Dear BBA Members:
The 2023-2024 program year marked the first year following the worst of the COVID pandemic that all of the BBA programs and key events were able to proceed in full. I want to acknowledge this good fortune and thank the innovative and tireless BBA staff and volunteer leadership for all of the work that made that possible. The dedication of the BBA staff, volunteer leadership, and all members has been instrumental in advancing our mission this year.
The BBA’s membership remains steady, despite the shifts in firm association that are becoming common in the Boston legal community. We welcomed nine new sponsor firms and UMass Law School as our newest law school sponsor, creating a wonderful opportunity for the BBA to welcome and support public-minded and first-generation lawyers into the Boston legal community.
Signature events for the BBA and the BBF took place in new and old venues. The Annual Meeting, the Beacon Awards, the Adams Benefit and Law Day gave us the opportunity to showcase and recognize the important work of members of the BBA and the Boston legal community to ensure access to justice and the rule of law. We celebrated the work of changemakers and justice advocates, from Rosie’s Place to the Beyond Roe Coalition, Kevin Prussia to Gene Dahmen, Dean Angela Onwuachi-Willig to Beth Chandler, the Federal Reserve to Paul Lee, Attorney General Andrea Campbell to Chief Justice Mark V. Green. I was honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the work of these amazing individuals and organizations.
The 2023-2024 program year was one in which the BBA continued to work creatively and energetically to create relevant programming that draws members in and to provide programs and networking opportunities that matter for an attorney’s growth as a practitioner and a member of our noble profession.
This year brought a renewed focus on the well-being of our members and the profession in general with the establishment of the Lawyer Well-Being Advisory Committee and its adoption of a set of Well-Being Principles to guide the BBA’s programming for individual attorneys and leaders of our law firms and other legal organizations. Furthermore, the BBA bolstered its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (“DEIB”) within our profession, practice areas and the legal environment through the creation of the DEIB Standing Committee that produced a set of guiding DEIB Principles focusing on the BBA’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive legal profession that will continue to work with the BBA Leadership in advancing DEIB at the BBA.
Throughout this year, I have used almost every opportunity that I have been given to speak with pre-law students, law students and lawyers to raise up the issue of lawyer well-being, and its importance to ensuring the sustainability and nobility of our profession.
As lawyers, we must work hard and with intention. We must engage our work with intellectual rigor and discipline. And we must make time for play, connection and rejuvenation. These are not antithetical concepts, but inextricably connected ones.
In this post-pandemic world, we need to continue to work together to develop models of mentorship and engagement that allow for the training, the education, and the developmental growth of lawyers AND allow for reasonable flexibility around how we fulfill our obligations to clients and our organizations, so we can have the full benefit of every person interested in practicing law.
The BBA, with your engagement, will continue to evolve to meet the moment for its membership with relevant policy positions that promote access to justice and the rule of law, with innovative, educational programming, and with networking opportunities to nurture old bonds and establish new ones. Our ability to deliver on our mission, to advance the highest standards of excellence in the legal profession, to facilitate access to justice, to foster a diverse and inclusive legal profession, and to serve the broader community, requires each member and sponsor to engage and invest. Thank you for your engagement and investment in the work of the BBA. Our partnership with each other is essential to the BBA’s continued relevancy and endurance in the Boston legal landscape.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to serve as BBA President. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been the opportunity to serve as a steward for our Association—
being present, visible, and accessible to both our membership and our partners in the Boston legal community. I am forever grateful for the past year, during which I have had the privilege of engaging in activities that serve our legal community and provide me with a profound sense of purpose. Although my presidency has ended, my commitment to the BBA and its principles of excellence, justice, diversity, and service will continue, and the connections and experiences from this year will inspire me to remain actively engaged in support of our Association.
As I pass the torch to the new President, Matthew McTygue, I am confident that his collaborative and insightful leadership will further the BBA’s mission. I look forward to witnessing the initiatives that will emerge under Matt’s guidance and to continuing our collective efforts to advance the BBA’s goals.
Thank you once again for the honor of serving as your President. I look forward to our continued engagement and to supporting the BBA’s ongoing success.
