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UMass Law receives Massachusetts Bar Association's Public Service Award

UMass Law received the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Public Service Award at the MBA’s House of Delegates meeting on May 18.

Dean Eric Mitnick accepting the Massachusetts Bar Association Public Service Award on behalf of UMass Law.

Left to right: Dean Eric Mitnick, MBA President Jeffrey Catalano, Shayla Mombeleur, JD ’17

UMass Law received the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Public Service Award at the MBA’s House of Delegates meeting on May 18.

Given in recognition of significant contributions to the preservation of MBA values, the award was presented to the law school for its commitment to providing an excellent, affordable, and accessible legal education.

“UMass Law, through its diverse student population and the Justice Bridge program and other public service projects, is a shining example of an institution committed to these values,” said MBA President Jeffrey Catalano. “The progress the school has made in its young history is truly impressive.”

Dean Eric Mitnick accepted the award on behalf of UMass Law.

“Our core commitment at UMass Law is to expand access to justice and to offer the highest quality legal education,” he said. “We are honored that UMass Law has been recognized by the Mass. Bar Association, which has made the pursuit of justice its mission for more than a century.”

Our core commitment at UMass Law is to expand access to justice and to offer the highest quality legal education.
Dean Eric Mitnick

Shayla Mombeleur, JD '17 speaking at the MBA's House of Delegates meeting.

Earlier this year, the MBA awarded Shayla Mombeleur, JD ’17 the 2017 Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholarship. She received the $10,000 award for her commitment to providing legal assistance to underrepresented individuals and communities upon graduating.

Shayla spoke at the meeting, noting how her experience at UMass Law shaped her.

“UMass Law is committed to teaching the importance of serving vulnerable populations. Students are guided to become leaders and advocates.” she said. “UMass Law’s understanding and appreciation of the responsibility that comes with being an advocate drives students to improve the lives of others by providing outstanding, compassionate legal services.”

UMass Law’s impact on the community is evident with this year’s graduating class. The Class of 2017 contributed more than 7,000 hours of pro bono legal services while attending UMass Law.