Scholarships

Cheryl Disch Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship

Winner: Jyoti Patel, Business Analyst, Slaughter and May

In January 2020, the legal technology community unexpectedly lost a wonderful colleague and dear friend, Cheryl Disch. Cheryl, an outstanding marketing professional at Duane Morris left an enduring legacy through her passion for educating and helping others, within the ILTA community and beyond. A mentor, leader, and friend, she elevated ILTA's brand in the marketing community and constantly advocated for the value of ILTA events, including her favorite, ILTACON, which she co-chaired with distinction in 2016 & 2017.

As one of ILTA’s core values, we are committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) in its membership and at ILTACON. This scholarship is intended to expand the perspectives shared at ILTACON and foster professional development among minority members of the association. This includes, but is not limited to, members who are from the underrepresented groups within ILTA based on: Age, Differently Abled status, Gender, LGBTQ+ status, and Race/Ethnicity (e.g., Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, or Latin American, Indigenous, Middle Eastern or North African).

Sharon Swartworth Rising Star Scholarship

Winner: Lauren Eckard, Learning Solutions Coordinator, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP

Leaders empower others, listen, think strategically, innovate, make thoughtful decisions, show empathy, adapt, delegate, communicate, remain committed, stand with their team, inspire, and exude positivity. To honor long-time ILTA peer, Sharon Swartworth Chief Warrant Officer 5 exemplified these traits in all her work for the U.S. Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG) and when volunteering for ILTA. She was a soldier, a legal administrator, and a committed ILTA volunteer leader — the embodiment of a leader in all aspects of her life.

This Rising Star Scholarship encourages the development of young professionals in legal technology, individuals who are in the early stages of their careers and demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership are eligible for the Rising Star Scholarship for ILTACON.

First Timer Scholarship

Winners - US: Jake Lindquist, Project Manager, Eversheds Sutherland & Michelle Zaman, Technology Trainer, Morrison Foerster

Winners - International: Marta McVicar, Legal Technology Consultant, Harper Macleod LLP & Monika Medyńska, Innovation Advisor, Dentons Business Services EMEA

The First Timer Scholarship for ILTACON is designed to provide support to individuals who have never had the opportunity to attend ILTACON before.

We recognize the value that attending ILTACON can bring to individuals who have heard about the event and have long desired to participate. That is why we are offering four (4) opportunities to win this year. This scholarship is available for US and International members.

This scholarship aims to empower such individuals by offering them the chance to experience ILTACON firsthand, enabling them to gain insights, establish connections, and enhance their skills.

Law School Scholarship

Winner: Michelle Dewey, Legal Technologies Librarian & Associate Professor, Georgia State College of Law

The ILTA Law School Scholarship is dedicated to supporting individuals currently enrolled in law school or serving as faculty at a law school who demonstrate a keen interest in legal technology. This scholarship aims to invest in future legal professionals who are committed to advancing the intersection of law and technology and who will actively contribute to ILTA's local events and conferences.

The primary purpose of the ILTA Law School Scholarship is to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within law schools by providing support to students and faculty members who are passionate about exploring the role of technology in the legal profession. Through this scholarship, ILTA aims to empower law schools to become hubs of knowledge and expertise in legal technology.

International Scholarship

Winners: Rachel Baiden, Global Technology Training Manager, Squire Patton Boggs & Shreya Vajpei, Assistant Manager, Digital & Innovation, Khaitan & Co

The International Scholarship is for an individual residing outside of the US, to enable them to learn, network, and connect with legal technologists around the world.

The primary purpose of the International Scholarship is to enable deserving individuals to immerse themselves in the global legal technology community, gain valuable insights into industry trends, and establish meaningful connections with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

ILTA Volunteer Scholarship

Winners: Amanda Beldo-Boyd, IT Learning & Development Instructional Design Lead, Mayer Brown LLP & Priti Saraswat, Legal Tech Consulting Manager, Baker & Hostetler

At ILTA, we deeply value the dedication and contributions of our volunteers who generously donate their time and talent to support our organization throughout the year. In recognition of their commitment and service, we are proud to offer the ILTA Volunteer Scholarship.

The primary purpose of the ILTA Volunteer Scholarship is to honor and acknowledge the invaluable efforts of our volunteers. This scholarship serves as a token of our gratitude for the countless hours spent assisting with various initiatives, programs, and events that contribute to the success and growth of ILTA.