Highlighting the important role that lawyers can play as civic leaders, Boston Bar Association President Edward P. Leibensperger recently announced that a select group of eight lawyers - all of whom have been practicing for less than a decade - will spend the next 12 months in a special leadership development program. Dubbed Public Interest Leaders, the lawyers have all demonstrated a powerful commitment to public service.
The Public Interest Leadership Program, established in 2003, is intended to reinforce the professional commitment of lawyers to civic and charitable endeavors. The lawyers, who spend a minimum of 25 hours a month on public service and leadership development activities, were nominated by their employers, which include prestigious law firms, legal services agencies, and the Office of the Attorney General.
The 2005-2006 Public Interest Leaders will themselves organize seminars that provide opportunities to meet with prominent community leaders, develop insight into the challenges confronting community organizations and an appreciation for the elements of successful community leadership.
The 2005-2006 Public Interest Leaders include: Manisha H. Bhatt, Greater Boston Legal Services; Philip H. Graeter, Todd & Weld LLP; Edward E. Hale, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP; Essence R. McGill, Foley Hoag LLP; Christopher Morrison, Hanify & King, PC; Katherine S. Nemens, Clubhouse Family Legal Support Project; Randall E. Ravitz, Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, and Joshua L. Stayn, Goodwin Procter LLP.