Rappaport Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright

On the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, Gideon v. Wainwright, the Rappaport Center, the American Constitution Society, and the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) convened a panel of advocates for the right to counsel.  Kate Cook, Chief Legal Counsel, kicked off the evening by presenting of Governor Patrick’s proclamation of Gideon Day.  CPCS Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti (’93) traced the history of indigent defense from John Adams to Gideon.  Paul White described the efforts that he, as House Chair of the Joint Criminal Justice Committee in 1983, and other legislators took to organize and strengthen a “checkerboard of representation” across Massachusetts with legislation to create CPCS.  Attorney John Swomley described how CPCS now makes it possible to marshall the resources to fight for the exoneration of innocent defendants, such as his client Bernard Baran.   Willie Davis, Dean of the Massachusetts criminal bar, emphasized that the right established in Gideon remains vulnerable because indigent criminal defendants have no natural champions to lobby for public funds, except for “people who have a heart.”  Debra Krupp, CPCS Training Coordinator, moderated the event.  Pictured above, l. to r., are Krupp, Baran, Swomley, Davis, White, and Benedetti (photo courtesy of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly).  See more.

2012 Fenton Awards

In a ceremony held Tuesday evening, June 5, 2012, Judge John E. Fenton, Jr. presented this year’s Fenton Public Service Awards to four outstanding 2012 graduates of the law school: Andrew Cahill, Joanne Jacquet, Laura McWilliams, and Kellie Sanders. Both during and throughout their law school careers and in their career choices after graduation, this year’s recipients have embodied Judge Fenton’s passion for public service and his commitment to the standard of excellence. See more pictures here.

Nate Downing, 1985-2012

Nathaniel Snow Downing, 26, who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest Friday night, April 13, will be remembered as a wonderful human being with a passion for politics and for life. Nate, who was nearing completion of his J.D. at New England Law | Boston, received a Rappaport Fellowship for Law and Public Policy in the summer of 2010, when he interned at the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance. He was an executive articles editor on the New England Law Review and was working as a legal analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Read more »

Boston Dig Covers March Rappaport Roundtable on Occupy Boston

"Despite plenty of potential for name-calling and blood-boiling, there was actually quite a bit of love in the room for those two hours. Here’s hoping all future discussions of Occupy are so intelligent, fruitful, and civilized." -- Boston's Weekly Dig covers our March Rappaport Roundtable "Policing the Occupy Protests: How Well Did Cities Respond?" sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Another Successful Fellowship Year!

Congratulations to our 2012 Drinan and McLaughlin Fellows on their summer internship placements! Katrina Farias is using her McLaughlin Fellowship to work in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Michael D'Angelo is using his Drinan Fellowship to work in the US Attorney’s Office, Criminal Division.

We are Deeply Saddened by the Loss of Lowell
February 10th, 2012

Lowell Richards died unexpectedly on February 5th, too young and too soon. We are deeply saddened.

I knew and worked with Lowell for over forty years. A relationship that began in the intersection of mutual interests evolved over tim einto a friendship grounded in shared values. Our relationship started during Kevin White's administration when a bright young financial "whiz kid" was handling fiscal matters for the mayor. I was heading thedevelopers council and perhaps not unexpectedly, we sometimescrossed swords. We learna lot about people when weare obligedto argue over differences in a political world and seekprincipled compromises, when we can have disagreements but not be disagreeable, when the eventual outcome we seek depends on mutualrespect. Our discussions proved to be important in removing impediments tosignificant development in the city,without being a retreat for the mayor.

Years later Lowell became a major supporter of the Harvard Kennedy School's Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston and Suffolk Law School's Rappaport Center for Public Service. We shared the desire to have the best and the brightest commit their talentto meeting the challenges of urban problems, while finding excitement and significance in local and state government. Lowell mentored our fellows with joy and left them enthused and enriched.

Over the last decade Lowell became a friend; I talked with him about a life after the Port Authority. At my age I know how productive Lowell's later years could -- and surely would -- have been, and how much he was looking forward to them.

