The Rappaport Fellows Program at Suffolk Law School

"The Rappaport Foundation and Suffolk University Law School have a shared commitment to public life. Nowhere is this commitment more important than the area of public policy. It is at the dynamic intersection of law and public policy where so many of our future civic leaders will emerge. This partnership between the Rappaport Foundation and Suffolk Law School will help create a brighter future for our community by identifying these leaders today."

David J. Sargent, President, Suffolk University

The Rappaport Foundation created a unique fellowship that is the first in the nation, where gifted students from each of the six Boston-area law schools work with top public policy makers on key issues that affect the way we live and work in Greater Boston and Massachusetts. The experience is designed to promote early leadership involvement in city and state government.  At its core, the Rappaport Fellowship Program is a bold attempt to attract, train, inspire, and connect the next generation of civic leaders and policy shapers.

Building Relationships While Gaining Valuable Experience

The Rappaport Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for law students to learn while they work on policy issues side-by-side with some of the most successful public service professionals in New England. And because effective public policy requires many types of experts, these same Fellows also work alongside social scientists, health providers, engineers, urban planners, and finance experts. As they conduct their research, collect their data, and interview appropriate constituencies, Rappaport Fellows move far beyond the walls of the law library and into the lives of concerned residents, advocacy groups, labor unions, media sources, and business owners. In short, Fellows receive an intense, up-close, first-hand look at the life of the public policy lawyer and share the influence these legal professionals have on the quality of life in our community, state, and region.

In addition to their work experience, Rappaport Fellows participate in evening seminars and guest lectures, exposing them to some of the top policy minds in the nation. These weekly lectures also afford Fellows an opportunity to reconvene and share work experiences on an on-going basis. To enhance the academic experience of the internship, Fellows are required to submit a paper at project’s end.

Suffolk University’s Record of Achievement

Suffolk University has an outstanding record of producing graduates who engage in public policy work in legislatures, courthouses, and city and town halls across New England.  In Massachusetts alone, two Congressmen, nearly 40 state lawmakers and over 100 state judges are among Suffolk’s proud alumni. To promote emerging leaders, engage public officials, and encourage bright young legal scholars to consider careers in public policy, it makes sense that the Rappaport Foundation partner with Suffolk to achieve this mutual goal.

Foundation / University Partners Focused on Results

Robert H. Smith, Dean of Suffolk University Law School describes the special relationship the law school has with the Jerome Lyle Rappaport Charitable Foundation as unique, “The Rappaport Foundation does much more than provide financial support,” says Dean Smith. “They are engaged partners at every step of the program. Their strong standing in the community, particularly the public service arena, helps open doors to important civic relationships. The Foundation works closely with our faculty and program managers to identify public policy pressure points. And they continuously look for ways to improve the program each and every year. We could not have found a better partner for this important program.”

About the Selection Process

Any law student not in his/her final year of study at one of the six law schools in the Greater Boston region including Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, New England, Northeastern, and Suffolk is eligible to apply for a Rappaport Fellowship.

The selection process for Rappaport Fellows is competitive. Last year, Suffolk University received 120 applications for 12 available Fellowships. The University seeks applicants with strong academic records, demonstrated commitment to public service as shown by past paid and volunteer work experiences and extracurricular activities, and demonstrated capacity for leadership. Applicants are evaluated on a non-partisan basis.

Although Suffolk University cannot guarantee that every law school will be represented in each class of Rappaport Fellows, they are committed to fair and inclusive distribution of the Fellowships among Boston area law schools.  In recent history, students from all of the six Boston law schools participated.

For more information visit: www.law.suffolk.edu/offices/career/fellowships/rapp/ or contact Joseph McEttrick, Professor of Law at Suffolk University Law School and Faculty Director of the Rappaport Fellows Program at joseph.mcettrick@suffolk.edu or call 617-573-8181.