2024 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 (PDF) on April 18, 2024.

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 2026: Myles Maxie
  • Class of 2025: Carolina Garcia
  • Class of 2024: Jared Gheen
  • Class of 2024, LL.M.: Yurii Zinchenko
  • Class of 2024, Grad Tax: Andreanna Kalasountas

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.

  • Ce-Lai Fong, Class of 2024

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.

  • Omar Rizk, Class of 2024

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 2026: Ahmad Shanaa
  • Class of 2025: Rachel Castillo
  • Class of 2024: Ce-Lai Fong
  • Class of 2024, LL.M.: Yurii Zinchenko
  • Class of 2024, Grad Tax: Andreanna Kalasountas

UCI Law Legacy Awards

Awarded to members of the Class of 2024 who have gone above and beyond in leaving a special legacy at our law school.

  • Ce-Lai Fong
  • Kanomé Jones
  • Grace Palcic
  • Brenda Rosas
  • Madelyn Sickle

Student Group Community Outreach Award

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

  • Public Interest Law Fund (PILF)

Student Group Enhancing Intellectual Community Award

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

  • Law Students for Justice in Palestine (LSJP)

Student Group Best Event or Project Award

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

  • Public Interest Law Fund (PILF)

Faculty of the Year

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

  • Professor Christopher Leslie
  • Professor Katie Tinto

Staff Member of the Year

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

  • Support or Coordinator Role: Alexis Mondares
  • Student Development Role: Vanessa Martinez

Jordin Wilcher Award for Department of the Year

Awarded to a department or team in recognition of their work.

  • The Law Library

Administrator of the Year

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

  • Dean Austen Parrish