Not only do classmates Brian Shaud and Liam Holland’s post-graduation paths mirror one another—completing Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court clerkships and serving as federal district court clerks—they had many similar experiences at BC Law, where they were members of the Class of 2017. Both were Academic Law Fellows with the Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy, LEAPS Public Service Scholars, and members of the Boston College Law Review. They also share an enduring and genuine commitment to public service.
Earlier this year, the duo did it again. Both were accepted into the US Department of Justice Attorney General’s Honors Program after a highly competitive selection process. And both were invited to join the DOJ’s Federal Programs Branch in Washington, DC. They will be defending the Executive Branch in federal district courts against civil actions attacking the legality of government policies and decisions by litigating “cutting edge” issues of constitutional law.
Before attending BC Law, Shaud taught eighth grade math in a public school and worked at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. “I know firsthand the positive impact that government programs can have,” Shaud, a first-generation college student, said. “As a child, I was covered by government health-care programs. I am not sure if I could have completed college, much less law school, without significant federal assistance and private investment. Public service is how I give back.”
Holland worked for the Massachusetts House of Representatives Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy prior to law school. That plus experiences at BC Law like participating in Professor Thomas Barnico’s Attorney General Clinic cemented his desire to be involved in these areas of law and to commit himself to ensuring that legislation advances the public interest.