Our loss and the City's loss pales in comparison to that which his family surely feels, and we extend our deepestregret and sympathies to his family.Lowell's liferepresented the best thatthe Rappaport Institute and the Rappaport Centerattempt to inspire in young leaders. Hewasan effective, respectedand creative public servant devoted to Boston's governance and well being. He served with grace and shared his enjoyment in all he did.We will miss him deeply.

Jerome Lyle Rappaport, Esq.
Founder, The Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation

Lowell Richards - In Memoriam

With the unexpected death of Lowell Richards on February 5, 2012, the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service lost an exceptional supporter and friend.

When the Rappaport Fellowship in Law and Public Policy was in its initial stages, Lowell immediately stepped forward to provide meaningful placement opportunities for fellows. He was instrumental in the development of the program and in encouraging future leaders in state and local government. His well-known work ethic and extraordinary dedication to public service was a model for all Rappaport Fellows and an inspiration to everyone choosing this path. Lowell never said no to a request for assistance. His support ranged from escorting groups of law and public policy fellows out onto the runways at Logan to experience the intersection of law, policy, and politics, to maintaining connections with past and present program participants. Every year Lowell was recruited to train the new crop of supervisors and advise students on how to have a successful fellowship.

I learned so much from Lowell and will always be grateful for his willingness to share his wisdom and experiences. He will truly be missed.

Susan M. Prosnitz, Esq.
Founding Executive Director, Rappaport Center 2007 – 2011

Matters of State

The deadline for the 2012 Rappaport Fellowship in Law and Public Policy has passed and the selection committee is busy wading through applications from the top students across all the Boston-area law schools.

In the meantime, hear from Cecilia Ugarte Baldwin, Rappaport Center advisory board member and 2007 Fellow, on how the Fellowship played a key role in establishing her on the public policy track, as it landed her an internship in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPS) in the summer after her second year at New England School of Law. Read more »

Massing Appointed New Executive Director

Dean Camille Nelson has appointed a new Executive Director for the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service. Greg Massing will begin his appointment as Executive Director on January 9. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Massing has an impressive record of experience in private practice and public service. Prior to his appointment as executive director, Mr. Massing served from February 2007 through December 2011 as the General Counsel of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

“Greg brings to the Rappaport Center a rare blend of public policy, private practice and scholarly experience,” said Suffolk Law Dean Camille Nelson. “He knows government firsthand. And he is deeply committed to the Center’s mission of creating paths for students interested in careers in public service.”

Read the full press release on the Suffolk University site »

Better By Design

With the deadline for the Rappaport Fellowship fast approaching, read about 2008 Fellow Eric Batcho's experience in the Program interning with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection while a student at Boston College Law School.

The Rappaport Fellows became “like a family,” said Batcho. “We were all struggling with the same issues,” he said, “and we supported each other through that process.” Read more »

Advocating for Health Care | Rappaport Briefing

Four blocks from Sara Pic’s house in New Orleans is a former hospital building, destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in late August 2005. It has been a constant reminder of the devastated infrastructure that Pic returned to her hometown in 2007 to help rebuild. Since February 2010, Pic has served as Litigation Director for Health Law Advocates of Louisiana, a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to improving access to health care services for the state’s middle- and low-income residents.

“What I’m doing now absolutely connects right back to my Rappaport Fellowship,” said Pic, whose fellowship in summer 2004 enabled her to work on immigrants’ rights issues at the Boston-based Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI). Continue reading »

Containing Outrage: How Police Power Tames the Occupy Movement

The Occupy Wall Street protest that began in mid-September has inspired similar demonstrations throughout the country, and the movement as a whole may have helped to sharpen public opinion over the financial crisis and its consequences. But it has also demonstrated how hostile American politics has become to the very idea of mass, angry protest. After decades of increasingly sophisticated policing and changing notions about the boundaries of legitimate protest, public demonstration in the United States today is not only tamer than in Europe, but perhaps also tamer than at any time in the nation's history.

