When Shaw Society members Paul Sullivan ’69 and his wife, Barbara, returned to campus to celebrate Paul’s 50th reunion, Paul shared some thoughts on his life in law with BC Law Magazine.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Right now, I’m focused on being a good husband, father, and grandfather—and I’mpracticing to be a good great-grandfather someday in the future!
What BC Law course made the biggest impact on you? Hugh Ault’s international tax course led me to a career practicing international tax law with ExxonMobil.
What fun fact about you would most surprise your BC Law School classmates? While attending BC Law, I worked as a licensed private investigator to support my family.
What is the name of your favorite crime drama? I’m a Law and Order junkie.
What person is your legal role model and why? My legal role model is a non-lawyer: my wife. She tells it like it is, and she always has my back.
What historical legal case fascinates you? Gideon v. Wainwright. We were assigned Gideon’s Trumpet to read during the summer before entering the Law School. It is hard to believe that the case was decided in 1963.
If you could add one hour to every day, how would you spend it? Tough question. Several things I’d like to spend the added hour doing are volunteering with additional nonprofits, spending more time at the gym, learning a second language, and trying to write a novel.
The Sullivans have marked the 50th anniversary of Paul’s graduation by establishing their legacy at BC Law by making a bequest to the school. We thank them for their thoughtful generosity, and welcome them to the Shaw Society, which celebrates those who have included Boston College Law School in their estate plans.
To learn more, please visit bc.edu/LawShawSociety or contact Maria Tringale at 617-552-4751 or maria.tringale@bc.edu.