Bar Foundation Newsletter & Updates

Bar Foundation Newsletter & Updates

Thank You Volunteers!

The Arizona Bar Foundation is grateful to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to supporting our programs and the communities they serve. Through your commitment, students across Arizona have gained valuable civic learning experiences through programs like the Project Citizen State Showcase and CSI Arizona State Competition, while individuals and families have accessed important legal resources through AZFreeLegalAnswers, AZCourtHelp, and Wills for Heroes.

 

The Foundation’s work is only possible because of volunteers like you who believe in strengthening civic education and access to justice. We are grateful for the time, knowledge, and energy our volunteers continue to share in support of communities across Arizona.

 

Learn more about our volunteers HERE.

‍Volunteer Highlights

The Arizona Bar Foundation is proud to recognize our dedicated Volunteers of the Month.

 

April – Monali Shah

Monali has been a tremendous asset to the Foundation during her two semester internship. From supporting the Mock Mediation State Tournament and We the People State Competition to creating engaging, student-focused materials, she consistently brought creativity to every project. Monali also helped expand the Legal Futures section of LawForKids.org through research and content creation. We are grateful for her contributions to the Foundation!

 

May – Denise Bergeron

Denise has dedicated her life to education, with 38+ years in the classroom. For 15+ years, Denise has volunteered with the Foundation, assisting with everything from the 2011 National High School Mock Trial Championship to organizing records and helping digitize files. Her dedication, positivity, and passion for learning make her an invaluable part of the Foundation family. Thank you, Denise, for your many years of dedication and service!

‍Spotlight on Service

 

Thank you to the volunteers who made our recent Wills for Heroes events with the Mesa and Tempe Police Departments a success. With the support of 20 dedicated volunteers, 64 wills were completed, providing 119.25 hours of service to police officers and their families.


We are grateful to everyone who donated their time and expertise to serve those who protect our community.

 

Upcoming events:

 

June 27 - Tucson, AZ

July 8 - Prescott, AZ

August 15 - Phoenix, AZ

September 19 - Winslow, AZ

October 24 - Chandler, AZ

November 14 - Sacaton, AZ

 
Learn more about Wills for Heroes, including how to volunteer HERE.


‍Program Updates & News

 Project Citizen State Showcase Results

Congratulations to the 2026 Project Citizen State Showcase participants! This year’s students demonstrated outstanding civic knowledge, critical thinking, and passion for improving their communities through public policy. Thank you to the volunteers and educators who helped make this event a success, and congratulations to the students for their impressive presentations and commitment to active citizenship.

Popular Vote Winner: Heat Related Deaths on Hikes, by Michael Johnson's class at Sunset Heights Elementary School

 

Portfolio Winner: Heat Related Deaths on Hikes, by Michael Johnson's class at Sunset Heights Elementary School

 

Hearing Winner: Heat Related Deaths on Hikes, by Michael Johnson's class at Sunset Heights Elementary School

 CSI Arizona State Competition Results

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 CSI Arizona State Competition! We are proud of all the students who participated and demonstrated their critical thinking and investigative skills.


Students had the opportunity to connect with police officers, forensic scientists, detectives, and crime scene investigators to learn more about careers in forensic science and law enforcement. Thank you to the volunteers and educators who made this event possible!

 

High school:

  • 1st Place: Corona del Sol High School
  • 2nd Place: Higley High School 

 

Middle school: 

  • Winner: Country Place Leadership Academy

Thank You 2026 Awards Luncheon Sponsors

The Arizona Bar Foundation is excited to announce the honorees for this year’s Annual Awards Luncheon. Each year, the Foundation recognizes individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in advancing access to justice and strengthening communities across Arizona. 

 

These honorees represent the very best of service, leadership, and commitment to helping others, and we look forward to celebrating their contributions with colleagues, friends, and supporters from across the legal community.

 

Join us on Thursday, June 25 at The Westin La Paloma in Tucson, Arizona for an afternoon of recognition, inspration, and celebration. For more information and registration details, click here.

 

Sponsorships for the Foundation’s Annual Awards Luncheon help offset the costs of hosting this event and honoring the individuals and organizations making a difference across Arizona. With 200+ attorneys and judges expected to attend, sponsorship also provides valuable recognition opportunities within Arizona’s legal community. Sponsorship packages range from $5,000 to $150, offering multiple ways to show support while helping make this meaningful celebration possible.


Grantee Highlight

Southern Arizona Legal Aid's 75th Anniversary

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Southern Arizona Legal Aid (SALA), a milestone that celebrates decades of expanding access to justice for Arizona communities. The organization’s roots date back to 1950, when five Tucson lawyers formed the Legal Aid Society of the Pima County Bar Association after recognizing a critical community need for civil legal assistance. That modest but visionary effort soon grew into Southern Arizona Legal Aid, officially established in 1951.

Seventy-five years later, SALA continues that mission across southern Arizona by helping individuals and families navigate legal challenges and ensuring those in need have access to critical legal support and guidance. The Arizona Bar Foundation joins the community in celebrating SALA’s lasting impact and unwavering commitment to justice for all.

Learn more about SALA and its work here.

 

 

Support Legal Aid by

Volunteering with the VLP

Community Legal Services, DNA People’s Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid have offices all over Arizona. They are always looking for volunteer attorneys to host clinics, answer questions and provide direct representation. Too busy to volunteer? You can also meet your aspirational 50 hours goal by donating directly or through the Arizona Bar Foundation to one of these agencies. Visit the Foundation’s Pro Bono website for more information and help increase access to justice in Arizona. 

Volunteer with a statewide agency
Volunteer with a local or specialty agency
Support legal aid through your donation

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