Wilentz 1L Diversity/Summer Intern Program Expands to Welcome Six Law Students

In its second year, the Wilentz 1L Diversity/Summer Intern Program has doubled in size. The participants were recruited from Rutgers Law School in Newark, Seton Hall University School of Law, and Fordham University School of Law.

“Wilentz continues to strive to better serve the interests of our clients and advance diversity in the legal profession. The 10-week program is a pivotal immersive work experience for underrepresented law students, and expands our commitment to diversity and inclusion by providing future attorneys with opportunities and mentorship.” said Everett M. Johnson, Esq., who manages the 1L Diversity Summer Program, is a Wilentz shareholder, and Diversity Committee Co-Chair.

The summer program offers an opportunity for qualifying diverse law students, first-generation college graduates attending law school, and law students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to experience working at a major New Jersey law firm. As part of the program, each 1L student will work on a wide range of matters with lawyers at every level, and gain hands-on, real-world experience. With both shareholder and associate mentors, participants will have the guidance and support needed to learn and grow.

Tiani Boapeah completed her first year at Rutgers Law School in Newark, and is a graduate of Queens College of the City of New York with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. She is the recipient of a Rutgers Law Merit Scholarship, the Garden State Bar Association Scholarship, and Rizio Lipinsky Scholarship. She participates in several student organizations including Women’s Law Forum and serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs of the Association of Black Law Students. Her work experience includes serving as a teacher and teacher’s assistant for the NYC Department of Education.

Brandon Chesner completed his first year at Fordham University School of Law, and is a cum laude graduate of Rutgers University with dual Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science. He is a representative for the Entrepreneur Law Society and a member of the Fordham Business & Law Association. His work experience includes serving as an account executive for SHI International.

Joshua Halma completed his first year at Seton Hall University School of Law and is a cum laude graduate of Rutgers University with a Master of Science in Economics. He is a recipient of  SHU Law School’s Distinguished Scholarship, a selective merit-based award, and the Benattar Trial Advocacy Scholarship. He is a member of the Seton Hall Legislative Journal. Halma’s work experience includes serving as a judicial intern for the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part in Essex County.

Hannah Nagy completed her first year at Seton Hall University School of Law and is a magna cum laude graduate of Monmouth University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice. She is a recipient of the Matthew F. Hayes Memorial Scholarship, a merit-based award. She is the secretary to the Student Bar Association, a member of the Corporate Law Society and the Intellectual Property Society. Her work experience includes serving as a judicial intern to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Civil Division in Ocean County.

Alexandra Shapiro completed her first year at Seton Hall University School of Law, and is a magna cum laude graduate of The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She is a recipient of the Regent’s Scholarship, a merit-based award. She is a member of the Peter W. Rodino Society and a Student Board Association representative for the Federalist Society at Seton Hall. Shapiro’s work experience includes serving as a legal intern at Wilentz, and research assistant at The College of New Jersey.

Elizabeth Van Winkle completed her first year at Rutgers Law School in Newark, and is a graduate of the University of Delaware with dual Bachelor of Arts in Art Conservation and Chemistry. She is the recipient of a Rutgers Law Merit Scholarship. She is the elected president of the Environmental Law Society, a member of the Minority Student Program and the New Jersey State Bar Association. Her work experience includes serving as a surgical assistant to Vanguard Skin Specialists.