The SDDDAA Foundation - San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Association

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The Claudine Ruiz Scholarship

The San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that founded the Claudine Ruiz Scholarship in memory of our dear friend and colleague, Claudine Ruiz. Ms. Ruiz worked as a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for 14 years. She died in 2014. The scholarship honors Ms. Ruiz by awarding funds to support and encourage students seeking a career in criminal justice.

More About the Scholarship

Ms. Ruiz was an outstanding and dedicated trial lawyer. She earned an undergraduate degree (BA) in international studies from American University in Washington, D.C. in 1994; a law degree (JD) from the University of San Diego in 2000; and, while carrying a full case load as a prosecutor, a masters in law degree (LLM) from Chapman University in 2010.

She was best known for her tireless work in the San Diego County District Attorney’s Family Protection Division. She successfully handled several high-profile cases with integrity and grace. For her accomplishments, the San Diego District Attorneys Association awarded Ms. Ruiz an Outstanding Achievement Award, and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors recognized her for her significant contribution to public safety. In addition to her talent as an attorney, Ms. Ruiz is always remembered as a loving and caring mother, wife, friend, and colleague.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

Download the Claudine Ruiz Scholarship Application

To Apply:

Please sign, date, and email a complete copy of the items listed below to the San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Foundation at sandiegoddaf@gmail.com. In the subject line, please write “CRSF Application – [YOUR NAME]”

An application form, including answers to the four questions contained therein.
A resumé, if you have one.
A copy of your most recent transcript.

The deadline for the 2023 scholarship is September 17, 2023.

In the selection process, the Foundation Board considers your interest in pursuing a career in criminal justice, achievements and obstacles, financial need, and extracurricular activities. This is a one-time grant of a $3,000 scholarship award. The scholarship recipient will be honored at the annual District Attorney Association’s award banquet on October 14, 2023. Successful applicants may not reapply.