BYU Law student Shaunte Ruiz was awarded the Shawn Bentley Public Service Award at luncheon put on by the J. Reuben Clark Law Society DC/Mid-Atlantic Chapter. The award is in recognition of Ruiz’s dedication to public interest work, including a summer position with the Center for Children’s Law and Policy in Washington, D.C.
“The value of the award immeasurable to me,” Ruiz said. “The monetary amount is helping me work in D.C. for the summer; but the fact that I am representing such an accomplished and wonderful man, Shawn Bentley, is very humbling. I met his family and felt the love that they have for him. He was a great man who accomplished a lot of good in this world.”
Learning more about Bentley and meeting his family provided Ruiz with inspiration she plans to use throughout her career.
“The Shawn Bentley Public Service Award further drives my passion to be a force for positive change in this world.” she said.
In addition to her internship with the Center for Children’s Law and Policy, Ruiz will attend the national American Constitutional Society Conference along with additional conferences focused on juvenile justice.
The Shawn Bentley Public Service Award provides stipends to law student recipients who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and a willingness to explore legal public service opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area. It is sponsored by 12 firms and private donors and is managed by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.