Anderson & Kreiger has awarded a total of $100,000 to law school and college students who have demonstrated financial need and also identify as members of racial or ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Through these awards, Anderson & Kreiger intends to support law students who lack the financial capital to focus exclusively on schooling and whose financial situation may limit their range of legal career options, and to encourage college students to pursue legal careers. “It was an honor to be part of A&K’s selection committee for this prestigious fund. The inspiring recipients are the future leaders of Boston’s legal market and with this opportunity will be able to thrive in the years to come,” said Priya Lane, Director Lawyers for Civil Rights BizGrow and 2022 A&K Legal Diversity Fund selection committee member.
The 2022 recipients include:
Amanda Brea of Northeastern University School of Law received a $50,000 award. She said, “I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Anderson & Kreiger Diversity Fund Scholarship. It was truly a privilege to sit and be interviewed by a committee that is invested in expanding diversity in the legal profession. Thank you for seeing me and the impact that I will have on our expanding profession. This award has afforded me the opportunity to truly further commit myself exclusively to my studies without having to work multiple jobs. Anderson & Kreiger changed the trajectory of my life, not just my career. Coming from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background and identifying as an Afro-Dominican first-generation student, Anderson & Kreiger has presented me with an opportunity to pursue my greatness and demonstrate my full potential. As I complete my education at Northeastern School of Law and with the guidance and mentorship of Anderson & Kreiger, I know that I will be on the path to succeed in the legal field. “
In addition to Amanda, the five other law school finalists each received awards of $1,000:
Nine college students from the Greater Boston area received awards in the amount of $5,000 each:
“I am humbled and fortunate enough to be selected as one of the recipients of the Anderson & Kreiger Legal Diversity Fund! It amazes me how thoughtful and the degree of financial investment the firm takes to give underrepresented people like myself a chance to fund their legal journey every year. Thank you, Anderson & Kreiger, for investing your time, your resources, and believing in me! With your help, I can’t wait to see what my future legal career holds,” said Paul Semedo, one of this year’s college recipients.
Anderson & Kreiger wishes to thank the 2022 Selection Committee that included Joseph Kaigler, Associate Chief Counsel – Litigation, Massachusetts Port Authority; Priya Lane, Director Lawyers for Civil Rights BizGrow; and Keri Sweet Zavaglia, Vice President and US General Counsel at National Grid. These individuals and their organizations contributed significant time and support to the selection process.
Anderson & Kreiger also wishes to thank Baystate Financial for contributing financial advising services to support the law school award recipient.
Anderson & Kreiger LLP is committed to using the firm’s financial resources and social capital to promote racial and ethnic diversity in the Greater Boston legal community. As part of this commitment, we established the Anderson & Kreiger Legal Diversity Fund to directly invest in the future success of aspiring lawyers who demonstrate financial need and who identify as belonging to underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. In addition to providing financial support, the program also aims to address systematic weaknesses in connecting these students with other members of the legal community, potential employers, mentors, and clients, which is a strong predictor of success in the legal profession. For more information about the Anderson & Kreiger Legal Diversity Fund, please visit our website: https://andersonkreiger.com/about-ak/diversity-fund/.