2025 News UMass Law News 2025: Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation donates $10,000 to UMass Law's Justice Bridge program

Gift honors Lou Ricciardi's service and supports access to justice for underserved communities

The Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation has donated $10,000 to UMass Dartmouth's School of Law's (UMass Law's) Justice Bridge Program in honor of Lou Ricciardi, President and CEO of Bristol Wealth Group and member of the UMass Law Dean's Advisory Board.

In recognition of Ricciardi's years of dedicated service to the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, the Foundation invited him to select a charity of his choice to receive the $10,000 donation and he chose Justice Bridge, a post-graduate incubator that pairs recent UMass Law graduates with clients of modest means who need access to affordable legal representation.

"The Justice Bridge program is an innovative and vital resource, connecting UMass Law graduates with neighbors who would not otherwise qualify for civil legal assistance, and doing so with meaningful, measurable impact. It is also a privilege to support the leadership and momentum that Dean Panarella has brought to the law school."

"Thank you to the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation for generously recognizing my 28 years of volunteer board service and giving me the opportunity to support a program I truly believe in," said Ricciardi. "The Justice Bridge program is an innovative and vital resource, connecting UMass Law graduates with neighbors who would not otherwise qualify for civil legal assistance, and doing so with meaningful, measurable impact. It is also a privilege to support the leadership and momentum that Dean Panarella has brought to the law school."

Ricciardi and representatives visited UMass Law on Friday, August 22, to present the $10,000 check to UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella and two Justice Bridge participants, Rebecca Wood and Chelsee Rennie. Panarella expressed gratitude for the contribution and for Ricciardi's ongoing commitment to the school.

"This generous gift from the Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation, and Lou's decision to direct it to Justice Bridge, provides greater access to justice for individuals throughout the Commonwealth," Panarella said. "It strengthens our ability to give law students hands-on experience representing clients while fulfilling our public service mission. We are fortunate to have Lou as an advocate, mentor, and friend to UMass Law."

As a member of the Dean's Advisory Board, Ricciardi plays a vital role in advancing UMass Law's mission by providing strategic guidance, fostering community partnerships, and supporting initiatives like Justice Bridge.

Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation donates $10,000 to UMass Law's Justice Bridge program

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