This year’s class of 21 Fordham Law Stein Scholars includes students pursuing public interest law in areas that range from labor justice to education and housing equity, among other issues, all embodying the Law School’s motto of working “In the service of others.”
The multifaceted, student-driven program trains students for public interest careers while building a diverse community of social justice advocates at Fordham Law and beyond. Stein Scholars receive mentorship and guidance from faculty and alumni throughout their law school journey, complete academic coursework, and obtain hands-on experience that prepares them to practice as public interest lawyers.
“I am honored to be selected as a Stein Scholar,” said Christian Veliz ’28, an evening student in the program. He enrolled at Fordham Law after working as an educator for a number of years, including serving as the dean of students at KIPP Infinity Middle School in Harlem. “My experience as an educator deepened my understanding of systemic inequities and strengthened my resolve to pursue legal solutions that drive meaningful change,” said Veliz.
As a Stein Scholar, Veliz said he hopes to use his background working in schools to help remove barriers faced by underrepresented people when it comes to accessing education, as well as immigration rights. “During my entire life, I’ve witnessed people working to better themselves through hard work, lay down roots for their families, and contribute to a brighter America, all while living in the shadows,” he said. “I am excited to join a community of students committed to advancing equity and justice across various sectors as well as engaging in experiential learning opportunities through the Stein Scholars program,” he added.
In addition to the coursework and hands-on experience, new Stein Scholars are mentored by upperclass Stein Scholars and engage in student-led discussions. “It takes a village to do this important work, and the Stein Scholars Program provides the community and support needed for public interest-minded students to thrive in their careers,” said Angela DeVolld, director of public interest scholars and fellowships at the Public Interest Resource Center.
Another student in the program, Ree Ree Li ’27, also made a career pivot before coming to Fordham Law, having worked in tech for nearly a decade, including at Google where she started the company’s Civil Rights Law Group. After working and living in San Francisco, Li said she witnessed “systemic disparities” that made her interested in pursuing social justice solutions.
“It felt dystopian living in a city where, one street over from a fancy coffee shop, people were living in encampments,” said Li. “I hope to address housing issues on a direct services level, advocating for clients facing eviction, and hopefully develop enough expertise to have a larger-scale impact through policy changes.”
Drawing on her tech background, Li is also interested in issues related to AI regulation. “From my work at an AI startup, I saw the potential for AI to be misused especially in ways that increase harm to marginalized communities, such as surveillance technology in policing,” she said, adding, “my goal is to ensure AI is developed and used in a manner beneficial to all communities.”
By the end of their time in the Stein Scholars program, students will develop a firm grounding in legal ethics and social justice advocacy, and will have access to a wide network of opportunities in the public interest law sphere, no matter where their interests take them.
“From their first year in law school to their last, each Stein Scholar has a dedicated space to share their passion for social justice, learn from and inspire each other, and prioritize experiential learning in the practice areas of their choice,” said DeVolld. “We are excited to see all that they will accomplish, both here at Fordham and beyond.”