UMass Law student Komal Pandit named Newman Civic Fellow

Pandit recognized for commitment to community engagement and public service

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School of Law (UMass Law) student Komal Pandit '28 has been named a 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, recognizing her commitment to community engagement and potential as a civic leader.

A first-generation law student and daughter of immigrants, Pandit has focused much of her community engagement and advocacy on issues affecting immigrant communities, housing justice, and survivors of domestic violence.

"Being a first-generation law student and the daughter of immigrants has shaped the way I see the law and the communities it serves," said Pandit. "I have seen firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to build a life for our family while remaining deeply connected to and invested in their community."

At UMass Law, Pandit serves as president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and Business Law Society and as a 2L senator in the Student Bar Association. She also works in the law library. During her first year, she helped organize a campus-wide panel on immigration enforcement that her peers later recognized as the year's top educational program and best student organization event at the annual Barristers' Ball.

Pandit has also gained professional experience with the Massachusetts Office of the Governor and Community Legal Aid, with work focused on housing justice, support for survivors of domestic violence, and policy research.

"Komal's commitment to serving others and using her legal education to strengthen communities exemplifies the kind of student leadership we value at UMass Law," said UMass Law Dean Eric Mitnick. "Her recognition as a Newman Civic Fellow is well deserved, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to grow as a leader and future lawyer."

"I am still discovering exactly what kind of lawyer I want to become, and I think that is part of what makes law school so meaningful," Pandit said. "What I do know is that I want my work to be grounded in service and empathy, and I hope to use my legal education to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve."

"I am still discovering exactly what kind of lawyer I want to become, and I think that is part of what makes law school so meaningful. What I do know is that I want my work to be grounded in service and empathy, and I hope to use my legal education to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve."

A family tradition of service

For Pandit, community engagement began long before law school. Growing up, she watched her parents regularly volunteer in their community through food and clothing drives, donations, and other service efforts.

Her father volunteered on Sundays at Shishu Bharati, a school that teaches Indian American children about Indian culture and languages, and he now serves as its principal. Her mother taught Gujarati there for 10 years, and Pandit later volunteered at the school throughout high school. As an undergraduate, Pandit continued that work as vice president of philanthropy for her sorority, leading community engagement, fundraising, and service initiatives.

"Their example showed me that community engagement is not simply something you do when you have extra time; it is a responsibility and a way of building a stronger community for those who come after you," Pandit said. "My love for community engagement and public service grew from the foundation they provided me with."

Building skills for civic leadership

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program offered by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities focused on the public purposes of higher education. Each participating institution may nominate one student who demonstrates leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

Through the fellowship, Pandit will participate in learning, professional development, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen her skills as a civic leader. Fellows also participate in an annual three-day convening and can pursue opportunities including funding for community projects, scholarships, and postgraduate opportunities.

"I hope to take from the Newman Civic Fellowship a deeper understanding of how to turn that commitment into sustainable, meaningful change," Pandit said. "I am excited to learn from other student leaders, build relationships across communities, and develop new tools for addressing the systemic issues that I care about."