Eleven local law students are participating in the BBA’s DEI Summer Fellowship Program this summer, working in paid internships in public interest settings around the city.
This week we caught up with three Fellows – Michelle-Joy Alphonso, Vanessa Feola, and Runlin Yao – to hear about their experiences, what they’ve learned, highlights from their fellowships, and the benefits of taking part in the DEI Fellowship program.
 Michelle-Joy Alphonso |
 Vanessa Feola |
 Runlin Yao |
BBA: What kind of work have you been doing so far?
Vanessa Feola, Boston University School of Law – Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination: I’ve been doing a lot of research and writing so far, helping the agency with their backlog. So far, I’ve helped research guidelines for the Office of Management Budget, as well as how MCAD can be sure to work within guidelines of recently passed legislation while still furthering the mission of the agency.
Michelle-Joy Alphonso, New England Law | Boston – Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: I have been a part of the Consumer Protection Division, which is what it sounds like; we are doing work to protect the people of the Commonwealth. It’s involved a lot of research and has helped me become a better researcher and a better writer for sure.
BBA: How did you hear about the program, and what persuaded you to apply?
Michelle-Joy: When I first started law school, like any first-year student, I joined every group and mailing list I could find. I heard about this program through one of those e-mail groups. When I looked through all the different placement options, I was blown away by the different areas of the law being covered. As a first-generation law student, that really showed me how diverse the options are for careers within the law, and I jumped at the chance to get some first-hand experience.
Runlin Yao, Boston University School of Law – U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Massachusetts: BU makes it really easy to keep in the loop about these opportunities, and really pushed this Fellowship as being worth our time and effort to apply. As a foreign student, it’s important to me to take advantage of as many opportunities as I can to dive into the work and gain experience, and since I already had interest in finance and the law, Bankruptcy Court seemed like a perfect fit.
BBA: What has been the most interesting or exciting aspect of the Fellowship experience so far?
Runlin: My idea of the court system and how it worked before this Fellowship was basically what I’d seen on TV on shows like Law & Order. Seeing the real thing – which is, in most ways, nothing like it looks on TV and in movies – has been eye-opening. There’s still some drama, and it can be very exciting, but now I can say I have a true understanding of court procedures and what a day in court looks like.
Vanessa: Having a chance to sit in on mediations and conciliations and sort of see how the sausage is made has been really interesting. There’s so much that goes into each case, and most of it I think the general public is not all that aware of.
BBA: What advice would you offer other students considering applying for this program in the future, or those who are accepting and have some concerns about the work?
Michelle-Joy: Even if you’re unsure about it, just apply. I’m a first-generation law student, so I didn’t know anything about this kind of work going into it. And if you’re lucky enough to get a position within the program, make the best of it. Meet people. I’ve done a lot of networking and have met a lot of amazing people who are not just really smart and good at their job, but genuinely care about my personal and professional development and growth. So dive in and make the most of it.
Runlin: Embrace the work and know that everyone here is rooting for your success. It’s nerve-wracking, knowing that what you’re doing affects other peoples’ lives, but everyone supervising and working with you wants you to succeed. The best way to learn is to dive into the work and take advantage of the opportunities given to you. So while it’s important to be careful, and ask for help when you need it, it’s an invaluable experience if you allow yourself to ignore the doubts you may have and grow as you gain that experience.
BBA: Is this a program you’d recommend to other students when you return to school?
Vanessa: Definitely. It’s been hard work, but also a lot of fun, and you learn so much in such a short time.
Michelle-Joy: Absolutely. Once you get over those initial nerves, you realize how much your supervisors and others in the office are rooting for your success, and how valuable the on-the-job experience is.
Runlin: No question. This has been an amazing experience, and one I think every student should try to be a part of.
