3/15/05--Boston College Law School is pleased to announce that three current students have been awarded a fellowship through the Rappaport Honors Program in Law and Public Policy. 1Ls Katherine Chekouras and Hillary Massey, and 2L James Downing received the fellowship, out of a total applicant pool that included students from Boston College Law School, Boston University Law School, Harvard University Law School, New England School of Law, Northeastern University School of Law, and Suffolk University Law School.

"I was very excited when I learned about the Rappaport Program, since one of my primary motivations in coming to law school was to gain the skills necessary to help shape policy in Boston, where I grew-up,” said Jim Downing. “I feel honored and I’m very grateful to the Rappaport Foundation for making this opportunity possible."

The Rappaport Honors Program seeks highly-qualified law students from local law schools who have excellent academic records, strong commitment to public service as shown by past paid and volunteer work experiences, and demonstrate capacity for leadership. The Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation serves as a primary philanthropic vehicle for the family of Jerome Rappaport, a prominent Boston lawyer, real estate developer, and civic leader. The Rappaport Foundation has made significant charitable activities in the Greater Boston area.

“I’m excited about participating in the Rappaport program because it provides an opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of the policy challenges Boston faces,” Chekouras said. By participating in the program, she hopes to integrate her interests in urban planning and law with public service.

"I came to law school with an interest in public health policy, particularly around school nutrition,” said Massey. “I feel fortunate to receive a Rappaport because it will fund my work in school health policy at the State House this summer."

As Rappaport Fellows, Chekouras, Massey, and Downing will be provided with a unique, year-long program including paid summer internships, educational activities, and mentoring opportunities designed to enhance their professional development and their understanding of public service and the civic responsibilities of lawyers. The activities involved in the Fellowship include: (1) working in paid summer public or nonprofit sector legal internships that place special emphasis on urban issues in the Greater Boston region; (2) participating in an ongoing, year-long educational program designed to engage then in issues concerning public law and public services; and, (3) participating in an individually matched mentoring program with accomplished lawyers, government officials, and civic leaders in areas of their interest.

The program, in conjunction with the career services offices at participating schools, will assist Fellows in identifying and securing their internships. The summer internship stipend will be $7,000.