About the Center
The Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy at Boston College Law School galvanizes the region’s policy makers and thought leaders to engage in dynamic discussions on critical public policy issues through the Rappaport Distinguished Public Policy Series. The discussions include forums, conferences, and symposia to address societal issues with leaders from government, business, academe, and the nonprofit world.
To inspire future public policy leaders, the Rappaport Center also runs the Rappaport Fellows Program which provides funded summer internships for 12 exceptional law students from Boston College Law School, Boston University School of Law, Harvard University Law School, Northeastern University School of Law, Suffolk University Law School, New England School of Law, the University of Massachusetts School of Law, and Western New England University School of Law. These law students are offered opportunities to experience the complexities and rewards of public policy work and public service at the highest levels of state and local government. The program includes coveted summer internships, during which students work with top policy makers; mentorship by the Center’s staff, civic leaders, and respected attorneys; and educational programming.
The Rappaport Center is led by Faculty Director R. Michael Cassidy and Executive Director Elisabeth J. Medvedow. An Advisory Board, chaired by former Massachusetts Attorney General Scott Harshbarger, helps guide its work. The Center works in collaboration with the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston at Harvard University.
The Rappaport Center was established at Boston College Law School in 2015 with a gift from the Phyllis & Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation.
Above (L to R): Scott Harshbarger, Jerome Lyle Rappaport, Phyllis Rappaport, Mayor Martin Walsh, Dean Vincent Rougeau, Elisabeth J. Medvedow, R. Michael Cassidy (Photo by Reba Saldanha)