PUBLISHED:October 27, 2016

Lucero JD/MPP ’17 receives NALP Pro Bono Publico Award

Gabs Lucero '17

Gabrielle “Gabs” Lucero ’17 has won the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Pro Bono Publico Award for her extensive pro bono work and service.

At Duke Law, Lucero is co-leader of both the Veterans Assistance Project and the Coalition Against Gendered Violence project. She also serves as cadet battalion commander for the Duke Army ROTC Blue Devil Eagle Battalion.

“I am deeply touched and extremely proud that people that have such an impact on our community thought that my work was worthy of recognition,” Lucero said. “The work for which I am being honored would not have been possible without my amazing co-leaders, Shannon Welch ’17 and Sarah Williamson ’17, as well as countless others who give to our community. They all inspire me and are equally deserving of recognition.”

Lucero was one of 10 finalists for the award, which recognizes dedication to public interest organizations and projects and the impact of that work on the community at large.

“Gabs came into law school with clear career goals and focus, and has helped build and support the public interest community at the Law School through involvement with the Government and Public Service Society (GPS), recruiting others to be involved in GPS and pro bono, repeatedly sitting on panels to advise other students, and taking time to consult with us on expansions to public interest and pro bono at Duke,” said Stella Boswell, assistant dean of public interest and career development, who nominated Lucero for the NALP award. “The depth of Gabs’ commitment to service is really outstanding.”

In addition to her work on these projects, Lucero volunteers regularly for the Durham Crisis Response Center and coaches a youth basketball team at the YMCA. She will graduate next May with a Master’s in Public Policy in addition to her JD, after which she plans to begin a career in the Army JAG Corps.