The New Jersey State Bar Foundation has awarded 17 scholarships to students attending the state’s law schools.
The scholarships benefit students from all walks of life – first-generation Americans, first-generation college graduates, working parents, people who have been in domestic violence situations, those in the LGBTQ+ community and more. The scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000. Second- and third-year law students attending Seton Hall Law School, Rutgers Law School – Camden and Rutgers Law School – Newark were tapped to receive the support.
“Our scholarship recipients were selected based on academic achievements and demonstrated commitment to community service in keeping with the mission of the Foundation,” said Charlie Stoia, president of the NJSBF and chair of the Foundation’s Law Scholarship Committee. “We are honored to recognize these incredible law students with financial assistance to support their continued success and look forward to all they will achieve.”
Many of this year’s scholarship recipients will attend the Foundation’s annual Medal of Honor Award Celebration on Sept. 24 when retired Assignment Judge Peter F. Bariso, Jr. and former NJSBA President Karol Corbin Walker receive this year’s awards. Proceeds from this annual event help fund the Foundation’s law-related programs, including the Law School Scholarship program. The event will be held at the Park Chateau in East Brunswick. Find out more at moh.nsjbf.org.
The award recipients spoke recently about how the awards will make a difference:
Marques Bell, a second- year law student at Rutgers Law School – Camden, is focusing on the area of business law. He received one of the six Foundation scholarships.
"This scholarship is a profound reminder that I stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way before me. It not only enables me to focus on my legal education but also inspires me to climb higher and ensure that I leave a ladder for those who come behind me. My goal is to make a meaningful impact in the legal field, honoring the legacy of those who have come before and supporting those who will follow."
Louisa Bigham, a second-year law student at Rutgers Law School – Newark, is a focusing on public interest law and advocating for women and children affected by domestic violence. She received the Justin P. Walder Scholarship.
“I am honored to have received the Justin P. Walder Scholarship. With this support, I aspire to advocate for the voiceless, uphold the principles of fairness, and contribute meaningfully to the legal profession. This scholarship is not just financial aid; it is an investment in my potential to succeed and make a transformative impact."
Catalina Gaglioti, a third-year law student at Rutgers Law School – Newark, is focusing on Refugee, Asylum Law, and Human Rights. She received one of the Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi Scholarships.
“Throughout my law school career, I have worked full time while attending classes at night. This scholarship will alleviate financial stress, enabling me to take time off from work to study for the bar exam and focus on opportunities that enrich my legal education as I enter my final year of law school. As an aspiring litigator, the support of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation empowers me to reach my future career goals.”
Claudia Theagene, a third-year law student at Seton Hall Law School is interested in pursuing a career in litigation in the telecommunications, media, and technology field. She also received a Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi Scholarship.
“Not only does this scholarship relieve a huge financial burden off my shoulders as a first-generation law student, but it also gives me the opportunity to focus on my academics as a third-year law student. Additionally, I can continue supporting and giving back to my community and law school.”
Since 1975, the Foundation has supported growth in the legal profession with annual scholarships for second- and third-year law students attending a New Jersey law school. From one scholarship in 1975 to 17 today, the Foundation is proud to foster pride in the legal profession by supporting the education of future lawyers, said Stoia.
Congratulations 2024 Law School Scholarship Recipients
• Abram D. and Maxine H. Londa Scholarship – Joel Chapman, Seton Hall Law School
• Labor Law Scholarship – Jamil AbuRoomi, Rutgers Law School – Newark
• Matthew E. Beck Criminal Law Scholarship – Alexis Matte, Rutgers Law School – Camden
• Scarinci Hollenbeck Scholarship – Isabel Ballester, Rutgers Law School – Camden
• Sonia Morgan Scholarship – Tyneisha Gibbs, Rutgers Law School – Newark
• Judge Lisa P. Thornton Scholarship – Mya Gartner
• The Justin P. Walder Scholarship – Louisa Bigham, Rutgers Law School – Newark
• Wallace Vail Scholarship – Esther Larios, Seton Hall Law School
• The Hon. Marie L. Garibaldi Scholarship
o Catalina Gaglioti, Rutgers Law School – Newark
o Chyanne Rhodes, Rutgers Law School – Camden
o Claudia Theagene, Seton Hall Law School
• New Jersey State Bar Foundation Scholarship
o Marques Bell, Rutgers Law School – Camden
o Lauren Dempsey, Rutgers Law School – Camden
o Delaney Hellman, Rutgers Law School – Newark
o Anna Lis, Seton Hall Law School
o Helen Morejon, Rutgers Law School – Newark
o Omar Serrano, Seton Hall Law School