Hofstra Law Opens Mendel Center for Public Justice
The new center provides financial support and career resources for students pursuing public service legal careers.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University has officially opened the Mendel Center for Public Justice. The facility was established following a $10 million gift from alumni Emily and Stephen Mendel.
Why it matters
The donation addresses the financial obstacles often faced by law graduates pursuing public service careers. It provides necessary resources to ensure students can choose impactful roles in government and legal services.
The Mendel Center for Public Justice was funded by a $10 million donation from 1977 law school graduates Emily and Stephen Mendel. The center will provide various scholarships, fellowships, and stipends for public service work.
The players
Emily and Stephen Mendel
The donors are 1977 graduates of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University who provided the $10 million gift for the center.
Jennifer Gundlach
She serves as the executive director of the center and holds the Emily and Stephen Mendel Distinguished Professorship.
The details
The center offers comprehensive support including academic advising, career guidance, and mentorship programs involving alumni and practitioners. It will also develop new pro bono initiatives in partnership with various legal service organizations and government agencies.
Timeline
Emily and Stephen Mendel graduated from Hofstra Law in 1977.
The Mendel Center for Public Justice opened in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The center provides private funding to mirror the goals of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program by lowering financial barriers for public interest lawyers. This initiative marks a shift toward private endowment of public interest work to supplement existing federal support systems.
Students attending the law school gain access to new fellowships, stipends, and internship funding starting this academic year. Aspiring lawyers in the area can also expect expanded networking opportunities through the center’s new professional mentorship programs.
The takeaway
The establishment of this center highlights the growing importance of private alumni contributions in shaping legal education and career paths. Students interested in public service should prioritize early engagement with institutional career centers to maximize their access to these newly funded resources.
Further reading
For more information on similar support programs, visit the Scholarships page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Long Island Business News.
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