www.wmitchell.eduThe Mitchell Scholarship Drive
Vadim Trifel
Making a difference
Vadim Trifel is a living example of the words etched on the atrium ceiling in many languages at William Mitchell College of Law: “Justice for All.”
Trifel was born in the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan, and came to the United States amidst the Azeri-Armenian conflict in 1989 at age 7 with his part-Armenian family. He earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in political science and sociology of law, crime, and deviance from the University of Minnesota and received a merit scholarship to attend William Mitchell.
During his three years at Mitchell, Trifel has been committed to helping others. He traveled to New Orleans to help Hurricane Katrina victims with legal needs; taught students at the Anishinabe Academy about criminal justice; made sure landlords were complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act; served as a Mitchell student mentor; won an important constitutional case before the Minnesota Court of Appeals on behalf of a prisoner with the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners (LAMP) clinic; fought for tenants’ rights with Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services; and works for the City of St. Louis Park’s Prosecutor’s Office.
“I never imagined that I would receive a scholarship for my work. It is wonderful to be rewarded.”
Vadim Trifel (right) received a scholarship created by John H. Faricy Jr.'82 for his outstanding achievements and interest in litigation as a career.
In addition to his other services, he has volunteered more than 120 hours with the Minnesota Justice Foundation. His outstanding achievements, and an interest in pursuing a career in litigation, earned him the John H. Faricy Jr. Scholarship for the 2007-2008 school year.
“Helping others is something I enjoy doing,” Trifel said. “I never imagined that I would receive a scholarship for my work. It is wonderful to be rewarded. I am grateful that someone has noticed what I’ve done. Receiving this scholarship is just another encouragement to keep on helping people and doing good work.”
Through his volunteer work, Trifel has learned how important it is to make a difference, no matter how small. He recalls how he won a $2,300 verdict for a mother and her children living in condemned housing with peeling paint and missing steps. “I remember the smile on her child’s face,” Trifel said. “It meant everything.
“Finances are such an integral part of law school. It affects the choices students make. Some people may forgo volunteer opportunities in order to work to pay off tuition. Law school should be affordable to everyone.
“If we truly believe in the ideal of justice for all, we cannot let our choices be hindered by financial constraints.”