Alumnus Awarded "Genius Grant"

The MacArthur Foundation announced Jonathan Rapping, JD '95, as one of its 2014 MacArthur Fellows for his work training public defenders in the South. Affectionately known as "genius grants," the fellowships award a $625,000 cash prize to "talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction." Through his nonprofit Gideon's Promise, Mr. Rapping works to change the culture of the public defense system by teaching new lawyers important skills in a structured multi-year program. Three GW Law alumni are part of the organization's 2014 class.