Boys & Girls Clubs and PLDIC Wrap-Up Twelve-Week Legal Career Pathways Program for Area Teenagers
Teens Interested in Legal Profession Connected to Experiences Led by Attorneys and Judges
Pittsburgh, PA- In partnership with the Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition (PLDIC), seven teenagers from seven different area high schools served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) completed the inaugural twelve-week Law and Legal Interest Club in which they were connected to hands-on learning experiences led by 45 attorney, legal professional, law student, and pre-law student volunteers from a variety of Pittsburgh area organizations and schools.
Throughout the twelve-week program, students learned about legal careers, different types of legal practice areas, including in-house law departments, large firms, and nonprofit representation, and future employment opportunities in legal support positions, such as IT, marketing, and more. Students visited the campuses of Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh to learn about admission processes and requirements and hear firsthand from pre-law and law students about their experiences. The program featured hands-on and interactive exercises which taught students how to issue spot, interview and cross-examine witnesses, develop an opening statement and closing argument – all culminating in a mini mock trial at Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor’s courtroom led entirely by the program participants.
“This program has changed the way I view my future. The opportunities and connections I’ve gained through this 12 week program have been irreplaceable. My goal has always been to join the legal profession,” said Jer’Niyah Hannah, an 11th grader who participated in the Club through BGCWPA. “This program solidified my desire to pursue a career in litigation.”
“I am immensely grateful for this program as this is a chance many don’t get. It has helped me fully understand how much I truly want to pursue my career in law,” said Alif Binali, another 11th grade participant from BGCWPA.
The program built on past programs hosted by BGCWPA and PLDIC, which included career captures and presentations at the organization’s Teen Centers in Shadyside, Downtown Pittsburgh, Carnegie, and McKeesport. The curriculum for the Law and Legal Interest Club was designed by a diverse working group of attorneys and legal professionals, including Judge Henry-Taylor of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Barb Strnad, Devon Ferris and Ryan Naumann of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C., DeMarr Moulton of Comber Miller, LLC., and Kellie Ware of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
“As a person who did not fully understand what it meant to be a lawyer until after being admitted to the bar, it is profoundly inspiring to see students have a view of windows, and mirrors, into the profession they aspire to join,” said Judge Henry-Taylor. “The students did an amazing job with their mock trial performance, and I see future litigators and legal professionals among them.”
“Since the PLDIC has partnered with the BCGWPA, our Legal Career Pathways Program has blossomed – after visiting multiple clubhouses for interactive sessions over the past few years, we’ve taken our partnership to a new level with the Law and Legal Interest Club,” said Ena Lebel, Executive Director, PLDIC. “Teens were able to visit law firms, law schools, and courtrooms and learn about our field and ultimately, put what they learned to practice. We hope that the Club has inspired, challenged, and given these students access to opportunities that may make them realize their potential as future lawyers.”
To celebrate the completion of the Law and Legal Interest Club, the students and their families, along with program volunteers and leadership, gathered at the PPG Paints Arena on December 8. The students received complimentary headshot portraits from Life Camera Soul Photography (a Pittsburgh-based portrait studio specializing in empowering, legacy-focused imagery for individuals, organizations, and community initiatives), and guests were treated to a tour of the arena from Pittsburgh Penguins leadership. Students who graduated from the program were also given a list of contact information for the dozens of attorneys, legal professionals, and university representatives whom they met throughout the program.
Photos from the program can be found here. Please credit Jordan Jenkins of Life Camera Soul Photography.
“This internship was not only informative and educational regarding careers within the legal profession, but also gave the teens a sense of confidence that any career path that they choose is obtainable,” said Scott Flurry, Director of Teen and Career Development, BGCWPA. “The teens had very insightful questions and often went past their ending time. Programs like this serve as a reminder to us why we are here.”
The Law and Legal Interest Club is a part of the BGCWPA’s growing menu of career pathways and teen council programs, which include the Youth Advocacy Council for teenagers interested in policymaking and government, the Teen Influencer Council for those interested in social media and digital content creation, Healthcare Pathways for those interested in medical-related fields, and the soon-to-launch Architecture and Design Pathway.
###