At the Boston Bar Foundation, our mission is to support the public service projects and pro bono work of the Boston Bar Association, facilitate access to legal counsel in underserved communities, and promote justice by funding the delivery of legal services in the Greater Boston area. These are the ideals that guide us, but we know that effective advocacy takes not just words, but action. As I look back at the past year, I am proud to say we’ve lived up to our mission in ways both new and old, as we continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Over the past twelve months, the BBF distributed $1,375,000 in legal services grants to 39 local organizations serving the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community: domestic violence survivors, immigrants, prisoners, workers, veterans, children and families, and more. Unprecedented high levels of IOLTA funding allowed us to do more last year than we did the year before, and we look forward to having an even greater impact in the year ahead.
In addition to these annual grants, the BBF worked closely with the BBA to provide relevant educational programming and volunteer opportunities during October’s Pro Bono Month. Our Beacon Fund supported the BBA’s Career Fair—an inclusive event designed to bridge the gap between law students and local law firms.
This program’s success has led to the creation of a second career fair for those interested in government and non-profit legal careers.
Similarly, our support for the BBA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summer Fellowship Program provides access to paid summer internship programs in public interest settings to law students from all backgrounds. We believe that one’s financial standing should not preclude them from these essential opportunities to gain paid, on-the-job experience, and we are thrilled that eleven students were able to take advantage of these opportunities this past summer.
BBF funding also supported the BBA’s Public Interest Leadership Program and Women of Color Leadership Forum, two initiatives that provide critical skills and tools that lawyers need to thrive as effective leaders in the community.
What I am most proud of this year, however, is the role we played in helping to cement lasting legacies for leaders who helped define and model the BBF’s ideals.
At the annual Adams Benefit, the BBF renamed its Public Service Award after the late Richard A. Soden, a former BBA and BBF President who was a leader, role model, and mentor not only for his friends and colleagues, but for generations of lawyers throughout Greater Boston and beyond, and who was deeply committed to supporting access to justice for all. In addition, we are proud to partner with the BBA to establish the Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award, named after the past BBA President who was a tireless champion of pro bono work at both the local and national levels.
To play a role, however small, in keeping alive the memory of these fierce advocates has been a privilege and an honor.
As I pass the baton to incoming BBF President Megan Gates, I know the BBF is in steady hands, and that the work we do to empower local communities will continue and expand in the years to come.
As we reflect on the past year, we extend our deepest gratitude to the members, volunteers, partners, and sponsors who make everything we do possible. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more connected legal community. Thank you for your support!
We would especially like to welcome the new sponsor organizations that joined us in the past year:
A Night of Connection & Conversation
The BBA Annual Meeting brought Boston’s legal community together at the BCA Cyclorama for an evening celebrating the event’s honorees, including Kevin Prussia of WilmerHale, who received the Thurgood Marshall Award for his participation in Geddes v. City of Boston and his ongoing work to devise strategies to address the constitutional issues posed by the City’s current proposals for the area known as Mass & Cass, and the Beyond Roe Coalition, recognized with the President’s Award for their efforts to protect rights in Massachusetts.
The evening also featured a fireside chat with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who shared her vision for public health and safety, as well as collaborative opportunities for the legal community to address pressing societal issues.
Recognizing the Trailblazers Lighting a Path for Progress
January’s Beacon Awards brought an exciting energy to the Artists for Humanity Epicenter, as more than 300 guests from the Boston legal community gathered to celebrate trailblazers advancing DEIB in our profession and community. In addition to the inspirational program, the event also raised funds to support the DEIB programs and initiatives of the BBA, including our partnerships with the affinity bars, our Summer Fellowship Program, and the Annual Career Fair.
Congratulations to the 2024 honorees:
- Voice of Change Award – Angela Onwuachi-Willig, Dean of Boston University School of Law
- Empowerment Award – Beth Chandler, former President & CEO of YW Boston
- Corporate Champion Award – the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Uniting for a Cause: An Evening of Reflection and Remembrance
Boston’s legal and business communities gathered at the Museum of Fine Arts for the John & Abigail Adams Benefit to celebrate Paul W. Lee and support the work of the Boston Bar Foundation. With over $900,000 raised, the event marked a profound commitment to the BBF’s mission and work to support our community and profession. Special guest Mayor Michelle Wu honored Paul’s remarkable dedication to mentoring and his steadfast support of the Asian American community.
