NYU Law-founded group wins major pro bono service award

Photo of Avni BhatiaThe NYU Law-founded Suspension Representation Project, which in May won a New York State Bar Association 2010 President’s Pro Bono Service Award, has garnered an additional accolade. Equal Justice Works, an organization that promotes and coordinates public-interest programs at law schools and in the legal profession, has awarded SRP its Exemplary Public Service Award for a Student Group. SRP was formed at the Law School in 2007, following a huge jump in the number of students suspended from New York City schools. It has since expanded to include chapters at Brooklyn Law School, CUNY School of Law, Fordham Law School, and Pace Law School. The organization trains law students to represent public-school students in suspension hearings and help safeguard their right to education. NYU Law grad Avni Bhatia ’10, who spent three years working with SRP, is now pursuing similar work at Advocates for Children of New York, where she is a Skadden Fellow.

The EJW says the award, to be presented at a ceremony in October in Washington D.C., is meant to “recognize the work of an individual student or student group that utilizes an innovative approach to meeting the needs of an underserved or marginalized person or community.” Says SRP Director Marne Lenox '11: "SRP is proud of and grateful for the recognition of its work. As the new school year begins, we look forward to continuing to advocate for students' right to public education in New York City."

Published August 27, 2010