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Fernando J. Rivero Public Service Fund

Fernando J. Rivero Public Sector Service Fund     Uvaldo Herrera Moot Court Scholarships     IPLI Scholarships      VIA Law Student Scholarships

Fernando J. Rivero Public Sector Service Fund

This Fund was established in honor of Fernando J. Rivero, who passed away on August 9, 2021. Fernando was a dedicated leader and public servant, most recently serving as the Chief Compliance Officer of the HNBA and as the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC in 2014.

About Fernando J. Rivero

Fernando’s legacy as a public servant is one of unwavering dedication to his community. His career, most recently as Assistant Chief in the Civil Enforcement Section of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, exemplified his commitment to the principles of justice, fairness, and service. The Fernando J. Rivero Public Sector Service Fund honors his leadership, dedication, and enduring impact on the HNBA and the broader Hispanic community.

Fund Purpose and Eligibility

Through the Fund, HNBA/VIA seeks to support public sector attorneys who serve in significant leadership roles on non-profit organizations, just as Fernando did. The Fund will provide financial support to cover a portion of the registration, travel, and/or lodging expenses incurred while attending a conference, mandatory board meeting, or event associated with their leadership role.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be employed full-time by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government (including U.S. military service, excluding judicial law clerks) for more than three years
  • Be an active member in good standing of any State bar
  • Certify in good faith and explain the applicant’s financial need for funds to cover the costs of attending HNBA/VIA conferences, and/or significant events
  • Submit a statement (no longer than 500 words) explaining how the applicant has served to further the mission of the organization
  • Submit a resume

Apply

Applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, and awards will be made based on available funding.

To be considered for funding related to the 2026 HNBA Annual Convention, applications must be submitted by September 1, 2026.

We encourage all eligible public sector attorneys to apply for support as they continue their service to their communities and the legal profession while carrying forward Fernando's legacy of service.

The application can be accessed here.

Application Form

To donate to the Fund, please click HERE.