News

Liani Balasuriya (JD '17) Honored by Ms. JD

March 03, 2017

Liani Balasuriya, JD Student
Liani Balasuriya (JD '17)

Liani Balasuriya (JD '17) was recently awarded the "Student of Inspiration" award by Ms. JD, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the success of aspiring and early career women lawyers. The “Student of Inspiration” award recognizes a male or female law student who inspires others through their commitment and passion to their legal studies, extracurricular activities or to a particular cause.

The Women’s Leadership Coalition (WLC) at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law nominated Balasuriya in recognition of her dedication and time to the WLC and the Law School as a whole. Balasuriya is a past president of the WLC, one of the school's largest organizations. The WLC serves to advance the professional development of female students through a variety of programs, mentorship activities, and events. Under her leadership, the organization continued to grow and included new efforts reaching out to male allies and female faculty. 

Balasuriya continues to play an active role on campus. She is a Student Officer of the Diversity Education & Outreach Office, member of Law Review, former teaching assistant, and co-chair of the Class Gift Committee. Last year, she received a scholarship from the Illinois Women's Bar Foundation

Balasuriya plans to stay in Chicago after graduation to practice law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Prior to law school, she worked as a Scheduler for Governor, now Senator, Maggie Hassan and as a field director for a non-profit in Washington D.C.

Along with other awardees, Balasuriya was honored at the Ms. JD Honors Reception, part of the 2017 Conference, on March 2nd.