UMass Law student named Rappaport Fellow

Emily Philbrook, a rising second-year law student, will spend 10 weeks interning for Boston Public Schools.

Philbrook, a student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School of Law, has been selected as a 2025 Rappaport Fellow in Law and Public Policy. She is the 11th student from UMass Law to earn this fellowship.

"I am profoundly grateful to the Rappaport Center for the opportunity to explore my passion for public policy and to connect it with my developing knowledge as a law student," said Philbrook. "This fellowship seamlessly blends both my humanitarian optimism and legal pragmatism in working towards my goal as a leader for social change."

The Rappaport Fellowship gives law students the chance to get real world experience at the highest levels of state and municipal government. 

Each year, 12 fellows are chosen from a competitive application and interview process. Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend and complete summer internships in government.

This summer, Philbrook is working in the Office of the Legal Advisor for Boston Public Schools. Working as a sixth-grade English teacher between undergrad and law school, she advocated for an increased focus on reducing knowledge gaps in literacy and allowing students to have a say in the learning process. 

"I want to make meaningful contributions to the conversations happening in urban public education while applying the practical and technical legal skills I have developed during my 1L year," she said. "I hope to make lasting connections with my mentors and peers to support growing a broad network of like-minded individuals working towards a better way forward."

UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella praised Philbrook’s drive and outlook, noting the value she brings to the field.

"Emily brings both heart and intellect to her work, and her background as an educator gives her a unique perspective on law and policy," said Panarella. "She is the kind of thoughtful, community-minded advocate we aim to develop at UMass Law, and we're incredibly proud of her."