Widener Law Commonwealth Announces 2024-25 Murphy Fellows
Widener University Commonwealth Law School has named Sahara Mtairi and Brent Finkbeiner as the 2024-25 Patrick J. Murphy Law and Government Fellows. Funded by Patrick J. Murphy ’99, a former under secretary of the U.S. Army and the first Iraq War veteran elected to the U.S. Congress, this prestigious fellowship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to public service.
For Mtairi, this marks her second consecutive year as a Murphy Fellow. “I am honored to be named as one of the Patrick J. Murphy Law and Government Fellows for the second year,” she said. “I can’t wait to continue the work I’ve been doing with the Law and Government Institute, especially as we are currently celebrating our 25th anniversary. The past year working as a fellow has brought me invaluable insight into the inner workings of law and government and has helped me to prepare for a future career in government work.”
The selection of Murphy Fellows is a competitive process, with candidates evaluated on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and demonstrated interest or experience in law and government. Each fellow receives a $1,250 grant per semester and engages in a variety of activities, including planning events for the Law and Government Institute, conducting legal research, and interacting with policymakers and alumni.
Finkbeiner joins Mtairi as a first-time recipient of the fellowship. His commitment to advancing legal and public policy issues is evident through his academic work and active engagement within the law school community.
“I am most looking forward to learning from Patrick Murphy's leadership and applying those lessons to the benefit of our community,” Finkbeiner said. “I will contribute to the Law and Government Institute by creating a greater sense of connection among students, practicing professionals, and community members. That sense of connection will be made greater through facilitating relevant events and by creating projects that promote awareness and present practical solutions to problems we currently face.”
A U.S. Army veteran, Finkbeiner’s military service as a combat medic, including a deployment to Iraq, played a significant role in his decision to pursue the fellowship.
“Knowing that Patrick Murphy was the first veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom elected to Congress and also served as undersecretary for the Army was a significant motivating factor,” he explained. “Through my time in the military, I came to realize that our government can only function properly if we as a society participate in it and work toward its improvement. The only way for me to achieve that goal is to learn from others who have done the work.”
“Sahara and Brent are exactly the young leaders already making a true difference in our legal profession and society,” said Murphy. “It’s truly an honor for Widener Commonwealth Law to get such high-caliber talent committed to making our community better.”
“I’m really delighted to congratulate Sahara and Brent on being selected as the Murphy Fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year,” said Dean andré douglas pond cummings. “Patrick Murphy's generosity provides opportunities for our students to receive funding to advance their careers in government and public service. Patrick Murphy's service as the undersecretary of the Army and as a Congressman has been exemplary and such a terrific example for our students as to the kinds of careers that are available for them in serving, particularly in government service.”
The Patrick J. Murphy Law and Government Fellowship offers students unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the intersection of law and public service. Murphy’s continued support has allowed the fellowship to thrive, encouraging students to pursue careers in law and government with a strong foundation in ethical leadership.
Murphy Fellows are integral to the mission of the Law and Government Institute, representing and promoting the institute’s values within the law school and beyond. As they prepare for the academic year ahead, both Mtairi and Finkbeiner will contribute to a range of special projects, fostering a deeper understanding of the legal landscape and its impact on public policy.
