<p>Seven Widener Law Commonwealth Alumni have been selected by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) as members of the 2020-21&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pabar.org/site/For-Lawyers/Bar-Leadership-Institute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bar Leadership Institute</a>&nbsp;(BLI) class. The announcement was made by the association&rsquo;s president, David E. Schwager on Thursday, June 11.</p>
<p>The BLI serves as platform for the PBA to recruit and cultivate future leaders of the organization.</p>
<p>Alumni named to the class include: Cayla Amsley-Mummert &rsquo;13, Anthony Cox &lsquo;17, Nicholas Dalessio &lsquo;16, Kimberly Meyer &lsquo;18, Cheri Sparacino &lsquo;18, Ryan Sypniewski &lsquo;19, and Roberto Ugarte &lsquo;18. Widener&rsquo;s group of graduates makes up one-third of the association&rsquo;s incoming class.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The law school is proud to have so many of our outstanding young alumni included in this year&rsquo;s BLI class. These alumni are some of our best and brightest. Previous alumni who have participated in this program have gone on to become section and committee leaders of the PBA and leaders of the legal profession generally. I have no doubt that these young alumni will do the same&rdquo; said Interim Dean Designate Michael Hussey.</p>
<p>Institute participants will learn about the day-to-day operations, governance, resources and staffing of the association. Additionally, they will be provided with leadership opportunities and paired with mentors who will aid in their development.</p>
<p>In order to be considered for the institute, candidates had to demonstrate leadership ability, commit to attendance and participation in the required events, be currently licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, be a PBA member, and be age 40 years or younger or have practiced five years or less.</p>
<p>The PBA plays an active role in legislative affairs and law reform. The association also assists its 23,000 lawyer members by providing information and necessary tools to support their practices.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.pabar.org/site/News-and-Publications/News/News-Releases/2020/June/2020-21-BLI-Class" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View the full list of the 2020-21 class as well as the official release.</a></p>