The John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Award
For more than two decades, the John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Award has helped Suffolk University Law School graduates begin careers dedicated to serving the public good. Established in 2003 through proceeds from a tribute dinner celebrating Judge Fenton’s 45 years of service to Suffolk Law, the award has become the Law School’s largest graduation award and a lasting testament to his commitment to justice, leadership, and public service.
Since its creation, the award has supported more than 80 graduates pursuing careers in government, public defense, prosecution, legal services, housing advocacy, immigration law, and nonprofit organizations. Public service legal work is deeply rewarding, but it often comes with modest salaries, which is financially challenging for students who are paying off education loans. Recipients use the award to help bridge this gap as they launch their public service careers.
As the award approaches its 25th anniversary in 2028–29, Suffolk Law will celebrate its impact, reconnect with former recipients, and strengthen the fund to support future generations of public service attorneys. Gifts can be made at any time to help launch the next generation of public service lawyers.
About Judge John E. Fenton, Jr., HLLD ’11
Judge John E. Fenton, Jr. devoted nearly five decades to advancing the law, public service, and legal education. His distinguished career included service as a professor and Dean of Suffolk University Law School, Justice and Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Land Court, and Chief Justice for Administration and Management of the Massachusetts Trial Court. He later returned to Suffolk Law as a Distinguished Professor of Law, continuing to mentor and inspire students through his dedication to excellence, integrity, and service.
Widely respected throughout the legal community, Judge Fenton received Suffolk University’s Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. His leadership and vision helped shape Suffolk Law’s tradition of preparing lawyers who use their talents in service to others.
About the John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Award
Presented annually to graduating Suffolk Law students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service, the John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Award supports those beginning careers with government agencies, prosecutors’ offices, public defender organizations, and nonprofit legal service providers.
The award provides critical early-career support, enabling graduates to pursue public interest careers that expand access to justice and serve vulnerable communities. Recipients have gone on to make an impact in fields such as criminal justice, housing advocacy, immigration law, victim services, public defense, and government service.
As Suffolk Law’s premier public service graduation award, the Fenton Award continues to honor Judge Fenton’s legacy by encouraging talented new lawyers to choose careers dedicated to the public good.
For further information on how you can support the John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Award, please contact Nancy Galindo-Rodriguez, MPA ’11, Director, Strategic Fundraising Initiatives, at 617-573-8454 or [email protected]. Additional details regarding the celebration are forthcoming.
Past Fenton Public Service Award Recipients
John J. Brandt, JD '26
Bailey A. Cortright, JD '26
Madison T. Donovan, JD '26
Jacqueline McLaughlin, JD '26
Alexander L. Moore, JD '26
Samantha O Neil, JD '26
Katherine M. Bryce, JD '25
Emily A. Cortes, JD '25
Lauren M. Diener, JD '25
Caela A. Hall, JD '25
Cassidy M. Long, JD '25
Tailayah Leche Macklin, JD '24
Sarah E. Mason, JD '24
Ashley C. Michel, JD '24
Veronica M. Santos Puim, JD '24
Timothy V. Scalona, JD '24
Christine M. Batista, JD '23
Shannon B. Grieve, JD '23
Rebecca J. Sennott, JD '23
Bryana M. Williams, JD '23
Madison M. Carvello, JD '22
Ava Depaulo, JD '22
Emily C. Pina, JD '22
Leon G. Rotenstein, JD '22
Brinhley J. Alviarez, JD '21
Shree A. Chudasama, JD '21
Valerie Nieves, JD '21
Caitlyn M. Treem, JD '21
Michael J. Anderson, JD '20
Kishahnica Rajendran, JD '20
Emily M. Smith, JD '20
Alma J. Vasquez, JD '20
Tamisha Claude, JD '19
James G. Hasson, JD '19
Kelly F. Vieira, JD '19
Jordan A. Bigda, JD '18
Joseph C. Hasson, MBA '18
Katherine J. Leney, JD '18
Mia N. Robles, JD '18
Winnie Choi, JD '17
Derek M. Ciulla, JD '17
Joshua Gonzalez, JD '17
Jessica L. Rubery, JD '17
Jessica B. Drew, JD '16
Vickie M. Mwitanti, BS '16
Megan E. McCormick, JD '15
Jah-Asia Nuru, JD '15
Courtney Scalice, JD '15
Dyana J. Boxley, JD '14
James W. Matthews, JD '14
Laura L. Bouliane, BS '13
Katharine R. Hall, JD '13
Brendan M. Kennedy, JD '13
Samantha M. Mullin, BS '13
Courtney M. Pitta, JD '13
Andrew Cahill, JD '12
Joanne Jacquet, JD '12
Laura K. McWilliams, JD '12
Kellie L. Sanders, JD '12
Colin M. Harnsgate, BS '11
Aliya S. Khalidi, JD '11
Heidi R. Mader, JD '11
Mary O'Neill, JD '11
Gregory M. Polin, JD '11
Kevin P. McCarthy, JD '10
Steven P. Vallarelli, JD '10
Joseph A. Walsh, JD '10
Todd D. Williams, JD '10
Alyssa T. Pelletier, JD '09
Daniel P. Ryan, JD '09
Matthew S. Steele, JD '09
Thomas J. Hook, JD '08
Delia C. L. Johnson, JD '08
Anthony J. Naro, JD '08
Raeha Noel, BA '08
David D. McGowan, JD '07
Merritt D. McGowan, JD '07
Benjamin J. Ostrander, JD '07
Amanda J. Rowan, JD '07
Lindy L. Aldrich, JD '06
Donna Q. Bentley, JD '06
Robert C. Hofmann, JD '06
Sarah T. Blodgett, JD '05
Jessica Tripp, JD '05
Catherine M. Watson, JD '05
Robin D. Melone, JD '04
Mary Mendonca, JD '04
Michael J. Walsh, JD '04