Since its founding in 1887, Cornell Law School has fostered a commitment to public service.  Scores of Cornell Law graduates have emerged as leaders in social justice movements, legal aid, the judiciary, government practice, and a host of other meaningful non-for-profit organizations. At the Law School’s 21st Annual Exemplary Alumni Public Service Awards Celebration, alumni, students, guests, and members of the Cornell Law community gathered in New York City to celebrate the enduring role of public service in the legal profession. Hosted at the New York City Bar Association on February 26, 2026, the event highlighted the Law School’s longstanding commitment to advancing justice, expanding access to legal representation, and preparing lawyers dedicated to serving the public good, and celebrated the graduates who are making it all happen.

Adrienne Larimer, director of Public Interest at Cornell Law School, works to promote a strong culture of service by encouraging student engagement in public interest law, aiming to expand access to funding opportunities such as grants and fellowships, and strengthening career pathways in the field. For the evening’s event, however, she took on a different role—serving as the program’s master of ceremonies. In her welcome remarks, she gave special recognition to the night’s honorees, praising “the alumni and students who have chosen work that protects people, strengthens communities, and acknowledges the real challenges ahead of us in continuing to do this work.”

Following Larimer’s remarks, Jens David Ohlin, the Allan R. Tessler Dean and Professor of Law, emphasized that the evening recognized more than individual achievements—it celebrated a fundamental principle of democracy. “The rule of law depends on meaningful access to legal representation,” he said, noting that a healthy democracy relies on a legal system where all individuals, regardless of resources or status, have the ability to assert their rights and be heard.

He also raised the vision of Ezra Cornell, who founded Cornell University with the goal of doing “the greatest good.” That guiding principle, he noted, continues to shape the Law School’s mission, with students and faculty advancing justice through clinics and pro bono programs that help defend constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law.

Kristen Stanley ’07, chair of the Public Service Committee, reflected on her own experience representing people sentenced to death. Stanley noted that public service law requires more than technical skill. “Those of us who choose to work in public service . . . know that it is as much a practice of love as it is a practice of law,” she said, emphasizing that the work demands hope, faith in people, and the courage to stand alongside marginalized communities—even when doing so means standing up to power.

Throughout the evening, the room was filled with energy as each award recipient shared their own words of hope, faith, and courage. Whether guiding individuals through the often-complicated legal process, helping them understand their rights, removing legal barriers to employment and housing, investigating misconduct and corruption affecting underrepresented communities, or working to mitigate the impacts of climate change and advance environmental justice, these exemplary graduates are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.

Akua Akyea, associate dean for Career Services, closed the formal portion of the program noting that this evening is one of the highlights of the year for the Law School. She went on to say “rain does not fall on one roof alone, and tonight we’ve seen how the work done by alumni and students touches everyone and impacts individuals we don’t know and have not met. I look forward to continuing to hear about the amazing work you are accomplishing.”

Following are the 2026 Exemplary Public Service Awards recipients:

• Patrice M. Arent ’81, Utah State Representative and State Senator (Retired)
• Ina Kristine Bergstrom ’04, Executive Director, Neighborhood Legal Services
• Ryan J. Hayward ’04, Chief of Staff, New York State Inspector General
• Charlotte Ruzzica de La Chaussée, LL.M. ’17, International Lawyer, Adviser, Secretariat Working Group Member, Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law
• Brian G. Smith ’78, Managing Attorney (Retired), Community Health Law Project, New Jersey

Rising Star Award:

• Emily Szopinski ’20, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Federal Public Defender of the Southern District of West Virginia

Pro Bono Award:

• Brandon D. Hastings, LL.M. Tech ’24, Partner, Northpoint Legal

The Barry Strom Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award:

• Laura L. Rovner ’93, Professor of Law and Founding Director of the Civil Rights Clinic, University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Student Awards:

The Freeman Award for Civil-Human Rights was established from the estate of Professor Emeritus Harrop A. Freeman, J.D. 1930, J.S.D. 1945.  A cash prize is awarded to the law student or students who have made the greatest contribution during their law school career to civil-human rights.

• Aziz Ali ’26
• Jasmine Crain ’26
• Paige Osgood ’26
• Walter Rubio ’26

The Stanley E. Gould Prize for Public Interest Law was established by Stanley E. Gould, J.D. 1954. A cash prize is awarded each year to a third-year student or students who have shown outstanding dedication to serving public-interest law and public-interest groups.

• Melissa Fergusson ’26
• Angelina Leach ’26
• Jeena Patel ’26
• Leah Peretsky ’26

The Seymour Herzog Memorial Prize was endowed in honor of the late Seymour Herzog, LL.B. 1936. A cash prize is awarded each year to a student or students who demonstrate excellence in the law and commitment to public-interest law, combined with a love of sports.

• Sofía Cuevas Dorador ’26
• Avery Newcom ’26
• Carrie O’Malley ’26