Kristin ’07 and Tom Sverchek Launch New Scholarships to Support Future Leaders in Tech and Innovation Law  - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)

April 16, 2026 - 04:18

A new scholarship initiative aims to remove financial barriers for law students pursuing careers at the cutting edge of technology. Established by Kristin ’07 and Tom Sverchek, the program will provide crucial support to students with both financial need and a demonstrated passion for fields like artificial intelligence, startups, and emerging technology.

The couple’s $125,000 gift creates two scholarships for second- and third-year law students. The funds are designed to offer recipients the flexibility to pursue unique internships, clinics, and networking opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach. The goal is to foster a more diverse and dynamic community of legal professionals equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Reflecting on her own career journey from law student to senior executive at companies like Lyft, Kristin Sverchek emphasized the importance of creating "breathing room" for future lawyers. "Financial pressure can force talented people to make narrow choices," she noted. "We want scholarship recipients to be free to think boldly about where law and technology are heading and to position themselves at the frontier of that work."

The scholarships also advance a broader institutional campaign focused on student success and faculty excellence in tech-focused legal education. The initiative underscores the critical need for lawyers who combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of both business and technology. As the field continues to evolve, intellectual curiosity and comfort with ambiguity will be key assets for those shaping the future of innovation law.