Got What It Takes? Applications Now Available for Next Class of BBA Public Interest Leaders

Flash back exactly one year. Forty young lawyers sought entry into the Boston Bar Association (BBA) Public Interest Leadership Program (PILP). Following a rigorous application process in which half those lawyers were selected for an interview, only 14 were invited to join the PILP class that began in May 2012. Here’s what members of the 2012-2013 class had to say:

Through PILP, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse and impressive group of young attorneys and connect with a wide variety of resources from across the city to creatively serve the public interest. – Daniel M. Routh, Associate, Ropes & Gray

Brainstorming and implementing community oriented projects with fellow PILP class members is invigorating and rewarding. You are able to learn from one another and come together to create projects that have a meaningful impact on the community, while building lasting relationships with truly inspirational people. – Emily Hodge, Associate, Choate Hall & Stewart

My PILP experience has offered tremendous access to Boston’s legal and civic institutions, an outstanding opportunity to meet other attorneys who share my commitment to public service, and a welcoming embrace by all levels of the Boston Bar Association. – Eric Haskell, Associate, Foley Hoag

With the BBA’s announcement that PILP applications are now available for the class beginning in May 2013, the committee charged with screening applications anticipates even more applicants for a program that has four specific purposes:

• To identify and recognize present and future leaders in the BBA and the Boston legal community
• To contribute to the professional and leadership development of promising young attorneys
• To integrate these lawyers into the BBA and public service landscape — at the same time significantly contributing to the public interest.
• To build a powerful alumni network of lawyer leaders who by their actions demonstrate that part of being a successful lawyer is giving back to the community.

PILP is targeted toward lawyers who have been out of law school for 10 years or less. The time commitment required of applicants is 150 hours over 14 months, providing a good opportunity for each PILP class to benefit from the knowledge and experience of their predecessor class. Applicants must have the support of their law firms or other employers.

PILP, co-chaired by Kathy Henry and Darren Braham, is run out of the BBA’s Public Service Committee. Both Henry and Braham are PILP alums.

For further information about applying to be a member of the PILP class of 2013, contact Shelm@bostonbar.org