In a poignant moment, BBF President Steve Hall announced the renaming of the Public Service Award in memory of Richard Soden, former BBA and BBF President, whose legacy of service continues to inspire us all. This evening was a testament to the strength of our community and the lasting impact of leadership, service, and generosity.
It is my honor to announce that, henceforth, the BBF’s Public Service Award shall be known as the Richard A. Soden Public Service Award, in honor of a true fixture – a part of the social infrastructure – of the profession. Though Richard can never be replaced, it is our hope that his memory and his spirit will continue to live on through not only this award, but in all of us as we strive to be just a little bit better, every day.
BBF President Steve Hall
A Tribute to Service and Leadership
On June 13, the BBA held its Law Day Celebration at the historic Symphony Hall, where attendees gathered to honor two exceptional leaders in the legal community. Rosie’s Place, the nation’s first shelter for women, received the John G. Brooks Legal Services Award in recognition of its tireless work providing emergency shelter, meals, legal assistance, wellness care, and other vital services.
Gene Dahmen, the first woman to serve as President of the Boston Bar Association and a distinguished leader in domestic law, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Danielle Allen, renowned democracy advocate and James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard. Her insights on democratic governance and innovation captivated the audience, underscoring the event’s theme of leadership and commitment to justice.
Highlighting Judicial Excellence
The BBA honored Chief Justice Mark V. Green with the Haskell Cohn Distinguished Judicial Service Award in June, highlighting his efforts to increase engagement between the bench and bar, with a focus on collegiality, professional development, and well-being. Chief Justice Green’s tireless work promoting the rule of law and the importance of an independent judiciary, both in the U.S. and abroad, as well as efforts steering the court through the COVID-19 pandemic, have left a lasting and profound impact on our profession and legal community.
The work we do touches peoples’ lives in ways we can never fully appreciate. But if we do the work, humbly and conscientiously, we can preserve their trust in a central pillar of our democracy.
Mark V. Green, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court
A Legacy of Leadership
The BBA joined the entire legal and Greater Boston community in mourning the passing of two former Presidents this past year.
Remembering Richard Soden
Richard A. Soden served as of counsel at Goodwin Procter and was a former President of both the BBA and BBF. His exceptional legal acumen and unwavering dedication to the betterment of our profession and our city have left an indelible mark.
The BBF’s Public Service Award was renamed in honor of Richard Soden at the 2024 Adams Benefit, with honoree Paul Lee receiving the inaugural honor.
Richard was a seminal member of the Boston legal community, committed to the highest standards in the legal profession. He worked throughout his career for the advancement of diversity in the profession. Keenly aware of the stresses of the profession, he also worked to elevate issues of lawyer well-being and professional integrity, both locally and nationally. We are all the better for his compassionate leadership.
Hannah L. Kilson, BBA President 2023-2024
Mary Ryan’s Enduring Impact
Mary K. Ryan, BBA President from 1997-98 and Senior of Counsel at Nutter, was a passionate and effective advocate for making our courts and our legal system accessible, and a tireless advocate for pro bono work, championing efforts at both the local and national level. Her dedication to service earned numerous accolades, including the BBA’s Thurgood Marshall Award in 2011.
This past July, the BBA announced the creation of the Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Awards. The inaugural awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting on November 14.
Mary marched to her own drummer at a time when that was not something women in the profession did. She was a role model and mentor to many. Mary was all about family, and BBA was part of hers.
Deb Manus, Chair at Nutter & BBA President 2021-2022
From Law Students to Recently Elected Partners, BBA Provides Support, Opportunities & Connection
From Law Students to Recently Elected Partners, BBA Provides Support, Opportunities & Connection
Career Fair
BBA Career Fair Connects Law Students with Boston Law Firms
More than 200 students from the BBA’s local law school partners gathered for the BBA’s annual Career Fair at District Hall last November. Aspiring law professionals met with representatives from small to medium law firms in the Greater Boston area, providing them with access to a wide array of legal career possibilities.
