2018 LGBTQ Scholarship Winner Announced

2018 LGBTQ Scholarship Awarded to Second Year Rutgers Law Student Derek Demeri

Lyndhurst, NJ – June 21, 2018 – Scarinci Hollenbeck is pleased to announce that Derek Demeri is the 2018 recipient of its statewide LGBTQ scholarship. Sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, the LGBTQ scholarship program serves to encourage and promote diversity in the legal profession and to advance the legal studies of those interested in the New Jersey LGBTQ issues. This opportunity is made available to law students committed to promoting equal status for LGBTQ studies, irrespective of whether they are members of the LGBTQ community. The Bar Foundation’s Scholarship Committee convenes each year in early May to consider the applications submitted and to select a recipient.

“I’m proud to continue the long line of advocacy that has allowed me to thrive as a queer-identified man. Despite the incredible social progress that has occurred over the past few years, there are still a number of pressing issues facing the LGBTQ community. I’m thrilled because scholarships such as this allow me the opportunity to focus on developing the skills necessary to take on these issues once I graduate,” stated Mr. Demeri.

Mr. Demeri earned his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, summa cum laude, with a major in Political Science. During this period, he was involved in numerous activities centered around various social issues and causes. Such activities included serving as Advisory Committee Chair for the New Jersey Red Umbrella Alliance, serving as a Boycott Organizer for Local 54, UNITE HERE!, serving as a Chapter Coordinator and Board Member for the Sex Workers Outreach Project and serving as Project Leader for the Center for the Study of Genocide & Human Rights. Additionally, Mr. Demeri has authored many publications and has spoken on various panels centered around similar issues.

About the Scarinci Hollenbeck LGBTQ Scholarship

The Scarinci Hollenbeck LGBTQ Scholarship is among the first dedicated to the advancement of LGBTQ legal issues within New Jersey. It is awarded to law students who share in and demonstrate Scarinci Hollenbeck’s profound dedication to and support of LGBTQ issues. Scarinci Hollenbeck has always been a place of inclusion for LGBTQ attorneys and staff, and many of its attorneys have worked on important LGBTQ pro bono issues, including marriage equality.

“Over the years, it has been a pleasure to partner with the New Jersey State Bar Foundation to present this scholarship, which benefits some of the most driven and talented individuals who seek to improve the world around them,” said Donald Scarinci, managing partner.

For interested students, applications can be found at the beginning of each second semester in the financial aid office at any New Jersey law school, or by visiting the New Jersey Bar Association website.