Boston Bar Association Names 15 New Public Interest Leaders

BOSTON, Sept. 19 – Reaffirming the Boston Bar Association’s strong commitment to developing the next generation of civic leaders, BBA President Tony Doniger today named 15 lawyers as the newest members of the BBA’s prestigious Public Interest Leadership Program.  The leadership training program, now in its fifth year, is for lawyers who have practiced law for fewer than 10 years, and fosters the professional relationships that are essential to success.  Participants of the 12-month program become part of a growing alumni network, where both new and old members can benefit from the experience and leadership of their predecessors.  The program was expanded this year due to overwhelming demand.

“The Public Interest Leadership Program helps Boston’s brightest young lawyers become the leaders of tomorrow,” said BBA President Tony Doniger.  “This program is having a resounding impact on the entire city, while providing the lawyers with a real sense of professional fulfillment – reminding them why they went to law school in the first place.” 

This year’s Public Interest Leadership Program participants graduated from eight different law schools and represent 11 law firms, eight of which are new to the program this year.  Members of the group also come from legal services agencies, the Massachusetts Legislature, and include a solo practitioner.  Nominated by their employers for their demonstrated commitment to public service and pro bono work, the highly select and diverse membership ensures that participants benefit from a vast array of experiences and perspectives, and that the message of the program will be spread across the city and legal community.

The 2007-2008 Public Interest Leaders will be provided with an insider’s view of a large scope of civic and charitable opportunities in Greater Boston.  Participants will spend approximately 200 hours in meetings and workshops throughout the year, learning from prominent community leaders and Public Interest Leadership alums, developing insight into local organizations, and inspiring their peers to become more active in the civic arena.

The Public Interest leaders are: 

Claire Bishop Abely, Foley & Lardner LLP

Aaron J. Agulnek, Massachusetts State Senate

Jennifer A. Cardello, Foley Hoag LLP

Bryan S. Conley, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

Sherley E. Cruz, Greater Boston Legal Services

Kate Grennan, AIDS Action Committee of MA

Dara Z. Kesselheim, Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP

Rachel A. Lipton, Brown Rudnick Berlack Israels LLP

Bonnie Schroeder McGuire, Ropes & Gray LLP

Jennifer M. Ryan, Dwyer & Collora, LLP

Noah C. Shaw, Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo, P.C.

Heidsha Sheldon, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Stephen D. Silveri, Law Office of Stephen D. Silveri

Christopher D. Strang, Corwin & Corwin LLP

Suleyken D. Walker, Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow