David Black

New York – May 8, 2023 – National law firm Wilson Elser today announced the recipient of the 2023–2024 academic year Thomas W. Wilson Sr. Scholarship, named for the firm’s Chairman Emeritus, a founding member of the firm.

The recipient is Ellie Black, daughter of New York City office Of Counsel David Black.

The scholarship consists of $10,000 per year for up to four years or graduation, whichever occurs first, at an accredited college or university.

“We are pleased to continue the firm’s scholarship in honor of Thomas W. Wilson Sr. for the 2023–2024 year,” said Daniel McMahon, the firm’s chairman. “Ellie is a model student. We are thrilled to support her college career and have no doubt she will continue her success. I congratulate David, his daughter and their family.”

An outstanding student who serves as the sole Student Representative on the Millburn (NJ) Township Board of Education, Ellie has distinguished herself as someone who contributes in meaningful ways to her school and broader community. She personifies the criteria for the Scholarship and many of the qualities of its namesake. 

Among her accomplishments, Ellie has received a National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation, helped raise $200,000 for a local oncology center, serves as a board member of the Kids4Kids Youth Committee at the Morristown (NJ) Medical Center’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital, was a research fellow for the American Jewish Historical Society and excels as a Youth Leader for the national nonprofit STOMP Out Bullying. 

Ellie has undertaken these and other activities while maintaining a 4.27 GPA and earning straight A’s in six Advanced Placement courses. She will attend Colgate University in the fall where she will enter the Pre-Med program. 

About the Thomas W. Wilson Sr. Scholarship Program
In 2010, the firm’s partnership established the Thomas W. Wilson Sr. Scholarship Program to support the college education of selected award recipients who are children of current, full-time Wilson Elser employees.

Employees/Parents of Former Recipients 

2022‒2023                  Juliana Salfiti, San Francisco, CA
2021‒2022                  Susan Marriott, Los Angeles, CA
2020‒2021                  Jeremy Nelson, Louisville, KY
2019‒2020                  Valerie Mosman, Dallas, TX
2018‒2019                  Jon Hlavinka, Houston, TX
2017‒2018                  Shelly Wells, Dallas, TX
2016‒2017                  Jawed Aikal, National
2015–2016                  Maria Dawes, Philadelphia, PA
2014–2015                  Alan Rubin, National
2013–2014                  Lalit Loomba, White Plains, NY
2012–2013                  Phyllis Johnson, Philadelphia, PA
2011–2012                  Edward Pagano Sr., New York, NY
2010–2011                  James DiBenedetto, National