We’re always looking for the opportunity to engage with a diverse and talented group of students to match our diverse set of practice areas. This Career Fair is an excellent way for a firm like ours to do just that.
Rick Sousa, Partner, Prince Lobel
The event was sponsored by Rockland Trust and partially funded by the BBF’s Beacon Fund, which provides support for educational, outreach, mentoring, and networking programs of the Boston Bar Association that help advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.
Winter Welcome
New Lawyers Winter Welcome Draws Newly Admitted Attorneys
Following the swearing in ceremonies in November and early December, the BBA hosted the city’s newest admittees at 16 Beacon Street for a reception. New Lawyers Forum co-chairs Madison Bader and Christelle J. Jean-Felix, along with BBA President Hannah L. Kilson and President-Elect Matthew V.P. McTygue welcomed attendees and highlighted the many BBA resources available to support their professional growth.
Bar Coaching
BBA Bar Coaching Program Uses Comprehensive Approach to Prepare Applicants
The BBA’s Bar Coaching Program connected volunteer lawyers with exam applicants through several modules designed to address every aspect of the exam – from stress management, effective studying techniques, essay writing tips and strategies for taking the Multistate Bar Exam.
I’ve spent a decade helping students prepare for the essay portion of the bar exam. Many are exhausted and overwhelmed by the process, and for good reason. The goal of this Bar Coaching program is to provide information and tips on the basics of essay writing, study techniques, and building the confidence and positive mindset that are so important for taking the exam.
Jonathan Schreiber, BBA Bar Coach
Recently Elected Partners
Celebrating the Recently Elected Partners of Boston Law
The BBA welcomed the newly elected partners at our sponsor firms in March with a reception at the Bostonia Public House. This exclusive event provided an evening of recognition, networking, and camaraderie, as we celebrated the achievements and future endeavors of the recently elected partner class from law firms across the Boston legal community.
Law Schools
BBA Expands Law School Partnerships and Welcomes UMass Law
The BBA was proud to welcome UMass Law this past Spring as a new sponsor school! UMass joined Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, New England Law and Suffolk as BBA law school partners, which provide students with BBA membership throughout their law school careers.
Each of the approximately 350 law student members from UMass now have access to the BBA’s Law Student Network, which provides an ongoing series of career advancement programming and opportunities to connect with the legal community, including mentorship, bar coaching, BBA-hosted study sessions, access to the annual Career Fair and DEI Summer Fellowship Program, and more.
DEI Summer Fellowship
Eleven Local Law Students Participate in BBA DEI Summer Fellowship Program
The BBA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Summer Fellowship Program, launched in the summer of 2019, provides law students with paid summer internship opportunities in public interest settings. The program, which is funded from the Beacon Awards proceeds, donations from law firms, and the Boston Bar Foundation, aims to ensure that law students from all backgrounds can gain meaningful experience in public interest law.
This past summer, the BBA connected eleven local law students with positions in government agencies, non-profits and the courts and provided them with professional development programming and mentorship.
PILP
23 Public Interest Leaders Selected to Embark on Year Long Program
For over two decades, the BBA Public Interest Leadership Program (PILP) has provided classes of exceptional new lawyers with intensive leadership and professional development training. This year’s class, selected in June, will embark this fall on a year of monthly training sessions, discussions, participation in major BBA events and more.
Prioritizing Well-Being: A Healthier Legal Community
Affirming our commitment to improving the well-being of lawyers in Boston’s legal community, the BBA released its Statement of Principles Concerning Lawyer Well-Being.
Monthly Community Connections Breakfasts brought together members for conversation and camaraderie at 16 Beacon Street.
The BBA offered a variety of programming and resources, including a three-part Well-Being Leadership Skills Series for attorneys who are leaders in their firms or organizations.
When I was coming up as a junior lawyer, I’d have welcomed such concerted efforts to maintain and improve upon the well-being of those in the legal profession. I hope that the next generation of lawyers will benefit from this renewed focus, and I am proud that the BBA is taking the necessary steps to enable that movement.
