Claudia Fendian Wins First MDL Educational Scholarship

Christopher DiGirolamo presents Claudian Fendian with first MDL Scholarship for NJ High School Seniors

The law firm of Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi has awarded the first annual MDL Educational Scholarship to Claudia Fendian.

Out of a pool of highly qualified applicants, Fendian stood out for her outstanding academic performance and her desire to pursue the law. Fendian graduated from Park Ridge High School, which is ranked in the top 15 of public high schools in New Jersey, and she earned the title of valedictorian.

In her essay, Fendian recalled her time working in her aunt’s law offices and how it deepened her interest in the law. Later on in high school, she found herself drawn to landmark cases like Marbury v. Madison, Dred Scott v. Sandford, and Plessy v. Ferguson. But it wasn’t until the People to People leadership summit at the University of Chicago that she realized her serious interest in business and corporate law.

“I am excited to make my contribution to my community and to the world,” Fendian wrote. “Countless individuals are wrongfully accused or unjustly pardoned in trials every year; as a lawyer, I intend to make it my personal goal to defend the righteous and seek justice for all. I am exhilarated by the idea of winning a case.”

Fendian plans to attend Northwestern in the fall, where she will use the $500 scholarship to offset some of the costs of higher education.

“It has always been a goal of the firm to invest in our community and in the development of a deeper understanding of the law,” Michael Maggiano said. “We have been doing both for many years separately, but this is the first time we have been able to marry both objectives into one goal. This scholarship allows us to help support the development of the future legal minds of New Jersey.”

The MDL Education Scholarship Fund was established by Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi to support the development of the future legal minds of New Jersey. The fund is designed to facilitate access to higher learning for those beginning the worthwhile journey toward a law degree. The scholarship is fueled by three passions: love of the law, dedication to education, and support for the community.

The entries were judged by academic achievement, test scores, curricular and extracurricular activities, and a submitted essay.

The application is now open for the 2015 MDL Educational Scholarship. College-bound seniors who are currently enrolled in a New Jersey high school and plan to pursue a law degree are invited to apply. Winners will be awarded $500 and will be announced on or around May 31, 2015.