James E. Sperling Memorial Scholarship Awarded to UNM Law Student
The University of New Mexico School of Law recently held its annual Scholarship Luncheon, during which donors met the recipients whose educations they have supported. This year’s James E. Sperling Memorial Scholarship was awarded to third year law student M. Justin Niska. The scholarship, established by Modrall Sperling in 1992, honors the memory of Jim Sperling, who, after serving in World War II, became the first associate hired at the firm that today bears his name.
Mr. Sperling was a dynamic force in the New Mexico legal community. As one of the first attorneys to work on projects relating to the San Juan Basin, his oil and gas practice evolved into what is today Modrall Sperling’s Natural Resources and Environment Department – encompassing energy, mining, water, environmental, and Native American law.
M. Justin Niska is currently a member of the UNM School of Law Natural Resources and Environmental Law Clinic, where he works with Pueblos around New Mexico in protecting their rights. Justin is a first generation college graduate, and is the first person in his family to attend law school.
Modrall Sperling Vice President Stuart Butzier and M. Justin Niska
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