In fiscal year 2020, Suffolk Law saw the largest number of Summa Society donors in 12 years. The Summa Society is composed of those who contribute $1,000 or more annually.
This past spring, the CATIC Foundation committed a generous $55,000 to support Suffolk Law’s Accelerator-to-Practice Program. The program prepares graduates to join or establish small law practices that serve average-income clients.
“We appreciate the CATIC Foundation’s support, which enables Suffolk Law to fulfill its historic and nationally recognized commitment to preparing practice-ready lawyers,” said Suffolk University Law School Dean Andrew Perlman.
The award-winning program consists of an innovative professional development and skills curriculum. Students learn about law office management, receive training in efficiency-enhancing law practice technology, and intern at financially successful small firms and learn how they operate. They also participate in a full-year capstone experience in the Accelerator Practice, which combines training in fee-shifting cases with an opportunity to manage the law firm embedded within the Law School. CATIC’s funding will support the ongoing work of the Accelerator-to-Practice Program.
The Dean’s Cabinet now has 45 members, each of whom has committed at least $50,000 to support the Law School’s programs and students. Members meet with the dean twice per year to receive updates about Suffolk Law, offer strategic advice about the Law School’s direction, and engage with their accomplished fellow members.
Two new members share what inspired them to join.
“Someone once wrote that the price of leadership in academia is to forge the path forward and await the judgment of the future. Dean Perlman is not waiting for the future. The future is now! An innovator and trailblazer, Dean Perlman’s global vision has taken our law school to the next level of excellence. Suffolk Law enjoys enviable national rankings in various categories, we have a spectacular faculty, and our school is defining the path forward. I made a gift to the school because I want to advance the mission of our leadership and honor the mission of our founders—to pass on a gift when we can, and to help widen the path to education.”
Photographs courtesy of Jacqueline L. Perczek, Carl P. Gross“I had Sargent for Torts, Lemelman for Property and Taxation, and Judge for Contracts. They inspired me, and I credit a lot of my success to them and Suffolk Law as a whole. Dean Perlman visited [my family]—I was impressed with him and his vision. His assurances to me that the Suffolk mission would not be altered convinced me to up my game financially.”
