Boston Bar Association

Regina Rockefeller – Nixon Peabody
"I would choose to speak to high school audiences about the life altering repercussions of poor decisions by teenagers.  I would urge the teens to make a pledge in honor of Adam London, a Newton lacrosse player who died in a car accident in August 2010.  By that pledge, found at the website apromisetoadam.org, a teen promises:
1. Never to ride in a car without a seatbelt.
2. Never to drive too fast, because where I’m going will be there, whether I’m five minutes early or 50 minutes late.
3. Never to drive after drinking, even the smallest amount, because I cannot understand how impaired I may be.
4. Never to drive after putting anything in my body that may limit my ability to think, understand and react.
5. Never to text while I drive, because the message is never more important than my life.
6. And, perhaps hardest of all, to stop my friends when they try to do any of the above. Take away their keys; call their parents; call a cab; wrestle them to the ground, if necessary. Whatever it takes."

Robert Ullmann – Nutter McClennen & Fish
"After the last month of Boston weather, I would happily present to any audience in the Caribbean on any topic the audience wanted to hear."

Charles Walker – Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure
"I'm a history buff. One of my heroes is a black lawyer from the 19th century, Robert Morris who, besides being the 2nd black lawyer admitted to practice in the U.S, was the first black lawyer to argue before a jury, co-counsel a case with a white attorney--Charles Summner and in 1849 argue the first school desegregation case in the U.S., as well, Roberts vs. the School Committee of Boston.  I would love to talk to a group of lawyers (particularly lawyers of color and aspiring civil rights lawyers) about his representation of a Fugitive slave, Shadrach Minkins before U.S. magistrate and the consequences of that noble feat.  The theme would be--"Arguing the side your bread is buttered on."

Maria Dubrowski – Nixon Peabody
"I would pass along to a group of junior attorneys the message that Bono passed along to my class at our college graduation: 'Whatever you do with your life, be sure to give a damn about something.'  As junior attorneys struggle to adapt to new work environments, it is easy to become complaisant about a personal and professional status quo.  But without adopting a cause - whether it's a pro bono project or assisting a friend or relative in need - we fail in our obligation to ourselves and as members of the bar to pay it forward."

Keeana Saxon - Mass Dept. of Housing and Community Development
"I would choose to speak to a diverse audience of criminals who have committed every manner of crime, from misdemeanors to white collar felonies.  I would want them to understand that they, too, have a responsibility to contribute to society.  I believe that there are few to no obstacles that would truly prevent a person from being a more productive citizen.  Irrespective of age, race, socio-economic background, gender, etc., I believe that every person has the capacity to keep themselves out of handcuffs, whether they are made out of steel or gold.  Change is rooted in positive sources such as: self-determination, self-esteem, will, hard work, patience, tenacity, and the realization that one’s present lifestyle, whether brought on by a system of injustice or personal greed, should not be and, therefore, is not permanent. I would also offer to find them help and support in their endeavor."

Rochelle Zapol – Behar & Kalman
"I would like to speak to high school students across the nation about the practice of law to encourage them to be part of the next generation of attorneys.  I would speak to them about health care law, in particular, and the policy issues surrounding the implementation of health care reform.  I also would convey to them that the skills they will learn as attorneys, such as the ability to analyze complex legal issues, understand both sides of an issue, negotiate with adversaries, and be thorough and pay attention to detail are skills that will help them deal with various challenges they undoubtedly will face in their lives."

Patricia Schiavoni – Attorney at Law
"If I could address any group, I would take the opportunity to speak to law students about the benefits of pro bono work.  Granted, there is no pay nor is there course credit, but the rewards are plentiful.  A pro bono opportunity can be an invaluable learning experience, a networking opportunity, even another bullet on a resume.  However, above all, it is an opportunity to help someone whose life will be better off because of your efforts.  Now that is a reward, in and of itself.  As I have often said when I volunteer, I get back more than I could ever give."