As police send in the forces to deal with Occupy Wall Street this week, and videos continue to surface illustrating potential police misconduct, read Rappaport Center Faculty Director Alasdair Roberts' latest column in the recent edition of Boston Review.

Suffolk Law School Celebrates Pro Bono Week

Noting that countless Americans cannot afford the legal representation that they need to protect their lives, properties, and national liberties, Governor Patrick has proclaimed October to be Pro Bono Month in Massachusetts.

In support of Governor Patrick’s Proclamation and the ABA’s National Celebration, the Rappaport Center is holding several events this year to recognize and urge support of pro bono work on October 24-26.

Visit our events calendar or read below for more info and RSVP at celebrateprobonoweek.eventbrite.com!

How Universal is Our Health Care?

Massachusetts is the nation’s leader in universal healthcare. Since passage of the Affordable Care Act in Congress, many have turned to Massachusetts to study its first-in-the-nation universal health care insurance program. Yet, despite the state’s purported mission to mandate insurance for all, coverage is not quite universal.

Rebekah Diamond, the Rappaport Center's first Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C. Health Law Fellow, reflects on issues she faced during her summer fellowship at Health Law Advocates, a highly regarded non-profit law firm that combines legal expertise, grassroots organizing, and policy reform to advance the statewide movement for universal health care access.

Do We Need Criminal Penalties for False Claims of Military Honors?

In the latest Rappaport Briefing, 2011 Rappaport Fellow in Law and Public Policy Brett Walker analyzes the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act, which criminalizes false claims of military honors, weighing it against First Amendment rights to free speech.

Removing Barriers to College Education for Disabled Veterans

In the latest Rappaport Briefing, 2011 Rappaport Fellow in Law and Public Policy Felicia Cote calls upon campus disability service to provide better educational assistance to those veterans returning from war, often with difficult to diagnose disabilities.

Jose Fernandez and the Challenges of Policymaking in Washington

Jose Fernandez, Assistant Secretary of State, gave a talk to Suffolk Law students on Thursday September 1, 2011, as a part of Professor Roberts' Law and Public Policy class. An accomplished lawyer, Mr. Fernandez was appointed as Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs in 2009. Read more about Mr. Fernandez.

Professor Alasdair Roberts' article "The WikiLeaks Illusion" published in the Wilson Quarterly

Wilson Quarterly has published an article by Rappaport Center Faculty Director Al Roberts in its Summer 2011 print and online edition, entitled "The WikiLeaks Illusion." In his article, Professor Roberts argues that though new technology makes it easier to publicize information, true transparency requires getting the American people engaged. "When WikiLeaks released vast quantities of undigested information, the public could not absorb it... Many of WikiLeaks' revelations only confirmed things Americans already suspected and were prepared to tolerate." Professor Roberts encourages citizens to delve deeper into debates around foreign policy themselves, as there's no technology that can do it for us.

Boston University Law and Boston College Acknowledges 2011 Rappaport Fellows

Boston University and Boston College have announced their student recipients the prestigious Rappaport Fellowship this summer. The BU fellows include Maria Granik '13, Katelyn Homeyer '13, David Linhart '12, Joy Spezeski '13 and Rachel Weiss '13, a record number of recipients for any single law school. Boston College fellows include Lavinia Weizel '13 and Mathew Todaro '13. Read the bios of the BU fellows here, and see the BC bulletin here.

Rappaport Center Board Member Starts Local Community Food Swap

Self-described as “part silent auction/part village marketplace/part fun-loving open house,” Boston Food Swap is a project co-organized by Advisory Board member Lyn Huckabee to help create a stronger Boston community through trading homegrown, made and foraged food. Read about it in the Boston Globe and visit the Boston Food Swap site to find out when the next local swap will take place.

SPILG Fellow Jen Bonar, JD '12, Works with Defenders of Wildlife in Alaska

In the latest Rappaport Center podcast, Suffolk Law student Jen Bonar JD '12 talks about her summer internship working with Defenders of Wildlife in Anchorage, Alaska on policies relating to wildlife management and predator control. Jen’s work is supported by a fellowship from the Suffolk Public Interest Law Group. Jen is also the incoming President of Suffolk’s Environmental Law Society.

Harvard Law Acknowledges Rappaport Fellows

Two Harvard Law School students, Felicia Cote ’12, a joint J.D./M.P.P. candidate at HLS and Harvard Kennedy School, and Jessica Goldberg ’13 have been selected as Rappaport Fellows in Law and Public Policy and will spend the summer working with top local policymakers on issues that affect residents of Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Read more.

Pro Bono Program Student Receives 2011 Volunteer Interpreter of the Year Award from the PAIR Project

Julie-Ann Gindoff, a student of the Rappaport Center's Pro Bono Program, was recently honored with the 2011 Volunteer Interpreter of the Year Award by the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project at their 2011 Gala Dinner & Auction. The PAIR Project provides pro bono immigration legal services to asylum-seekers and immigrants unjustly detained in Massachusetts. As a native French speaker, Julie was a volunteer interpreter for the program and acted as the liaison between PAIR clients and their pro bono attorneys.

Former Rappaport Center Interns Receive Wyman Award
at Suffolk Law School 2011 Graduation

Meredith Reeves and Shannon Lanning, both former interns at the Rappaport Center, won the Leo J. Wyman Award at this year's graduation ceremony. The award honors law students who have made the greatest contribution in advancing the civic and professional responsibilities of an attorney.

Meredith was the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Thomas J. Drinan Memorial Fellowship, spending her 2L summer at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), where she has since been hired after graduation. Meredith also served as the first President of the Pro Bono Program’s Student Advisory Board. Shannon spent both her 1L and 2L summers using SPILG grants to work in public service, with a focus on elder law, and found time for pro bono work throughout law school. Shannon plans to pursue a career in public service.

Farewell to Executive Director Susan Prosnitz

The Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service wishes to congratulate Susan Prosnitz on her new position with the United States Transportation Security Administration in Washington, D.C. Susan led the Rappaport Center as its Executive Director through its initial four years and we are very grateful for all she has done for Suffolk University Law School, its students, and for the field of public policy. We wish her the best in all her future endeavors!

Twenty Mentors Honored with Boston Bar Association's President Award for Diversity and Inclusion Mentoring

Meredith Reeves and Shannon Lanning, both former interns at the Rappaport Center, won the Leo J. Wyman Award at this year's graduation ceremony. The award honors those who have contributed the most in advancing the civic and professional responsibilities of an attorney.

Meredith was the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Thomas J. Drinan Memorial Fellowship, and used the Fellowship to work during her 2L summer at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), where she has since been hired after graduation. Meredith also served as the first President of the Pro Bono Program’s Student Advisory Board. Shannon spent both her 1L and 2L summers using SPILG grants to work in public service, with a focus on elder law. Shannon plans to pursue a career in public service.

Professor Alasdair Roberts quoted in Canadian Magazine Convergence

Alasdair Roberts, Rappaport Professor of Law and Public Policy, has been quoted in an article in the latest edition of the Canadian magazine Convergence. Convergence highlights contemporary issues and emerging trends in media with a strong commitment to freedom of expression around the world. The magazine is published biannually by Humber College’s School of Media Studies and Information Technology. The article, entitled "Falling From Grace," discusses how Canadian media faces great challenges with the current Freedom of Information laws they believe are no longer suited for the new media of the 21st century. Professor Roberts weighs in on Canada's access to information policies and makes suggestions on how these processes could be improved.

Rebekah Diamond Awarded New 2011 Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C. Health Law Fellowship

The Rappaport Center is proud to announce the new Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C. Health Law Fellowship, established this year through the generous support of Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C. This Fellowship supports the summer employment of a Suffolk University Law School student engaged in public interest health law.

The Rappaport Center congratulates our first Health Law Fellow, Rebekah Diamond. Rebekah will use the Fellowship to work at Health Law Advocates, a highly regarded non-profit law firm that combines legal expertise, grassroots organizing, and policy reform to advance the statewide movement for universal health care access.

