George Balboa Named Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Paralegal Scholarship Winner

SOUTHFIELD, MI – Oct. 19, 2026 – Buckfire Law is pleased to announce George Balboa Jr., of Killeen, Texas, has been named this year’s recipient of the 2026 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Paralegal Scholarship.

This annual award began in 2018 as a way for the Michigan-based law firm to show its commitment to helping paralegal students pursue their certification and ultimate career goals.

Balboa is currently enrolled in American Military University’s Paralegal Studies Program.

Balboa is an active-duty soldier in the United States Army and a single father of two. Throughout his service, he has taken online classes while stationed in several countries, some in frightening situations. He always knew he wanted to be a lawyer, but it was not until a deployment this past year, after his own experience seeking legal help as a service member, that he decided to focus on family law.

“As soldiers, we move without a second thought; we uproot our families at a moment’s notice, or we put them through the stress of praying for our safety during combat deployments, but… it is hard to get help for family legal issues,” shared Balboa.

Balboa plans to become a lawyer in the Army and use that role to expand legal support for service members and their families. He hopes to create a recognized family law office in the Army for those going through a difficult family legal process. He points to the Army’s recent addition of roles in psychiatry, physical therapy, and personal training as an example that new services can be created when a need is recognized.

“I want to be the chance military service members pray for,” Balboa said. “I never want them to have to go through my experience.” 

“It is inspiring how George has turned his own experience into a mission to support fellow service members and their families,” said Lawrence J. Buckfire, President and Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law. “His ability to balance his studies, active-duty service, and raising two children is remarkable. We are proud to name him this year’s winner of the Buckfire Law Paralegal Scholarship.” 

Every year, Buckfire Law Firm awards one student with the $1,000 Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Paralegal Scholarship. The scholarship is available to students enrolled in a paralegal program within the United States. As of 2026, Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships.

Buckfire & Buckfire P.C. recognizes that most people are stressed and overwhelmed after a serious injury or unexpected death and don’t know where to turn. Founded in 1969, the family-owned law firm provides superior legal representation and helps them from start to finish.

Buckfire Law offers four separate academic scholarships annually for students seeking to continue their education. For more information on the scholarship program, visit our page: buckfirelaw.com/scholarships/paralegal.