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In 2017, Chuhak & Tecson established the Joseph A. Tecson Scholarship at DePaul University College of Law in honor of one founder, Joseph A. Tecson.  

The scholarship is administered by DePaul and is open to law students both in good academic standing and with proven financial need, with a preference for those who have performed community service. One or two students are awarded a scholarship each year for books and supplies and find it renewed if they remain in good academic standing. Each scholarship recipient will be invited to attend firm events and apply to the firm’s law clerk program.

Joseph Tecson was a ground-breaking attorney in Chicago’s legal community and practiced for over 50 years. Tecson was passionate about public and community service. He served as a delegate with the Constitutional Convention which drafted a new constitution for Illinois in 1970 that is still in effect. Beginning in 1976 he also served for five years as the first Asian-American commissioner on the Cook County Board and was on the committee that oversaw Cook County Hospital. Tecson’s zest for public service further extended to serving on the boards of MacNeal Hospital and Brookfield Zoo. He was one of the greatest proponents of the zoo’s continual upgrades and addition of new exhibits. Chuhak & Tecson continues Tecson’s commitment to diversity and inclusion today with an environment where each person is included, listened to and supported as they strive to achieve their personal best.

Deadlines for applications are on a rolling basis. For more information or to learn how to apply for the Joseph A. Tecson Scholarship Fund, contact Alan Paberzs, executive director of development, DePaul University College of Law. 

The Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos – Spanish) is a holiday celebrated over a few days at the beginning of November and sometimes the last day of October depending on the area. Dia de Los Muertos acknowledges the relationship between life and death. It originated in the rituals practiced by the indigenous peoples of the Americas and it is widely celebrated in Mexico, and other places, especially those with a large Mexican Heritage presence. It is a holiday to celebrate loved ones (human or animal) that have passed. It is a gathering to remember and pay respect to friends and family members who have died. Many people celebrate by decorating Calaveras (Skulls), painting pottery with commemorating things, creating an Ofrenda and many more rituals.

We gathered in our café to learn and share sweets and a slice of Pan de Muerto, a sweetened bread offering traditionally left on an Ofrenda and eaten on the Day of the Dead. Our experience brought with it recognition of the similarities across many of our cultures in efforts to honor departed loved ones. Another broadened perspective!

Again this year Chuhak & Tecson was privileged to sponsor the Diversity Scholarship Foundation, NF’s 2024 Unity Gala. As part of the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative, we continue support efforts in the community to advance the legal educational opportunities of others, We joined others in the legal community to raise funds providing scholarships to students who are leaders and achievers and interested in public service after graduation.

Firm members Krystle Bradley, Carri Conlon, Ashley Coppola, Missy Turk Firmage, Sydney Iglitzen, Matt Mallett, Jacqueline Navarro, Yolanda Torres, Jessica Van Heel and Monica Westlake attended the event representing the firm.

The evening featured the Diversity Award Ceremony, presenting 15 scholarships to diverse and deserving students from more than 100 applicants; the 21st annual swearing-in ceremony of bar association presidents from across the state by Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer and several other diversity achievement awards.