BSP Creates Joel Stern Scholarship Fund
From March 2014 to February 2021, Joel Stern served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). Founded in 2001, NAMWOLF, is a nonprofit trade association comprised of over 195 minority and women owned law firms in 42 states. NAMWOLF’s mission is to promote diversity in the legal profession by fostering successful relationships among preeminent minority and women owned law firms and private/public entities. Prior to his position at NAMWOLF, Joel spent more than 25 years as in-house counsel for major companies. Throughout his career, Joel created and led award-winning diversity and inclusion legal programs and was a trusted advisor and executive coach to both businesses and legal executives.
Joel Stern is an individual who exemplifies courage in both his work and professional life. In November of 2020, Joel was diagnosed with Stage IV Renal Cell Carcinoma. Even so, he continues his dedicated work and support of charitable and DE&I-related initiatives. Joel Stern says, “With my cancer diagnosis, nothing changes, except I have more obstacles I am confronted with now.”
In recognition of Joel’s passion and leadership in the effort to create and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, the Joel Stern Scholarship seeks to provide financial support to students from diverse backgrounds who contribute to the diversity of their law school student body as they pursue their legal career.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Joel Stern Scholarship, you must fit the below criteria:
- Current law student (1L, 2L, or 3L) enrolled and in good standing at a law school
- Like Joel Stern, demonstrates extraordinary commitment and dedication to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through volunteer work, charity, mentorship, etc.
- Candidate must come from a historically underrepresented background
In addition to qualifying for the above criteria, applicants must submit three short essays.
To apply for the Joel Stern scholarship, please complete this form by February 11, 2022.