Trials and tribulations: Law grad’s early experiences lead to gratifying career

Charles Rappe came to the University of Cincinnati College of Law as a 26-year-old who had followed a unique career path.

In the years after college, he worked as an archeologist, cook, computer programmer, videographer and, finally, a police officer. While none of those jobs were a good fit, his experience as a police officer enabled Rappe to recognize what he did want to do.

“I decided I wanted to go to law school,” he said.

Specifically, Rappe wanted to become a public defender.

While applying to law schools online, an advertisement about the Ohio Innocence Project at UC caught his eye.

“I thought that sounded akin to something I wanted to do — help people who have been wronged by the system,” Rappe says.

Rappe applied to UC and was awarded scholarship support. He graduated this spring and in August began living his mission as a public defender in Colorado.

“I don’t think I would have been able to afford law school without that extra aid,” Rappe says. “I moved to UC never having been in Cincinnati. But sight unseen I signed a lease and moved because the opportunity with OIP was so great. That scholarship meant I could be a public defender afterward without a debt load that a public defender’s salary might make prohibitive.” 

Rappe could have chosen a more lucrative path. He was awarded the Judge William H. Lueders Prize for having the highest grade in Wills, Trusts, and Future Interests. But a fellowship award with Ohio Innocence Project following his first year was the prize he had intentionally sought.

“That was my goal, something I really wanted to do,” Rappe says.

“I got to talk to people who were in prison who were asking for help. The Innocence Project gave me access to people, whereas in most other clinics and internships for second-year students you’re with lawyers, not clients. UC gave me the opportunity to truly act as a lawyer — with great supervision — but act as a lawyer. You not only help people who have been convicted, you also give them humanity. Being able to touch people’s lives in that way was incredible.”

Rappe interned at the law office of the Hamilton County Public Defender during his third year and relished the chance to advocate for clients before their cases were decided.

“In the Ohio Innocence Project, all the cases are post-conviction; all the bad stuff has already happened and they’ve spent years in prison,” Rappe says. “In the defense clinic we make sure they get good representation and legal advice from the start.”

Rappe knows that becoming a public defender is not a career path for everyone.

“Caseloads are big. And the cases themselves are often stacked against you. But because I’m an alternative student I was able to know why I went to law school and be prepared for the difficulties of that kind of practice. I hope to still be there in five to 10 to 15 years, to take on felony charges, to help people and grow as an attorney.”

Rappe, now 30, doubts he would be where he is today without the financial support UC donors provided. He is grateful to those donors for giving him “the chance to advocate for people whose liberty is on the line.”

Featured image at top: Charles Rappe graduated from UC's College of Law in April. Photo/UC Alumni Association