Diane Patrick, senior counsel at the law firm Ropes & Gray and a former First Lady of Massachusetts, has been elected chair of the Epiphany School’s board of trustees. The independent Dorchester-based school serves students from economically disadvantaged families in Boston, all of whom are provided scholarships.

Patrick spent close to three decades practicing law at Ropes & Gray, serving as co-managing partner until her retirement in 2016 and since then serving as senior counsel. Her previous roles include eight years at Harvard as university attorney responsible for labor and employment matters and associate vice president of human resources.  Prior to beginning her legal career, Patrick was an elementary school teacher in New York City.

Patrick and her husband, former governor Deval Patrick, have been actively involved with Epiphany since its inception. 

“Diane has brought tremendous dedication and commitment to our board, not only as someone who has seen the firsthand effects of quality academic instruction on a child, but also as a fierce advocate for it,” said Epiphany School founder and Head of School Rev. John Finley.  “We are so fortunate to have her leadership and vision.”

During her husband’s two terms as governor beginning in 2007, Patrick advocated for mental health and against domestic violence throughout the state while continuing to practice law full-time.  She continues her high level of engagement in the community, sitting on various boards, including Agiliti, Inc., Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General Brigham, and The Trust for Public Land’s Black History and Culture Advisory Board.

She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Queens College, City University of New York, and her law degree from Loyola Law School.