2025 Diversity Scholarship Winner Camille Collins If anyone ever tells you that your goals are impossible to achieve, tell them about me. My name is Camille Collins. I am a 3L at Delaware Law School, a lifelong Delawarean, and the honored recipient of the 2024 Heckler & Frabizzio Diversity Scholarship. Law school was not on my radar when planning for my future in high school. Not that I lacked the interest or passion back then, but the only visible portrayals I had were Claire Huxtable from “The Cosby Show” and Maxine Shaw from “Living Single.” And neither of them were teen mothers, like I was. I may never have the answer to why I took the detours in life that I did, but I do know what to do with everything I learned along the way. My initial work experience was in human resources, staffing, and job readiness training. For some time, I worked with differently abled high schoolers on job skills and soft skills. I also spent several years assisting people in reentry with obtaining employment, financial literacy, and life skills to maximize their chances of not reoffending. I enjoyed connecting adults to a steady paycheck and witnessing the excitement in a teenager’s eyes when getting their first one. However, seeing the obstacles that people with criminal convictions face ignited the spark that led me to law school. My interest is not only in criminal law, but also in other areas where my passion for justice and equity can be utilized—employment, civil rights, corporate responsibility, and financial planning. In my time at Delaware Law School, I have become a proud member of the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, the Moot Court Honor Society, the Transactional Law Honor Society, and the Innocence Project Clinic. I am also the Parliamentarian for the Black Law Students Association. As a Black woman entering the legal field, I am acutely aware of the historic significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in this profession. The underrepresentation of Black women in law continues to serve as a stark reminder of the inequities that persist. But every step I take toward becoming an attorney, I see myself as breaking down those barriers, opening doors not just for myself but for others who look like me and share my life story, and reshaping the face of the legal profession. By stepping into this space, I am bringing more than my knowledge of the law; I am bringing lived experience, empathy, and a perspective that is urgently needed if we are to make justice equitable for all. My being here is a testament that overcoming the impossible is possible because of the advocates, like Heckler & Frabizzio, who saw my value and created tangible support for me on my journey. Representation matters. When people see someone who looks like them in positions of power—someone who understands their challenges and shares their experiences—it sends a powerful message of possibility. My presence in the legal profession is not just about personal achievement; it is about making sure that future generations of marginalized people have advocates and role models within a system that has historically excluded them. By entering the Delaware legal community, I am adding to the growing wave of diversity and pushing forward the necessity of inclusion in spaces that have, for too long, lacked it. The Heckler & Frabizzio Diversity Scholarship reflects a deep understanding of why diversity, equity, and inclusion are not merely buzzwords—this initiative is essential to achieving justice for all. Thank you for believing in my potential and for recognizing the importance of diversity in the legal profession. I am committed to carrying this mantle forward, using the opportunities provided by this scholarship to continue breaking barriers, not just for myself but for others who will follow. Together, we can shape a legal system that better serves all Delawareans, creating a legacy of justice and progress.

2023 Recipient 

Brittany Jackson

It is with great excitement and pride to announce the recipient of The Heckler & Frabizzio Diversity Scholarship 2023, Brittany Jackson! This scholarship program was established with the vision of fostering a more inclusive and diverse community within the legal industry. Through this initiative, we aim to recognize and celebrate the exceptional talents and unique perspectives of individuals from various backgrounds.

The Firm received many applications from a variety of impressive individuals. The diversity committee worked diligently to review all applications using a standardized rubric and interviewed the top four applicants. Brittany inspired the committee with her commitment to diversity, the legal community, and her dedication to excellence. Please see a personal statement from our winner, Brittany Jackson, below.

I am grateful for the experiences I’ve had as a future attorney and as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. I have gained a much greater value of our country; both the law and institutions of society while simultaneously defending the constitution, the rights of the people, and securing their survivability. It was through these experiences that have provided a much greater understanding of the importance of representation within our legal system. As a Black woman, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the legal field and making a positive impact on the Delaware community. Throughout my academic journey and personal experiences, I have witnessed the disparities that exist and the need for greater representation and equal access to justice. I have seen the importance of representation and the impact it can have on individuals and communities throughout generations. I firmly believe that diversity in the legal field brings varying perspectives, experiences, and insights that are crucial for addressing the complex legal issues faced within our society. By pursuing a legal education, I aim to challenge the underrepresentation of individuals in the field and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable legal system.

One of my primary goals is to actively engage in initiatives such as Heckler & Frabizzio that support diversity and inclusivity within the field and provide financial assistance that makes pursuing the legal field feasible. I intend to contribute through mentorship as I recognize the significance of guidance in navigating the challenges faced by underrepresented groups. By sharing my own experiences and offering support, I hope to inspire future generations of legal professionals to pursue their aspirations and contribute their unique perspectives to the legal field. In addition to supporting aspiring law students, I am determined to contribute to the broader legal community in Delaware. I also intend to collaborate with local organizations, such as legal aid clinics, and pro bono initiatives, such as the Veteran’s Law clinic in which I am actively engaged, to address the legal needs of both underrepresented and marginalized communities. Through these efforts, I aim to provide access to justice for those who might otherwise be overlooked or disadvantaged. By actively participating in community outreach programs, I seek to empower individuals and promote social change through legal education and advocacy.

Heckler & Frabizzio 2025 Diversity Scholarship 

Heckler & Frabizzio, a litigation defense law firm in Wilmington, Delaware, is offering a $5,000 scholarship to a student who is currently looking to further their knowledge in the legal field. The rising cost of education is continuing to be a hardship many minorities struggle to overcome. Heckler & Frabizzio believes that by helping diverse future legal professionals overcome those struggles, our world can become a brighter place for future generations in our community. The mission of Heckler & Frabizzio’s Diversity Scholarship is to give a minority student the opportunity to pursue a career in the legal profession in Delaware. The scholarship will award the recipient with a one-time $5,000 financial contribution towards a related legal degree, accredited course, or legal classes of the winner’s choice. Heckler & Frabizzio is seeking a candidate who demonstrates a commitment to diversity, their community, and a passion for the legal field.

Eligibility:

The Diversity Scholarship is open to any high school senior, college student, or graduate student residing in the state of Delaware, or attending a Delaware College, University, or accredited course and has the intent to work in the legal field in Delaware after graduation. Individuals who do not meet the stated eligibility but have strong connections to Delaware with intentions to work in the legal field in Delaware after graduation are also welcome to apply.

•Member of a population or group whose origins or ethnicity are historically underrepresented.

•All applicants must be pursuing their passion in legal-related fields. (Examples: Criminal Justice Major, Legal Studies, Paralegal Certificate, Political Science, etc.)

Application Requirements: Please email nbogia@hfddel.com to obtain the applications and essay prompts.
•The candidate must complete the application.

•The candidate must submit an essay responding to selected prompts.

•The candidate must attach a schedule or transcript for proof of enrollment.

•Candidates may include their resume, references, or other relevant documentation. (Optional)

•The candidate must be willing to participate in a personal interview conducted by Heckler & Frabizzio.

Application Deadline & Instructions:

To be eligible for the Diversity Scholarship, candidates must email their complete application and supporting documents to nbogia@hfddel.com by July 1st. Any applications sent after this date will not be considered.

Diversity Scholarship applications should be sent with the subject line [Applicant’s First & Last Name] – 2025 H&F Diversity Scholarship.

If selected for further consideration, Heckler & Frabizzio will contact you to set up a 30-minute personal interview with the Diversity Committee Partners. The recipient of the Heckler & Frabizzio Diversity Scholarship will be chosen and notified by August 15th 2025.