Rappaport Center’s “Women in Politics” Panel Highlighted in the MA Caucus of Women Legislators’ Spring Newsletter

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ Spring newsletter (PDF) has highlighted the Rappaport Center’s “Women in Politics: Challenges and Trends” panel held this April. The panel was moderated by Janet Wu, reporter for WCVB-TV, Channel 5, and included Representative Marty Walz (D–Boston), Professor Leanne Doherty of Simmons College, former Lt. Governor Kerry Healey, and Representative Shaunna O’Connell (R–Taunton).

Over 160 people attended this successful event, which was co-sponsored by the Boston Club, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, and the Women’s Bar Association.

The Rappaport Center Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week May 1-7

The Rappaport Center is pleased to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week this first week of May. Hosted annually by the Partnership for Public Service and the Public Employees Roundtable, the week honors the integral public employees working throughout federal, state, county and local levels of government.

Visit publicservicerecognitionweek.org to find events around the country, a "celebration toolkit" with ten suggestions on how you can celebrate, and a video from Michelle Obama thanking public service employees for all their hard work.

Michele Scavongelli, a 2010 Rappaport Fellow, Featured on the Office of the Child Advocate’s (OCA) Website

During her summer internship at the OCA, Michele worked on the Rogers Research Project. Michele, in collaboration with Northeastern University School of Law’s Legal Skills in Social Context (LSSC) Social Justice Program, reviewed the Rogers process to ensure children in state custody receive appropriate medical treatment. This work will now be used by a team of researchers selected by the OCA in Phase 2 of the Rogers Research Project.

You can find more information about Michele’s work here including links to a powerpoint presentation, final report, and executive summary created by the Northeastern University School of Law’s LSSC Social Justice Program.

2011 Legal Food Frenzy

This spring, Suffolk University Law School, through the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service, participated in the 2011 Legal Food Frenzy. The goal was to collect food and monetary donations to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank during a time when donations are at the lowest. Over sixty teams participated from law schools, law firms, and legal associations across the state. The Legal Food Frenzy raised $92,007 and collected 8,886 pounds of food. The Greater Boston Food Bank will be able to provide an additional 235,571 meals for the hungry across Massachusetts. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Rappaport Center Fall/Winter 2010 Newsletter Has Arrived

Please view the second edition of the Rappaport Center's bi-annual newsletter. We have included some wonderful highlights of a year that enjoyed unprecedented levels of activity, enthusiasm and engagement from our community of supporters.

Announcing the RappaportTODAY Policy Blog

The Phyllis and Jerome Rappaport Foundation has started a new public policy blog called RappaportTODAY.  The blog will highlight current thinking about the most promising ideas and opportunities for improving the governance of greater Boston.  It will also seek to strengthening connections between the region's scholars, students, officials, civic leaders and media outlets.

Discussion About Probation Department Oversight And Reformation Draws Large Crowd

"A New Path for Probation” joined several key players in the debate as to who should oversee the Probation Department and how to reform the agency in the aftermath of the Ware Report. The event was hosted by the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University Law School and co-sponsored by MassINC and the Massachusetts Bar Association. The event drew a packed crowd of over 175 people including several members of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.

The audience heard from a distinguished panel, moderated by CommonWealth Publisher Greg Torres, and including Robert A. Mulligan, Chief Justice for Administration and Management; Mary Beth Heffernan, Public Safety Secretary; Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, co-chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and a member of the Probation Reform Working Group; and John Larivee, CEO of Community Resources for Justice.

Rappaport Center Executive Director named to Probation Task Force

The Supreme Judicial Court has appointed Susan Prosnitz, Executive Director of the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service, to serve on the task force examining the hiring and promotional practices of Probation and other departments of the Massachusetts Judicial Branch. The task force is chaired by former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger. For more information, read Prominent panelists picked to probe Probation Department on Boston.com.

Budget Battles in a Down Economy: An Assessment of Prosecutor and Defense Lawyer Funding

A crowd of about 250, including many members of the Boston legal community, listened to a panel of members on both sides of the issue, including Anthony Benedetti, Chief Counsel for the Committee for Public Counsel Services; David Carroll, Director of Research and Evaluation for the National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley; Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe; John Salsberg, Chair of the Suffolk Lawyers for Justice; and Michael Widmer, President of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.

