Wiley Rein Hosts “Law Day” for Area Students

Today, Wiley Rein, in conjunction with the DC Bar Courts’ Lawyers and the Administration of Justice Section, sponsored a Summer Law Day event for Thurgood Marshall Academy, a DC public charter high school focused on issues of justice and civil rights.  Almost 100 rising ninth grade students gathered at the offices of Wiley Rein for a half-day workshop on basic legal principles.

Wiley Rein has proudly supported Law Day for several years as part of its pro bono initiatives and is pleased to again serve as host of this year’s event.  Partner Laura A. Foggan, who coordinated the firm’s Law Day initiative, commented, “As a volunteer faculty member for law day I feel that I learn as much as I teach every year.”  About 30 volunteer lawyers and law students acted as faculty members for the law day program, which introduces the students to legal concepts through mock trials, round table discussions and interactive case studies.  The program also helps students practice important skills, such as critical thinking and public speaking techniques.  This year's program was also attended by DC Superior Court Judge Melvin R. Wright, who spoke to the students about his own experiences in the law.

Thurgood Marshall Academy was founded upon the belief—articulated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall—that all children have the right to a first-class education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.  As the District's first law-themed public charter high school, the school combines a comprehensive, standards-based curriculum with education about law, democracy and human rights.