Wareham lawyer Paula Mangum operates her own practice with offices in Boston and Wareham, teaches at both New England School of Law and Pine Manor College, offers pro-bono representation for clients who are survivors of sexual assault, and contributes to several law journals. Now she has another activity: serving on the State Ethics Commission.

Mangum was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to a five-year term on the State Ethics Commission last Thursday.  She joins a prestigious group of lawyers that investigate and enforce conflict-of-interest and financial-disclosure cases for public employees.

“Paula Mangum’s broad experience and deep commitment to public service are truly exemplary,” said Governor Patrick. “Her work ethic, demeanor, integrity, and sense of fairness will serve the public well on the Ethics Commission."

"I am honored to be appointed by the Governor and look forward to joining my fellow Commissioners," said Mangum. "It is always important to promote the public's trust and confidence in public service."

Mangum didn't always intend on being a lawyer, however.  For many years, she worked to promote economic development and community revitalization in West Virginia with former Governor Gaston Caperton's Office of Community Development. It wasn't until 1996 that Mangum returned to Massachusetts to attend Boston College Law School.  She graduated cum laude in 1999.

In fact, Mangum views the law as a tool to ensure her ideals of promoting fairness and equality.  While at BC, Mangum was the Executive Editor of the Boston College Third World Law Journal.  Rather than pursue corporate law, Mangum stayed focused on public service, working as Assistant District Attorney for Bristol County and as a law clerk to the justices of the Massachusetts Superior Court.

As the Legal Director for the Victim Rights Law Center in Boston, Mangum supervised the delivery of legal services to survivors of sexual assault and provided outreach and support to the community on legal issues related to that crime.  She has published a number of articles in academic journals relating to representing sexual assault victims in court, and she served as editor/co-editor for community rape crisis center publications both in Massachusetts and West Virginia.

"I've always been involved in the public sector," Mangum said. "I've always done pro-bono legal work, and I feel lucky that I'm able to dedicate time to these issues."

While she is known for her expertise in domestic violence and sexual-assault issues, and said she had no ambitions for political appointment or public office - "absolutely not!" she replied, Mangus thinks the State Ethics Commission appointment ties in neatly with the goals that she has promoted for her entire legal career.

"I like to think that the focus of my legal career has been based on the same core values that underlie the mission of the Ethics Commission -- integrity, fairness, and enforcing the law."