The Dominguez Firm’s Fall 2026 Legal Scholar Ruth Tessema: Fighting for Justice at Home and Abroad

The Dominguez Firm’s Fall 2026 Legal Scholar Ruth Tessema: Fighting for Justice at Home and Abroad

The Dominguez Firm is pleased to announce that Ruth Tessema is our Fall 2026 Legal Scholar. A recent graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she is currently attending American University Washington College of Law, where she aims to continue championing the rights of immigrant communities like her own.

Ruth’s interest in law began at a young age. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant household, she often navigated unfamiliar systems and institutions on behalf of her family. Furthermore, grave injustices committed against her extended community abroad forged her goal to advocate for those who are unrecognized or marginalized.

Ruth graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While in college, she served as president of the NAACP and as an At-Large Senator in Student Government, among other leadership roles.

Ruth commented on being named the Fall 2026 Legal Scholarship recipient. “I am forever grateful for The Dominguez Firm Scholarship. There is so much stress that comes with being a first-generation student pursuing a law degree, and this scholarship came at exactly the right time. As I pursue my legal education, I hope to use my law degree to advocate for immigrant communities like my own. I cannot wait to pay it forward and support others when I am in a position to do so.”

Founder and Managing Partner J.J. Dominguez and the entire Dominguez Firm staff congratulate Ruth Tessema on her selection. Through its scholarship program, the Firm is proud to help make a legal education more accessible to students who hope to use their careers to serve others.

We received many outstanding applications from potential and current law school students. A common thread was a genuine desire to use your legal careers to make a difference. What stood out most was how many of you turned challenges, whether your own or those of your families and communities, into a determination to create change for others.

We wish you all the best of luck as you pursue your legal education and future careers as attorneys.

For more information and to apply for The Dominguez Firm’s Spring 2027 Collegiate or Legal Scholarships, please visit this link.

The Dominguez Firm is a powerhouse personal injury law firm that has been helping clients for over 35 years. For a free consultation, call (877) 610-1818. Available 24/7.