The Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award in Professionalism and Legal Ethics and the Salazar Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement Awarded to Third-Year School of Law Students
October 31, 2024
The School of Law is excited to announce two outstanding student achievements. Damon Nieto has been awarded the 2024 Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award, and Rebecca Myers has received the 2024 Salazar Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
The Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award is awarded annually to a School of Law student entering the final year of law school who demonstrates excellence in professionalism and legal ethics. The Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award was established in 2014 by Richard C. Minzner, Of Counsel at the Rodey Law Firm, in honor of Pamela Burgy Minzner, the first female Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court. “Receiving the Justice Pamela Burgy Minzner Award in Professionalism and Legal Ethics has been one of my greatest accomplishments in law school. It is truly a privilege and an honor to be recognized in such a meaningful way. I wish I had the pleasure of meeting Justice Minzner, as I have heard nothing but the most admirable things about her. Based on what I have heard and read about Justice Minzner, she exemplifies traits that I hold near and dear to my heart: respect, grace, integrity, and, most importantly, humility. I hope to follow in Justice Minzner’s footsteps and inspire others in the way she has inspired so many, including myself. I look forward to carrying this honor with pride as I work toward making a positive impact in the legal field in New Mexico,” said Nieto.
The Salazar Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement is awarded each year to the School of Law student with the highest cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of the second year of law school. The Salazar Prize was established in 2013 by John P. Salazar, an attorney with the Rodey Law Firm, and his wife, Terri. The prize was created in memory of Salazar’s late uncle, Tibo J. Chavez, who inspired lives of service and excellence in the law. “I’m so grateful to Mr. Salazar and his family for their support of the law school. I’m honored to have received the Salazar Prize and to be associated with Tibo Chavez’s reputation for hard work and dedication to New Mexico. I’d like to acknowledge that my success is only possible because of the support of my family, and the staff and faculty of the School of Law,” said Myers.
Congratulations to both Damon and Rebecca on these well-deserved honors. The School of Law would also like to thank John Salazar and Dick Minzner for their generosity and continued support of our law students.