Scott Harshbarger to Lead Task Force

In response to the abuse and corruption scandal at the state’s Probation Department, the SJC recently announced that former Attorney General and Rappaport Center Advisory Board Member Scott Harshbarger will lead a task force to review the Department’s hiring and promotion procedures.  The SJC’s announcement coincided with the public release of a 337-page report on the Department’s mismanagement and the SJC’s order to fire Probation Commissioner John J. O’Brien and place three of his top aides on administrative leave.

NEW! Public Policy Podcast Series

Introducing the new Rappaport Center Public Policy Podcast series featuring public policy experts, government officials, policymakers, and academic scholars discussing current public policy issues. The series will focus primarily on state and local government.

Suffolk Law’s Pro Bono Program and Housing Clinic Foreclosure Prevention Efforts Recognized

The foreclosure prevention clinic sponsored by the Rappaport Center as part of the National Pro Bono Celebration, together with the efforts of students in the housing clinic, were noted in the Huffington Post.  This work is part of a collaboration with the No One Leave’s Project and the Chelsea Collaborative.  Suffolk Law students have been at the forefront of assisting homeowners who lack adequate financial means, resources, or knowledge, against banks and mortgage lenders seeking to foreclose on their properties.

Pro Bono Week - A Great Success

The Rappaport Center is delighted to announce the success of its National Celebrate Pro Bono Week programs, all four of which were held in the last week of October.  At our Pro Bono Fair, over 30 organizations and 180 students and attorneys participated.  During our Pro Bono Challenge, an impressive 80 students enrolled in the Pro Bono Program in one day.  The Rappaport Center also held two successful events where students provided pro bono legal services to the community.  First, 20 students participated in a CORI clinic co-sponsored by Greater Boston Legal Services and The Legal Advocacy and Resource Center.  Over 70 clients were served during the two and a half hour Clinic!  Second, students participated in a Foreclosure Prevention Canvassing event in Chelsea, knocking on doors to inform tenants and former owners of foreclosed properties that they have rights and may stay in their homes.

Celebrate National Pro Bono Week

The Rappaport Center is holding several events this year to commemorate the second annual National Pro Bono Celebration, sponsored by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service.  The Celebration is a coordinated national effort to meet the ever-growing needs of this country's most vulnerable citizens by encouraging and supporting local efforts to expand the delivery of pro bono legal services, and by showcasing the great difference that pro bono lawyers make to the nation, its system of justice, its communities and, most of all, to the clients they serve.

Rappaport Center Advisory Board Member to Speak on Women's Bar Association Panel

As part of its six-part series Demystifying the Path to Influential & Powerful Careers, the Women's Bar Association of MA is presenting "Demystifying the Path to Government Appointments." Barbara Anthony, Rappaport Center Advisory Board member and Undersecretary at the MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, will share valuable information from her diverse career in public service. Other speakers on the panel will include: Luisa Paiewonsky, Administrator, Highway Division, Dept. of Transportation; Karen Green, Formerly Chief of Staff to Governor William F. Weld; Ann Hartstein, Secretary, Executive Office of Elder Affairs; and Navjeet Bal, Commissioner, Dept. of Revenue.

2010 Statewide Political Races Forum - Auditor Debate

The third of five lively debates featuring candidates for all contested statewide constitutional offices, including Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General and Secretary of State. The debate featured the following candidates: Democratic Candidate Suzanne Bump; Republican Candidate Mary Connaughton; and Green-Rainbow Party Candidate Nat Fortune. The candidates gave opening and closing statements and answered questions in front of a packed audience for 90 minutes.

2010 Statewide Political Races Forum - Treasurer Debate

The second of five lively debates featuring candidates for all contested statewide constitutional offices, including Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General and Secretary of State. The debate featured the following candidates: Democratic Candidate Steve Grossman and Republican Candidate Representative Karyn Polito. The candidates gave openingand closing statements and answered questions in front of a packed audience for 90 minutes.

