perspectives

The Accidental Advocate

/ BC Law Impact Guest Posts / Leave a comment

This guest post was written by Margie Palladino ’85, Executive Director of Mass Family Advocacy Coalition (MFAC) and candidate to serve on the Governor’s Council for Massachusetts.

Boston College Law School teaches the practice of law in the Jesuit tradition of service to others. Of all the lessons I learned there, one has stayed with me throughout my life: our legal system does not affect everyone equally.

As a law student, I was taught that people who are marginalized or lack resources can experience our justice system very differently. When you don’t have the money, the support, or even the “right-color” skin, justice can be much harder to reach.

That lesson planted a seed. I just didn’t pay much attention to it at the time.

Continue reading →

So You’re an Incoming 1L? Here’s What to Expect, Month by Month

/ Zoe Arvanitis-Dalpe / Leave a comment

Hi, future 1Ls.

I hope you’re well, considering you’re only about a month away from starting law school.

Some of you are excited beyond measure, trying to consume every Reddit recommendation you can find. Some of you are stressed and already drafting warning notes to your loved ones about the person you’re about to become over the next three years.

Consider this my own warning note—one intended to level out both camps.

Continue reading →

A Law Student’s Guide to Best Boston Restaurants

/ Catherine Beveridge / Leave a comment

Summertime is here in Boston! Now that we are past the festivities of the Fourth of July, everyone is going to fall into the dog days and complain there’s no good food in the city. Much like my stance regarding there’s nothing to do in Boston, I vehemently disagree. With two years of life here now under my belt, I’ve compiled my favorites. I will preface most of these for fun, i.e. budget isn’t a heavy criterion in my evaluation.

Continue reading →

Three Tips to Make Time for Yourself During School 

/ Alexandra Staller / Leave a comment

Now that the school year is over, I feel less guilty sharing all the things I do to entertain myself during the fall and spring semesters. Law school takes over our lives in ways we may not even recognize or feel, so giving yourself a break doing something you enjoy is so important. I hope one of my ideas will speak to you. Disclaimer: I would not recommend doing this in 1L unless you have amazing time management skills. 

Continue reading →

“Our Job Is Not to Simply Observe the Fire, but to Bring Warmth”

/ BC Law Impact Guest Posts / Leave a comment

The following is a lightly edited version of BC’s Law Student Association President Commencement speech, delivered on May 22 by Mike Jean-Louis ’26.

Good morning to our faculty, our staff, our families, our friends, and most importantly, the extraordinary Class of 2026. Forgive me, if my voice is a little wobbly, I’m a little nervous. You would think after three years of cold calls this wouldn’t phase me. But this feels a little different.

Continue reading →

How to Become a Genius!

/ Staniel Brutis / Leave a comment

With the last set of exams of my law school career approaching, I recall overhearing a conversation by two students stating that they wish they were geniuses. I completely agree. It would be nice to have a mind that reads a fact pattern once and spots every issue instantly while simultaneously drafting a well written IRAC (preferably IRAHNC) argument. Who wouldn’t want to join the Order of Coif without breaking a sweat? If this thought has creeped into your mind while you are outlining at 2 AM, don’t worry. I’ve done the research into becoming a genius and put it into practice for both of us. The answer lies in a three-step process that requires isolation, introspection, and creation. 

Continue reading →

Finding Community: A Year in BLSA

/ Dave Sainte-Luce / Leave a comment

From my very first day on BC Law’s campus, during our LAHANAS Retreat, I remember being greeted by members of this year’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) E-Board—within seconds of stepping into the East Wing. What stood out to me in that moment was the warmth and genuine joy in their welcome. It was a simple moment—a seemingly minor interaction, but one that had a significant impact. In that moment, any uncertainty I felt walking into a new environment gave way to a sense that I belonged. 

Continue reading →