Lili Palacios-Baldwin, Co-Chair, BBA Well-Being Committee
Over the past year, the BBA introduced a range of new programs and events aimed at engaging members in more meaningful and personalized ways. From the launch of Power Lunches and Industry Insight events to conferences offered in diverse formats, these initiatives were designed to foster stronger networking opportunities and meet the specific needs of individual members, reflecting our commitment to evolving with members and supporting their success.
Women in Life Sciences Power Lunch
We welcomed women from throughout the life sciences sector for an engaging exchange of ideas, experiences, and networking opportunities in May at our inaugural Women in Life Sciences Power Lunch at Branchline in Watertown. To continue to provide additional programming to serve this unique network, the Power Lunches now take place as popular semi-annual events featuring lively conversation with industry leaders.
Industry Insights: The Future of Real Estate in Boston
Attendees from business, office management, real estate law, business and commercial litigation and beyond came together last May to hear about the next big wave shaping our city. Representatives from the BPDA, leading Boston developer Colliers, and industry experts provided invaluable insight into the rapidly evolving office real estate landscape. In a condensed, rolling panel format, they covered tax impacts for businesses and the City, innovative office-to-residential pilot programs, and the future of real estate and urban planning in downtown areas.
The Boston Bar Association (BBA) is guided by our mission to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, foster a diverse and inclusive professional community, and serve the community at large. We acknowledge the history of systematic exclusion within our profession, and strive to increase and foster diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the BBA.
Women’s History Month:
Celebrating the Living Legacy of Influential Leaders
On March 20th, the BBA celebrated Women’s History Month with an inspiring evening featuring five trailblazing women leaders in law. The panelists shared their personal journeys, discussed the challenges they faced in breaking barriers, and offered insights on what it takes to be a successful leader in the legal profession. The event was a powerful tribute to the legacy of women in law and a highlight of the BBA’s commitment to advancing gender equity.
Supporting Affinity Bar Associations
The BBA continues to work closely with seven local affinity bar association partners to host programs and events for our members, and supports these organizations with meeting space, administrative assistance and marketing support.
Amplifying Voices in the Boston Bar Journal
My mother and my father were very much involved in social justice and there was a strong emphasis in my family and from African American history to focus on giving back.
–A Conversation with Chief Justice Stacey Fortes of the District Court
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Desegregation of the Boston Schools
The BBA is proud to have played a role in educating the public and helping the city understand the legal principles at play in school desegregation. The BBA’s 1974 report “Desegregation: The Boston Orders and Their Origin,” released following Judge Arthur Garrity’s decision in Morgan v. Hennigan, explained the power of the federal court, discussed the content of the opinion and desegregation orders, and provided a list of various resources available for further exploration.
In June, the BBA participated in a program at the John J. Moakley Courthouse commemorating the 50th anniversary of the landmark decision. Today, the BBA continues to work to champion the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, in education, and in the community at large.
Democracy in Massachusetts: 2024 and Beyond
In March the BBA brought together Massachusetts-based experts on the frontlines of democracy work to highlight the work being done in the Commonwealth to protect voter access, build trust in the process, encourage greater participation, and modernize the election process. Panelists provided insight into reforms like same-day registration and advocacy for the restoration of felons’ right to vote.
Election denial has become a platform for candidates, including those running to oversee elections. It’s an effort to change the rules and change the refs, in order to change the results.
–Joanna Lydgate, States United Democracy Center
The Boston Bar Foundation announced $1,498,000 in grants to 44 Local Organizations in the year ahead – both increases over last year. These organizations serve the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community, including domestic violence survivors, immigrants, prisoners, workers, veterans, children and families.
We are grateful that this year we were able to increase our funding to nearly $1.5 million. These funds give us the ability to support and partner with more local organizations doing the selfless and oft-overlooked work of aiding the most vulnerable and marginalized among us.
BBF President Steve Hall
In addition to providing critical funding to legal services organizations, the Boston Bar Foundation supported the work and mission of the BBA with funding for public service programming, pro bono trainings and direct client service workshops, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summer Fellowship Program, the Career Fair, Bar Exam Coaching and more.
Acknowledgements
Special Thanks to our 2023-2024 Leadership Team:
BBA Sponsors & Partners
