The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that two students, Andrea Barba Sánchez and Alicia Scampoli, have been awarded the Justice Sondra M. Miller Scholarship by the Westchester Women’s Bar Association Foundation (WWBAF). The scholarship honors the legacy of the Honorable Sondra M. Miller, a founding member and past president of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association, whose lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and mentorship continues to inspire generations of legal professionals.

Susan Corcoran, President of the WWBAF, praised this year’s recipients, stating, “Both award recipients exhibit extraordinary dedication to community service and the study of law. They clearly fulfill the mission of the WWBAF—to promote the fair and equal treatment of all people in society, the workplace, schools, and court system.”

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Andrea Barba Sánchez has distinguished herself through exceptional academic achievement and an unwavering commitment to immigration advocacy. A magna cum laude graduate of Albion College, Andrea has earned a place on the Dean’s List every semester at Pace Haub Law, serves on the Pace Law Review, and was a First-Year Moot Court Finalist. Her accomplishments have been recognized through honors including the Pace Law Opportunitas Award, Pace Law Grant, NYS Wireless Association Award, and the NYC Bar Association Diversity Fellowship.

Beyond her academic success, Andrea has dedicated herself to helping individuals secure legal immigration status, including advocating for members of her own family. As a DOJ BIA Accredited Representative with Neighbors Link and Catholic Migration Services, she has provided critical immigration counseling and support. Her professional experience also includes serving as a summer associate at Troutman Pepper Locke LLP and as a judicial extern for the Honorable Nelson S. Román of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prior to law school, Andrea owned and operated a restaurant in Michigan.

“Award recipients like Andrea demonstrate the resilience, compassion, and determination that Justice Sondra Miller championed throughout her career,” said Corcoran. “Her commitment to serving immigrant communities while excelling academically is truly inspiring.”

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Fellow scholarship recipient Alicia Scampoli has likewise demonstrated remarkable academic excellence, leadership, and public service. Alicia graduated summa cum laude from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and served as the Case Note and Comment Editor for the Pace Law Review. She has been named to the Dean’s List every semester, was a Semi-Finalist in Advanced Appellate Advocacy, and is the recipient of both a Merit Scholarship and the Honorable James R. Caruso Scholarship Award.

Alicia’s extensive legal experience includes positions as a summer associate at Jackson Lewis PC, a summer intern with the Erie County Bar Association’s Volunteer Lawyer’s Project in the Family Law Unit, and an intern with the New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives. She has also served as a legal assistant with Robert C. Ulon, Esq., a judicial intern for the Honorable Andrew L. Carter, Jr. of the Southern District of New York, and as a research assistant to Professor Jessica Miles for four semesters.

“Alicia exemplifies the values of intellectual excellence, leadership, and service that are central to the mission of the WWBAF,” Corcoran added. “Her dedication to advancing justice through both scholarship and community engagement makes her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”

The WWBAF awards the Justice Sondra M. Miller Scholarship to law students who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, academic achievement, and advancing fairness and equality within the legal profession and society. Applicants are evaluated on a range of factors, including community service, participation in clinics and internships, work history, financial need, personal challenges, and their potential to contribute meaningfully to Westchester County and the legal profession.

Justice Sondra M. Miller, who passed away in 2024, served as an Associate Justice of the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department, and was a founding member and past president of the Westchester Women’s Bar Association. After retiring from the bench, she remained deeply engaged in legal education and advocacy as a distinguished judge-in-residence at Haub Law and through her work promoting No Fault Divorce and Maintenance Guidelines legislation. Her legacy continues through the ongoing work of the WWBAF and leaders such as former WWBA President Dolores Gebhardt, who continues advocating for mandatory parental education in contested custody cases.