For Nina Rodriguez, receiving one of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s (NJSBF) $10,000 Justice Marie L. Garibaldi Scholarships last August came at the right time. About to enter her third year at Rutgers Law School in Camden, and elected the first Latina editor of the Rutgers Law Review, her schedule was full.
Rodriguez, who had worked as a summer associate at a law firm and as a nanny, had to stop working so she could focus on her studies, especially after taking on additional leadership positions.
“With what I had on my plate, I wasn’t able to take on a part-time position. I was really nervous because I didn’t have an income, and receiving the scholarship was the biggest blessing I could receive,” she said.
“I was incredibly honored because I really connected with Justice Garibaldi and her legacy. She was known for being a first: The first female president of the Bar Association, the first female justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court,” said Rodriguez, who was the first in her family to go to college and law school.
For Lauren Bess, another Garibaldi scholarship recipient, the award also came at a pivotal time. Diagnosed with cancer during her first year at Rutgers Law School in Camden, she attended school part time while undergoing treatment as well.
“The medical expenses, coupled with tuition, were difficult,” Bess said.
She started working part time as a waitress but was laid off during the pandemic. Bess received the scholarship last August, before beginning her third year.
“It really alleviated a lot of the burden so I could focus on my studies,” she said.
The Garibaldi scholarship in particular was meaningful, she said.
“A lot of the work I do, and everything I’m passionate about, was truly embodied in that scholarship,” said Bess, who was class president this past year, and the president of Rutgers’ Women’s Law Caucus.
The caucus held panels to expose students to areas of law where women are under-represented, and exposed youth groups in Camden to the field of law through mock trial activities.
Accepting Applications
The Foundation is accepting applications for its 2021–2022 law school scholarships, which are open to first- and second-year students enrolled at an accredited law school in New Jersey. In addition, female students from Columbia Law School may apply for one of the Justice Marie L. Garibaldi Scholarships. The scholarships range from $500 to $10,000.
The deadline is June 30.
The criteria for the selection of candidates includes academic excellence (grade-point average and class standing), participation in extracurricular activities, financial need and community service.
Applications can be downloaded at njsbf.org. Questions can be emailed to Mary Jean Barnes, director of administration and grants programs, at [email protected].