Justice Allen E. Broussard
As asbestos litigation attorneys, we at Kazan Law excel at what we do and it is always exhilarating when we are able to give back to our clients some of the hopes and dreams that mesothelioma took from them. But we also like giving back in ways that help the hopes and dreams of the communities around us. That includes the Oakland community where our offices are located and the legal community we are so proud to be a part of.
One of the ways we do that makes a meaningful contribution to both of these wonderful communities. That is our foundation’s support for The Allen E. Broussard Scholarship Fund which was established in 1996 after the death of California Supreme Court Associate Justice Allen E. Broussard, and was incorporated as the Allen E. Broussard Scholarship Foundation in 1999. The goal of the foundation is to continue Justice Broussard’s work in the minority community by assisting law students from underrepresented backgrounds in their pursuit of a career in the legal profession.
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1929, Allen E. Broussard came to the Bay Area with his family as a teenager. He began his years of community service at age 16 while attending San Francisco City College. Here he started his lifelong efforts to ensure equal rights for African Americans in the workforce. Justice Broussard was instrumental in getting the first African Americans hired as a high school teacher and police officer in San Francisco.
Justice Broussard worked diligently to expand opportunities within the legal profession. One of his goals was the diversification of the profession; making sure all minorities are given the opportunity to rise and “take a place at the table,” as he was fond of saying.
Having served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Allen E. Broussard Law School Scholarship Foundation for over a decade, I am honored each year to present three or more academically qualified students from economically challenged backgrounds with a $5,000 scholarship. This award is the largest private scholarship award for law students attending California Bay Area law schools. Four students received the award last year.
The deadline for applying for the 2014 scholarships is this month. Email info@broussard-scholarship.org or call (415) 983-7680 for more information.