2/28/08--Boston College Law School is pleased to announce that four current students have been awarded a fellowship through the Rappaport Honors Program in Law and Public Policy. Eric Batcho, Elizabeth Monnin-Browder, Julia Kobick and Matthew Mazzotta 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 know our students will make the best of this great opportunity to experience public service, and I hope they will ultimately be inspired to make it a career," said Freda Fishman, Associate Director of Public Interest Programs. "We would all benefit from their talent and enthusiasm."

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.

As Rappaport Fellows, Batcho, Monnin-Browder, Kobick and Mazzotta 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.