Alumna Builds Legacy at Rutgers Law with New Scholarship for First-Gen Students
Auguy Mangone ’08, founder of the Mangone Law Firm, LLC, is giving back to the law school that helped launch her legal career with an endowed scholarship to support future first-generation law students. The scholarship will be funded over several years, with additional support available immediately to assist a student with their studies, including an initial award in the first year.
“I know how hard it is to be the first in your family to pursue higher education. I hope this scholarship gives someone the support and confidence to keep going,” said Mangone.
Mangone’s journey as an attorney began in Venezuela, where she practiced general law, but she always knew that she was destined to come to the United States. She didn’t speak any English when she arrived in the U.S. in 1999. As Mangone learned English through a combination classes and self-teaching, she started her new life working as a waitress, then as a paralegal, determined to build a future for herself. Her own story of navigating the immigration system is what inspired her to become an immigration lawyer.
She said, “Going through the immigration process myself gave me a deep understanding of what my clients face. I became an immigration lawyer to be the advocate I wish I’d had—someone who listens, who fights, and who never gives up.”
Mangone attended Rutgers Law School in Newark from 2006 to 2008. She chose Rutgers because she wanted a school that valued diversity and was socially conscious — a place where she could feel like she belonged.
“At Rutgers, I found a community that believed in inclusion, in justice, and in the power of diverse voices,” she said. “It wasn’t just about getting a degree—it was about finding a place where I could truly see myself making a difference.”
Rutgers remained a part of her life even after graduation. She worked for fellow law school alumnus, Leonard Miller ’65, but she dreamed of running her own family business. In 2012, that dream became a reality when she opened her own practice, working out of a shared office space while balancing the nonstop demands of motherhood.
Mangone grew her firm into a thriving practice through hard work and determination. Today, she owns her own building and leads a team of 12. In 2021, her husband, Richard Mangone, joined the firm as CFO — making it a true family business.
As a philanthropic family and business, supporting local charities through fundraisers and sponsorships, the Mangones knew they wanted to give back to Rutgers, but it just started as a thought. It was not until 2024 that they were ready to move forward with their big decision.
Richard said, “We didn’t just want to make a one-time gift or commit for just five years—we wanted to create a scholarship in perpetuity. Our goal was to make a meaningful investment with a lasting impact.”
Richard gave this advice to alumni looking to make an impact: “If I could give them one piece of advice, it would be to talk to Robert Steinbaum. He’s easy to talk to and did a great job of walking us through the process.”
According to Richard, “Auguy is the visionary” behind the practice. At the heart of her work is a commitment to helping others realize their dreams of legalizing their status and stepping out of the shadows. She hopes that future Rutgers Law School students will feel encouraged and inspired by her story.
For those interested in establishing a scholarship, please contact Sy Nicholson at Camden Law School or Robert Steinbaum at Newark Law School.