Building it has been a slow process, but we are gathering steam -- and we have been making a positive impact in our community. Through our activities, we stimulate interest in the law for students at all levels and we increase the visibility of judges and lawyers and their role in our community. Here's a sampling of what we do:
The Arthur E. Wallace Scholarship
We established this scholarship a
t the time of Judge Wallace's retirement from the bench. The scholarship is awarded to a law student who has ties to Kern County and who exemplifies the attributes that caused Judge Wallace to be greatly respected and admired. Some of our scholarship recipients have returned to the community and practice here. The fund is building, and we intend to continue to honor Judge Wallace's memory for many years to come. Mock Trial
Many of our colleagues donate time to coach teams or judge the competition. Our Foundation donates significant funds every year to the Kern County Mock Trial Championship team to help defray their costs associated with the statewide competition. We the People
The Foundation donates funds to the Kern County We the People championship team to defray the costs associated with the statewide competition, when the competition is outside of Kern County. Constitution Day Book Giveaway
Every year the Foundation donates two books to each elementary or middle school in Kern County. The books focus on the U.S. Constitution and our judicial system. Attorneys and judges volunteer to read the books to students at many of the schools on Constitution Day. Ready Set Back 2 School
In partnership with the Kern County Department of Child Support Services, we provide backpacks and school supplies to children before school starts each fall. Open Doors to Federal Court
Our Foundation supports the Federal District Court (Eastern District) by assisting with an annual program that provides high school students with an opportunity to meet the Magistrate Judge, observe a mock trial, and hear presentations from various federal agencies about the type of work they do and opportunities in the federal government. We undertake other projects as well, in the spirit of giving back to our community, providing educational opportunities, and supporting the mission of educating young people and the public about our legal system and the role of the judiciary. These efforts require fuel, both in terms of volunteer efforts as well as money. Many of our judges and attorneys routinely donate money to the Foundation. The volunteer Board is comprised of past and the present Kern County Bar Association presidents along with the immediate past president of the Young Lawyers. All of the Board members take seriously the responsibility of wisely using the funds that are donated. Please donate generously. We promise to make you proud of the good works that we as a profession can contribute to our community.
