March 5, 2024

Southwestern Law School Students Win Top Scholarships at Langston Bar Association Gala

Three Southwestern Law School students, 1L Jina Ballenger, 2L Desirae Ibarra, and 2L Quentin Warren, were honored with the top awards at the Langston Bar Association’s annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. The awards were given in recognition of the students’ outstanding essays addressing the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, which overturned decades of precedent concerning race-based considerations for college admissions.  

The Langston Bar Association, named after John Mercer Langston, who was instrumental in establishing Howard University’s law school, is the oldest and largest association of African-American attorneys in California. It was founded after other bar associations excluded Black lawyers and has supported Black law students through scholarships and mentorship programs.  

Each year, the association provides applicants with the opportunity to research and write an essay about a current legal issue. Candidates are evaluated based on their academic record, writing skills, and in-person interviews. T. Ballenger, Ibarra, and Warren distinguished themselves with their in-depth analysis, passion for legal studies, and inspirational personal journeys. Professor Della Thompson-Bell mentored these and other students in preparing their materials.  
 
Reflecting on her achievement, Ibarra said, “Receiving this scholarship was a big achievement for me. It’s a reminder that I am on the right track to reach my goals as a law student and future attorney. I am very grateful for the Langston Bar Association and will continue to advance my legal education to make a meaningful impact in the legal profession.”  
 
The Southwestern community is immensely proud of these students and congratulates them. The law school is also grateful to the Langston Bar Association for its enduring support of law students and commitment to enhancing diversity within the legal profession.