Lynn Tillotson Pinker & Cox, LLP, granted the 2014 Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet scholarship to four high school seniors. The Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet was established in 1977 with a mission to prepare students for careers in law, government, and law enforcement. Recipients must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year, have a minimum grade point average of 3.3, and demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and an intent to pursue a career in the legal field. The Law Magnet itself has received the Texas Education Agency's "Exemplary” rating for each of the past four years, and, in 2012, was nominated as a High Performing National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

"More than ever, the legal industry must attract motivated, focused, and ethically-minded professionals,” said Eric Pinker, one of Lynn Tillotson Pinker & Cox's Founding Partners. "The Law Magnet has been at the forefront of preparing young students accordingly, and we know that scholarships can play an essential role in opening the door for life-changing opportunities. We launched this program to support outstanding young people who want to make public their lives' work. We could not think of a better legacy to honor as we reach our firm's twenty-year milestone.”

Barefoot Sanders is a legendary figure in the history of Dallas education, having presided over the Tasby v. Estes case, which resulted in the successful desegregation of Dallas schools. Judge Sanders implemented a fair and practical desegregation plan that won the approval of first the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and, finally, the school board of the Dallas Independent School District. While overseeing the desegregation process, Judge Sanders also shepherded the development of Dallas's various magnet schools, which he hoped would provide a viable alternative to busing.

The scholarship will be administered by The Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet. Lynn Tillotson Pinker & Cox awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability, or national origin, and scholarships will be awarded for full-time study at an accredited institution of the students' choice.