Hofstra Law Student Receives NYSBA’s Inaugural Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship
4.2.2022
The New York State Bar Association presented Sierra K. Sanchez with the inaugural Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship during its House of Delegates meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan.
Sanchez, a second-year law school student at Hofstra, has distinguished herself through impeccable scholarship and a commitment to advancing women of color in law. Sanchez ranks first in her class and has received many academic honors. She is a member of the Hofstra Law Review and is involved in the arts and ballet.
The $5,000 scholarship was presented by NYSBA’s Women in Law Section, Committee on Annual Awards, and Committee on Civil Rights. Created in 2020 after the death of Justice Ginsburg, the scholarship is designed to honor Justice Ginsburg’s principles while encouraging brilliant law students. The award honors a law student who, through written submission, research project, or an exemplary internship, externship, or pro bono service, honors Ginsburg’s legacy. The deans of New York’s 15 law schools submitted one student each for consideration.
NYSBA President T. Andrew Brown noted that he was particularly impressed by Sanchez’s co-founding of the Women of Color Collective at Hofstra Law, which seeks to create a supportive environment for women of color at the law school. Sanchez also described how she relied on dance and other creative endeavors to lift her spirits and to challenge preconceived notions about women of color.
“Ms. Sanchez embodies the change we need to see in the legal profession,” Brown said. “She fought against the odds to become a successful student at a well-respected law school, worked to make a place for others like her and academically outperformed her peers. I look forward to seeing Ms. Sanchez’s contribution to our profession.”
About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, the Association has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.
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Contact: David King
dking@nysba.org
518-487-5675
