BC Law’s Public Interest Law Retreat—the largest ever—welcomed a new class of first-year students interested in pursuing careers in government and the public sector October 2 at the Connors Center in Dover, MA.
The annual event, organized by BC Law’s Public Service Scholars and Michelle Grossfield, director of the Public Interest and Pro Bono Program, was created to introduce 1L students to the BC Law public interest community, the various practice areas in public law, the financial sustainability and resources available to those pursuing careers in these areas after graduation, and the rewards and challenges of a career in the field.
The day began with a keynote address by Judge Leslie Harris ’84 (retired) and was followed by roundtable sessions with attorneys and alumni in the field, a student panel of current 2Ls and 3Ls, and presentations by Interim Dean Diane Ring and faculty.
The speakers shared their experiences in careers in government and public interest and the many clinical and experiential opportunities available at BC Law to prepare students for roles in these fields. AccessLex representatives were on site to discuss financial sustainability and resources for students pursuing public interest careers, including BC Law’s Loan Repayment and Assistance Program.
“The Public Interest Law Retreat was created to welcome our first-year students into the vibrant and supportive public interest community at BC Law,” said Grossfield.
“The retreat introduces them early on in their law school careers to each other, our 2L and 3L public interest leaders on campus, faculty who practiced in the field and teach relevant courses and clinics, alumni and practitioners who are eager to mentor students as they begin their careers and the resources, and information they need to be successful in engaging in this critical work during and after law school,” Grossfield explained. “Our students leave the retreat supported by our community and inspired to serve.”
Because of increased demand and the larger-than-usual Class of 2024, the retreat expanded this year to include almost 60 first-years, a 100% increase from the usual attendance of 30. Approximately 25 alumni and 10 2L and 3L Public Service Scholars and student leaders participated.