Arizona law schools partner with the State Bar to announce the 2025 Arizona Legal Access Fellowship awardees

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona and the State Bar of Arizona are proud to announce the 2025 Arizona Legal Access Fellowship recipients — 10 law students who will spend their summers working to expand legal services in under-resourced communities across the state.

“The Arizona Legal Access Fellowship exemplifies our commitment to addressing legal deserts in Arizona by supporting students who are stepping up to serve communities most in need,” said Angela Banks, Vice Dean and Charles J. Merriam Distinguished Professor of Law at ASU Law. “These fellows are future leaders of our profession, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure they are supported as they pursue public service. We are deeply grateful to the State Bar of Arizona and the University of Arizona Law for their partnership and hope to build philanthropic momentum to continue growing this opportunity.”

The Arizona Legal Access Fellowship program provides stipends to students from both Arizona law schools who commit to serving in rural and underserved areas where access to legal representation is critically limited.

“This fellowship will open doors for students to do meaningful, hands-on work where it’s needed most,” noted Jason Kreag, Interim Dean of University of Arizona Law. “It’s an investment in the future of access to justice in Arizona and in the communities our graduates will go on to serve. It also shows what’s possible when Arizona’s legal community comes together with a shared purpose. By collaborating with the State Bar and ASU Law, we’re helping students make a difference in areas that too often go without legal support.”  

“This is a very creative way to address the shortage of lawyers in communities outside of our major cities. A win-win-win for the law schools, the bar and the public we serve. The State Bar could not be prouder to be a partner in this program," said State Bar of Arizona President Ted A. Schmidt.

The 2025 fellows include:

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

• Joseph Riley, Pinal County Superior Court
• Simone Sampson (Hyde), DNA Legal Services, Window Rock (Apache County)
• Kathryn Banda, Yuma County Legal Defender
• India Smith, Cochise County Attorney’s Office
• Ena Johnson, DNA Legal Services, Flagstaff (Coconino County)
•  

James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona

• Franklin Tambe Agbor, Mohave County Attorney’s Office
• Jack Anderson, Office of the Yuma County Attorney
• Gabrielle Hetrick, Coconino County Public Defender’s Office
• Luke Kauffman, Pinal County Superior Court
• Alejandra Tafoya, Yuma County Legal Defender
•  

Both ASU Law and Arizona Law are committed to preparing students for meaningful careers in public service and are actively seeking additional support to expand fellowship funding and student opportunities in legal deserts throughout Arizona.

About the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University:

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, located in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and online, boasts more than 10,000 graduates, features a world-class faculty and consistently ranks among the nation’s top 20% of all law schools by U.S. News & World Report. ASU Law offers students a personalized legal education and is committed to advancing the next generation of professionals through its JD, three master’s and LLM degrees. Honoring its namesake, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, ASU Law embodies her legacy of integrity, innovation and dedication to public service. For more information, visit law.asu.edu

About the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law: 

The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law stands as a pioneering institution, offering an unparalleled educational journey in legal studies. With a commitment to practical training, a legacy of accomplishment, and an environment that fosters growth, the College of Law is dedicated to preparing individuals for success in the legal arena and beyond. For more information, visit law.arizona.edu.

Written by Kourtney Kelley