource Defense Council, echoes the sentiment, praising Zitrin's transition from mentor to friend and applauding his readiness to provide advice and constructive critique.
With the endowment, Zitrin ensures his legacy with future generations of legal trailblazers. Students funded by the endowment will be known as "Shanna Bradford Scholars" a tribute to a past recipient, who unfortunately passed away at a young age. Zitrin perceives this gift not as the culmination of his support, but as a catalyst for others. "I hope this endowment will encourage law firms to do more in creating these pathways and opportunities for underrepresented groups in the legal community.”
The Justice & Diversity Center extends heartfelt gratitude to Richard Zitrin and the Arthur and Charlotte Zitrin Foundation for this generous gift which will provide transformative support for law students in the future. BASF was proud to give Mr. Zitrin an Award of Merit at the 2023 Annual Member Luncheon in recognition of his decades-long support of the MLSSP. This honor symbolizes not just appreciation but a collective acknowledgment of the pivotal role Zitrin plays in shaping a more inclusive and equitable legal landscape.
