In the realm of legal education, PESA stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering community engagement and professional development among law students. One notable initiative that exemplifies this commitment is the Loyola Law School (LLS) workshops, where PESA provides pro bono hours to law students, allowing them to make a lasting impact on their communities.
Andrew Medina, a dedicated third year law student at Loyola Law School, spearheads the LLS workshops at Chatsworth Charter High School, emphasizing the transformative power of pro bono work. Medina reflects on the broader perspective that participation in these workshops brings to aspiring legal professionals: "I think by having these pro bono hours and being a part of the community, we are reminded that it's not just about having the corner office in the high-paying white-collar law firm. It's about serving people. That's what the practice of law is for."
The heart of the LLS workshops lies in empowering high school students with knowledge about courtroom proceedings through engaging educational lesson plans. These plans serve as a foundation for high school mock trials, a competition that sees students taking on the roles of prosecutors and defendants in simulated legal proceedings.
Medina notes the immediate impact of the workshops by sharing, "I see the effects of the work I do more immediately. You can watch these students grow from where they started with no prior knowledge. Through our workshops, I've watched them develop and learn these skills—like how to object, give an opening statement and closing argument, and conduct a direct examination. It has a more immediate payoff, which is gratifying to watch."
Chloe, a junior at Chatsworth High School and President of the Mock Trial team, attests to the invaluable contributions of Medina and the LLS workshops. "He's been really helpful to us. I loved getting to know about law and courtroom proceedings on a deeper level instead of just knowing general basic ideas. And breaking down each concept so everyone understands."
Chloe also highlights the broader appeal of these workshops, extending beyond those with aspirations for a legal career by stating, "I would definitely tell other students to join Mock Trial because it's such a great experience, especially if you want to learn more about professional development. Although not every club member will pursue law, it's something that is really fun to learn about. I know that a lot of my friends have really fun attending the mock trials meetings and just learning from Andrew at these workshops."
PESA's commitment to pro bono hours for law students facilitates a vital connection between law schools and communities. By providing a platform for legal education and mentorship, PESA ensures that the practice of law remains grounded in service and accessibility, inspiring the next generation of legal professionals to make a positive impact in their communities.
If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.
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