Empowering Exceptional Young Leaders in Boston Law
Each year, the Boston Bar Association’s Public Interest Leadership Program welcomes a select group of talented and highly-motivated lawyers to participate in a year-long program designed to provide intensive leadership and professional development training. Participants learn from and connect with leaders in Boston’s public and private sectors to gain the critical skills and tools needed to grow as an effective leader and voice in the community.
What Our Members Say
PILP was a window into all the different ways that I could make a difference and have an impact as an attorney in Boston. PILP encouraged me to get out of my swim lane by building connections with other civically engaged and community-oriented attorneys practicing in different areas.
What Our Members Say
The activities presented during the organizational leadership module emphasized the connection between lawyering and leadership. Effective leadership skills are critical for every attorney, whether they advance from an associate attorney to a law partner; a corporate counsel to a business leader; or attorney to political official.
What Our Members Say
From our talk with local board leaders, to our lesson on best practices regarding board service, the charitable board service module was a reminder that there are plenty of options and opportunities available for attorneys at any stage in their career who are passionate about helping others.
The Experience
Those who apply and are selected for the program will benefit from monthly training sessions incorporating education, discussions, debriefing sessions and participation in monthly BBA steering committees. In addition to these modules, participants will be invited to attend several programs, events and meetings connecting them with legislators, judges, non-profit executives, and corporate leaders throughout Boston.
The Network
After completing the program, graduates will enter a growing network of more than 250 accomplished alumni who embody the drive, passion, and diversity of our community. Program alumni have gone on to serve as elected officials, chair boards of local nonprofits, take on managing partner roles within their law firms, serve on the BBA and Boston Bar Foundation boards, and play key roles in Boston business and community initiatives.
Monthly sessions with business & philanthropic leaders
BBA leadership meetings
Networking opportunities
Major BBA events, such as Annual Meeting, The Beacon Awards for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Law Day
Applying for PILP
The application process for the PILP Class of 2024 – 2025 is now closed. The next application cycle will take place in Spring 2025.
The BBA seeks applicants within their first ten years in practice (although preference will be given to applicants with at least five years experience). Rising leaders from law firms, in-house legal departments, affinity bars, government agencies and non-profits are all encouraged to apply for this year-long program. Organizations are also invited to nominate a promising candidate to participate.
Applicants must complete an application and provide a statement of interest and a commitment letter/letter of recommendation from their employer or sponsor.
If you have any questions on the program or application process, please contact Chloe Morse at cmorse@bostonbar.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boston Bar Association Public Interest Leadership Program?
TheLeadershipProgramisa selective leadership development programforattorneys within their first five to ten years in practice.The programrecognizesandengagesnewerlawyerswhohave demonstratedleadershipintheirpractice and communityand represent rising stars who embody the professionalism, drive, commitment, passionand diversity of the bar.
Why should I apply for the Leadership Program?
Selected applicants to the Leadership Program become part of a tight-knitalumni network of successful and engaged leaders in Boston law. Participants will take part in monthly sessions, featuring exclusive guest speakers, unique training modules,interactive sessions with business and philanthropic communities, discussions, networking events and more.
Why should we support an applicant from our office?
The BBA Public Interest Leadership Program is a long-standing program with a proven track record of generating successful leaders. Program alumni have gone on to serve in leadership and executive level roles at their firms, chair boards of local non-profits and serve as elected officials.
Participants build critical skills and receive training in key areas, as well as participate in unique opportunities to extend their networks in the legal and business communitiesin orderto help them succeed throughout their careers.
What is the selection process and criteria?
ApplicantsmustbeBBAmemberswithintheir first five to tenyearsin practice.TheSelection Committeewill evaluatethe application poolbased on anumber of important criteria,including: (a)the extent towhichapplicantshavedemonstratedleadershipintheircommunity;(b)theextenttowhichapplicantsare willingtocommittime andenergytothe future good of the profession; and (c) the extent to which the incoming class will reflect personal, professional, and legal practice diversity,in keeping with the BBA’s mission. Only one applicant from each firm or organization may apply per year.
