Arizona Employment Lawyers association

Frank Fanning Scholarship

Honoring a Legacy of Service to Arizona’s Legal Community

The Arizona Employment Lawyers Association established the Frank Fanning Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of Francis G. “Frank” Fanning, a longtime Arizona attorney whose practice included employment and labor law, employee rights, civil rights, and appellate matters.

Frank graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and began practicing law in Arizona in 1978. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he became part of Arizona’s employment-law community and represented individuals in employment-related matters.

Near the end of his career, Frank wrote about his desire to give back to the legal profession he had served for approximately 35 years. He emphasized the importance of civil rights, affordable access to legal services, keeping Arizona law responsive to changing needs, embracing technology, and helping to “level the playing field.”

Carrying Frank’s Legacy Forward

The Frank Fanning Scholarship helps introduce the next generation of attorneys to Arizona’s employee-rights community.

The scholarship gives law students and recent law school graduates the opportunity to attend the AZELA Annual Conference at no cost. Depending on available scholarship funding, recipients may also receive AZELA membership.

Participation in the conference gives emerging attorneys an opportunity to learn from experienced employment-law practitioners, deepen their understanding of employee-rights advocacy, and build connections within Arizona’s legal community.

2026 Scholarship Applications Are Open

Law students and recent law school graduates who are interested in employment law and employee-rights advocacy are encouraged to apply.

Depending on available funding, scholarship benefits may include:

• Complimentary attendance at the AZELA Annual Conference
• AZELA membership
• Opportunities to connect with Arizona employment-law attorneys
• Exposure to current issues and developments in employment law

Applications must be submitted by November 19, 2026.