2010 Statewide Political Races Forum - Lt. Governor Debate

The first of five debates featuring candidates for contested statewide constitutional offices. The debate featured all of the candidates for Lieutenant Governor including Democratic Candidate Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray; Senate Minority Leader and Republican Candidate, Richard Tisei; Independent Candidate Paul Loscocco; and Green-Rainbow Party Candidate Richard Purcell. All four candidates gave opening and closing statements and answered questions in front of a packed audience for 90 minutes.

Rappaport Law Fellow featured in Boston Globe

Michelle Wu, 25, a 2010 Rappaport Law Fellow was highlighted in a recent Boston Globe article entitled, "Urban Mechanics: An elite group of students is designing ways to make the gears of the city government." As part of the Rappaport Fellows program, Wu worked at Boston City Hall for the Office of Mayor Thomas Menino. Her focus was on streamlining the process for entrepreneurs interested in opening a restaurant in Boston. At the end of the Summer, Wu organized the first ever "Restaurant Roadmap", a clinic on the City of Boston's restaurant permitting process.

Governor Patrick speaks at the Gubernatorial Speaker Series

Governor Deval Patrick spoke on a range of issues including probation reform at a roundtable discussion held as part of the Rappaport Center's 2010 Gubernatorial Speaker Series.

2010 Public Service Award Goes to Elissa Flynn-Poppey

During the Rappaport Center’s Annual Pro Bono Award Ceremony and Reception in April 2010, new Advisory Board Member Elissa Flynn-Poppey, Esq., JD ’00, was honored with the 2010 Public Service Award for her leadership in re-drafting Massachusetts restraining order legislation for victims of sexual assault, criminal stalking, and criminal harassment.

Meg Connolly, the retiring Executive Director of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, received last year’s Public Service Award. Meg was honored for her lifetime commitment to public service and to ensuring access to justice.  The Volunteer Lawyers Project is one of the founding partners of the law school’s Pro Bono Partners Program, which links upper level law students with Suffolk Law graduates engaged in pro bono work.

Rappaport Professor of Law and Public Policy publishes new book

"In this provocative and wide-ranging book Alasdair Roberts uses the current economic crisis to reveal deep flaws in a wide range of reforms popular at the end of the twentieth century." --Susan Rose-Ackerman, Yale Law School

2008 Rappaport Fellow testifies in support of bill she drafted during her summer fellowship

Alyssa Vangeli, former Rappaport fellow at Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, testified before the Joint Committee on Financial Services on February 4, 2010 in support of a bill that she drafted during the course of her fellowship. The legislation, House Bill 3559, An Act relative to the continuity of care of mental health treatment, would protect patients in a continuing course of mental health treatment from disruptions in care caused by a change in their health care plan or in a provider’s network status. During her fellowship, Alyssa prepared a report detailing the need for such legislation and submitted the report and draft bill to the relevant legislative committee at the culmination of her fellowship.

Rappaport Center's Executive Director featured in Boston Business Journal

The Boston Business Journal features Rappaport Center Executive Director, Susan Prosnitz. The Executive Profile highlights Prosnitz’s extensive career in public service prior to joining the Rappaport Center in 2007.

Professor Alasdair Roberts' article published in Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs online has published an article by Alasdair Roberts, Rappaport Professor of Law and Public Policy. Based on his forthcoming book, the article examines the decline in public faith in experts within the US Federal Reserve and other major government institutions.

Rappaport Center Intern Selected as “Best and Brightest"

Laura Chapman, an intern in the Rappaport Center since 2007 and an undergraduate at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School, was recently named a “Best and Brightest” in her major (marketing) by the University. She was one of fourteen students selected for this honor from amongst approximately 5,000 undergraduate students enrolled at the University. Laura will be featured in a video production by the Communications Department. 

Laura’s responsibilities at the Rappaport Center include production of marketing and communication materials as well as the development of various marketing and communication strategies on behalf of the Center.