2021 UCI Law Leadership and Service Awards

These awards are created by students, and the recipients are nominated by and chosen by peer vote.

The following awards were presented at the UCI Law Pro Bono and Student Life Awards Ceremony on May 11, 2021.

Student Leader Awards

Awarded to one member of each class who stepped up as a leader in the UCI Law community; a person dedicated to the UCI Law mission and committed to living out that mission through his/her leadership on campus.

  • Class of 2023: LaBreonna Stori-Turner Bland
  • Class of 2022: Sydney Martin
  • Class of 2021: Tatum Wheeler
  • Class of 2021, LL.M.: Claire Menjivar

Community Bridge Builder Award

Awarded to one individual from the student body committed to serving the greater community, beyond the borders of UCI, who made a concerted effort to use his/her skills and talents to build community with our surrounding Orange County neighbors.

  • Jamison Whiting, Class of 2021

UCI Law Community Builder Award

Awarded to one individual from the student body committed to strengthening the community within UCI Law, who made a special effort to maintain the unique, collegial culture we are trying to foster within UCI Law.

  • Sydney Martin, Class of 2022

Trailblazer Awards

Awarded to one student from each class who has started organizations, pushed for progressive policies, or made a concerted effort to bring something new and exciting to our community.

  • Class of 2023: Elizabeth Duran
  • Class of 2022: Sydney Martin
  • Class of 2021: Kelsey Goldman

UCI Law Legacy Awards

Awarded to members of the Class of 2021 who have gone above and beyond in leaving a special legacy at our law school.

  • Sumouni Basu
  • Chris Lawrence
  • Tatum Wheeler
  • Jamison Whiting
  • Maggie Woodruff

Student Group Community Outreach Award

Awarded to the student group that has excelled at reaching out to the community beyond the borders of UCI.

  • First Generation Professionals

Student Group Enhancing Intellectual Community Award

Awarded to the student group that has used its programming to effectively enrich the intellectual community at UCI.

  • First Generation Professionals

Student Group Best Event or Project Award

Awarded to the student group deserving of an award for best event or project.

  • Mutual Aid, Organizing and the Law

Professor of the Year

Awarded to two professors for their outstanding work in teaching, as selected by their students. 

  • 1L: Professor Shauhin Talesh
  • Upper-level classes: Professor Swethaa S. Ballakrishnen

Staff Member of the Year

Awarded to a non-dean/non-director staff member in recognition of their work.

  • Support or Coordinator Role: Debi Gloria
  • Student Development Role: Queena Mewers

Administrator of the Year

Awarded to a dean or director in recognition of their work.

  • Dr. Jennah Jones