Rising 3L Jennifer Shim Awarded with Scholarships from Arizona Asian American Bar Association and Arizona Women Lawyers Association for Leaderships and Dedication to Service
"These awards remind me that even when my path looks different, my presence and persistence are valued.”
University of Arizona Law rising third year student Jennifer Shim has been selected as the recipient of both the Thomas Tang Scholarship from the Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA) and the Houghton-AWLA Scholarship from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association (AWLA).
A first-generation college student, Korean American, and mother to a spirited three-year-old, Shim has balanced law school with the demands of parenting—largely on her own while her husband is stationed out of state. For her, these scholarships represent more than recognition—they serve as an important affirmation.
“These scholarships feel like a powerful message from two corners of the legal community—Asian American and women lawyers—saying, ‘We see you. Keep going,” says Shim. “Juggling the demands of parenting, school, and work can often feel isolating, especially when you can’t participate fully in every aspect of law school life. These awards remind me that even when my path looks different, my presence and persistence are valued.”
More than the financial support, Shim says these scholarships affirm that the experiences she brings —families’ sacrifices and cultural heritage—belong at the legal table and are integral to shaping a more inclusive profession.
She was moved to receive the AWLA scholarship named in honor of Judge Peggy Houghton, whose championing families from the bench embodies the values Shim herself hopes to uphold.
“Like her, I believe caregiving and leadership are not mutually exclusive,” says Shim. “To receive a scholarship bearing her name is not just an honor; it’s a reminder that the legal world is stronger when it embraces those who lead from both the courtroom and the home.”
The Thomas Tang Scholarship was meaningful to Shim as someone who grew up rarely seeing Asian Americans in positions of legal authority. For her, the scholarship represents not only support, but a connection to a legacy of advocacy and representation — one she is determined to carry forward.
At Arizona Law, Shim has maintained a strong presence in the community, serving as president of both the Arizona Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and the JAG Vanguard Society, which supports students interested in military and national security law, and fosters connections between students, veterans, and practitioners—something that’s personally meaningful to her as a military spouse. She is also a member of the Law Women’s Association, an Arizona Law Ambassador and will serve as a Note Editor for Arizona Law Review in the fall.
“Each of these experiences has allowed me to build meaningful relationships, expand my perspective, and stay engaged with causes I care deeply about,” says Shim.
In addition to student organizations and journals, her commitment to public interest is reflected in her work with the Veterans’ Advocacy Law Clinic, where she has had the opportunity to directly represent veterans in legal matters. Shim plans to participate in the Gender Justice and Children’s Rights Workshop and Innovation for Justice (i4J) initiative during her final year in law school.
Following graduation, Shim will clerk for the Honorable John C. Hinderaker at the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, with plans to pursue a clerkship at the Ninth Circuit.
“Clerking will give me a deeper understanding of how the law functions and evolves at both the trial and appellate levels,” says Shim. “I plan to use that experience to help demystify the legal process, improve the quality of advocacy, and ensure that those who represent our communities do so with clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection to justice when I return to Ballard Spahr.”
She is currently a summer associate at Ballard Spahr in Phoenix, a firm she chose for its embrace of diverse lived experiences and dedication to public service—including unlimited pro bono hours credited toward billables.
“I fully intend to use that to provide legal support to survivors of domestic violence, veterans navigating complex systems, and children whose rights deserve protection and advocacy,” she said.
Beyond direct service, Shim plans to invest in the legal community through sustained engagement and mentorship, remaining active in organizations like the AWLA and AAABA, not only to stay connected to the communities that have supported her, but to contribute to a cycle of mentorship, leadership, and inclusion.
“For me, contributing to the legal profession means combining service, representation, and a deep commitment to paying it forward because the path I’ve taken was built by those who did the same,” says Shim. “Their example inspires me not only to persist, but to pay it forward: to mentor, support, and open doors for others whose stories echo mine. Because if I’ve learned anything from this journey, it’s that success is sweeter—and more sustainable—when it’s shared.”