Gelpi, a Law School alumnus, told the students to keep a positive attitude and to follow their dreams, despite difficult economic times.

“Judge Gelpi has been a strong supporter of Suffolk Law, hiring a number of our graduates as law clerks, providing a tape to guide students through the judicial application process, and always staying in touch with his former professors, deans, and law clerks,” said Professor Karen M. Blum, chair of the Faculty Clerkship Committee, which co-hosted the event with the Career Development Office.

“It’s terrific that our students can benefit from his knowledge, experience, and willingness to mentor those who follow,” said Blum. His presence here not only educates our students about the federal judiciary, but, more importantly, inspires them to achieve goals they may think are unattainable.”

Hands-on approach

“Suffolk Law has meant so much to me in my professional development,” said Gelpi, who received his J.D. from Suffolk Law in 1991, and was presented an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2006. “This is a real hands-on school where you really learn about law and how to practice law. I don’t know if I would be where I am today if it weren’t for the education I received here.”

Perspective on applicants

“As a student interested in pursuing a clerkship, I found it useful to learn Judge Gelpi’s perspective about what he values in assessing his applicants,” said Alexis Theriault. “And as a student about to enter the legal field, I found it interesting and informative to hear Judge Gelpi discuss the issues we will likely face when litigating in a federal forum."