Name: Natalie Cappellazzo

Year: 2L (Class of 2017)

Undergraduate institution: Allegheny College, Class of 2013, graduated cum laude

Experiences between college and law school: I worked at a law firm in Buffalo, New York (my hometown), and interned at the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

• President, Women’s Law Center
• Staff Writer, International and Comparative Law Review
• Judicial Extern, Boston College Judge and the Community Court Program

Favorite class: Criminal Procedure with Professor Bloom. Supreme Court opinions and simulated drug busts – what more could one want in a law school class?

• Summer Associate at Nutter McClennen & Fish (2L Summer)
• Legal Intern in the Public Integrity Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (1L Summer)

What do you hope to do after graduation? I hope to purse a career in litigation, real estate, or a hybrid of both. The beauty of such a versatile degree is the continuing opportunity to explore potential avenues and practice areas, both while in law school and following graduation.

Why law school? I concentrated on international political and economic development during undergrad. A law degree was the next logical step in this regard, and I am fortunate that I have been able to pursue international relations and development at BC Law through ICLR and various elective courses. Practically speaking, I enjoyed working in both the private and public legal sectors immensely (in a law firm, as well as in a government office), and knew that law school would afford me opportunities in both realms.

Why BC Law? I was first drawn to BC Law because of its reputation of being very collegial and non-competitive. I read great things about the professors, and was also attracted to the many clinic and externship opportunities here, because I knew that I wanted to supplement my academic learning with practical experience while in law school. Ultimately, however, I visited BC Law in March of 2014 before beginning my 1L year and instantly loved BC. I saw myself enjoying and maximizing the next three years here. This was what really sealed the deal for me; I sent in my deposit the day I got back to Buffalo.

What most surprised you about BC Law when you got here? Everyone here genuinely wants to see each other succeed, which was something I found surprising initially. Outlines are passed down from year-to-year, professors have open-door policies, and your classmates will not hesitate to help you out during a cold call. However, what surprised me most recently was coming to the realization that I will actually be sad when law school is over.

Natalie Cappellazzo is a 2L at BC Law and a BC Law Ambassador. Feel free to contact her with questions about her experience, BC Law, or law school in general. Comment here or send her an e-mail at cappelln@bc.edu.

Boston College Law Ambassadors is a newly launched program designed to enhance the on-campus experience for every prospective student who visits BC Law. The Ambassadors are thirty students who lead campus tours, help out at Admitted Students Day, and serve as a resource for applicants and admitted students who are considering enrolling at BC Law.

In support of this role, each Ambassador will be profiled on the Impact blog over the course of the school year. If you are a prospective student and notice something about any of our Ambassadors that you’d like to discuss with him or her – whether it’s a shared alma mater, an interesting extracurricular, or an appealing summer job – do not hesitate to reach out. After all, that’s what we’re here for!