Three St. John’s Law Students Earn New York City Bar Diversity Fellowships

Three St. John’s Law 1Ls have been named New York City Bar Diversity Fellows for Summer 2018. Nicole Camacho Hernandez '20 will spend the summer at the international law firm Jones Day, Danika Johnson '20 will work for the Bank of New York Mellon, and Brendon Khan '20 will participate in the summer program at the New York County District Attorney’s Office. 
 
The Diversity Fellowship Program was launched in 1991 as an initiative of the New York City Bar Association Committee on Recruitment and Retention of Lawyers. Since its inception, hundreds of 1Ls from underrepresented populations have been selected to spend their summer as program fellows in a law firm, or in a corporate or government legal department.  
 
The St. John’s Law fellowship recipients went through a rigorous selection process that included a legal writing requirement, a personal statement, a screening committee interview, and a second interview by a panel of attorneys and school representatives. Assistant Director of Career Development Lalaine Mercado administered all aspects of the program and, along with Professor Jacob L. Todres, Assistant Dean of Students Kimathi Gordon-Somers, and Assistant Director of Career Development Melissa Kubit Angelides, advised students about the fellowship opportunity. 

“St. John’s students have been very successful in obtaining these competitive fellowships over the years,” says Jeanne Ardan, the Law School’s associate dean for career development and externships. “The practical experience they gain during the placements gives them a strong foundation for future employment. It’s a very exciting opportunity for Nicole, Danika, and Brendon, who are deserving of this honor.”