The endowed scholarship committee has awarded Rudman Scholars scholarships to Daniel Devisate Lopes ‘25 and Lexi Turner ‘26. They will receive up to $5,000 in tuition discounts for both their 2L and 3L years.
“We at the Rudman Center are so happy to award Daniel and Lexi these scholarships,” said Laura Knoy, the Rudman Center's Community Engagement Director. “Already, they’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to public service; and the committee was extremely impressed by the desire expressed on their applications to continue that work. I should add that awarding the Rudman Scholars Scholarship was a hard decision this year. All the applicants were excellent and the committee very much hopes that they all continue to pursue public service studies and careers.”
Daniel Devisate Lopes '25
In his Rudman Scholars application, Daniel described public service as a “cornerstone” of his academic and professional journeys. In his home country of Brazil, he advocated for marginalized communities. An internship at the Federal Public Defenders' Office “allowed me to provide legal assistance to low-income clients, ensuring their civil rights were respected and providing access to justice to people with the most basic needs in cases involving housing, health, and education
This summer, Daniel has been working as a volunteer intern at the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office, where he hopes to gain a new perspective on the U.S. legal system and “contribute to the impactful work being done at the N.H. Department of Justice.”
Lexi Turner '26
Lexi Turner knows from firsthand experience what it’s like to seek equal treatment. “As a disabled, queer woman I have had to advocate for my needs throughout my life, and I want to spend my career helping others do the same. I am dedicated to public service and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Lexi said in her Rudman Scholars application.
During the Educators Rising national conference in Dallas, TX, Lexi led a workshop for future teachers on how to overcome barriers in the classroom, discussing accommodations for disabilities, English language learners, low-income students, and more. “While at UNH, I have been outspoken about the need for better accessibility,” she said. “I am currently the 1L representative for the Diversity Coalition, and we are trying to put more of a focus on disabilities and accessibility. I will be running for President for the coming year.”
This summer Lexi is interning at the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire. She said her ultimate goal is to work at the Disability Rights Center, “or a similar nonprofit aimed at promoting equity for disabled people.”
Rudman Scholars scholarships are renewable and are awarded to two members of the 2L class who demonstrate, and attest to, an intention to work for a government agency or non-profit that serves vulnerable or underserved populations after their graduation. Recipients also agree to serve as ambassadors for, and to support the work of, the Rudman Center. This support can include helping with program publicity and initiatives, attending receptions, and working to increase the Center’s positive impact on the school and community.
The Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership & Public Service at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law serves as a hub for public discourse on the policies and current events that shape our society. It provides programmatic and financial support for students interested in exploring careers in public service while supporting public programming and academic inquiry that align with its mission. The Center honors former U.S. Senator Warren B. Rudman, also the state’s attorney general, who was widely admired for his integrity and willingness to work with politicians across the aisle to advance the public interest.
