Summer Law and Trial Institute inspires Ohio high school students to pursue law, public service and justice

Hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences' Center for Law, Justice & Culture and directed by Larry Hayman, Esq., the program welcomed students from communities across the state, including Athens, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Ross, Scioto, Fairfield, Highland, Carroll, Muskingum, Licking, Tuscarawas and Stark counties. The institute combines virtual instruction with an immersive residential experience on OHIO's Athens campus, introducing students to legal careers, college pathways and the importance of public service.

Throughout the program, students learned from attorneys, judges, law students, legal aid advocates and public officials representing a wide range of legal fields. Topics included the American legal system, criminal and civil litigation, immigration law, evidence and objections, legal aid, public defense, prosecution and the federal court system.

A highlight of the program was a visit to the Supreme Court of Ohio, where students toured the historic courthouse, observed oral arguments, met Justice Jennifer Brunner and learned about judicial careers and the role of judicial attorneys. Students also visited the Athens County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile and Probate Division, where Judge Zachary Saunders discussed the work of the courts and the importance of access to justice in rural communities. The schedule also featured presentations from the ACLU of Ohio, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, the Columbus City Attorney's Office and numerous practicing attorneys and judges. 

The institute culminated in mock trials held at the Athens Municipal Courthouse, where students applied the skills they developed throughout the program by presenting opening statements, examining witnesses, making objections and delivering closing arguments before Judge Saunders, a jury made up of community members and an audience of family members and supporters. 

Student evaluation data demonstrated the program's impact. Nearly every participant reported greater familiarity with legal careers and a stronger understanding of the American legal system, the rule of law and the work performed by attorneys. Many students indicated that the experience increased their interest in pursuing legal careers and attending college, while several reported that the program made them more likely to consider Ohio University as a future educational destination.  

Participants consistently cited the Supreme Court visit, interactions with legal professionals and the mock trial experience among the most memorable aspects of the program. Students also reported improvements in critical skills such as public speaking, teamwork, time management, professional networking, reading comprehension and analytical thinking. 

The program also emphasized access to justice and the legal needs of rural and Appalachian communities. Following presentations by Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio and other public-interest attorneys, many students expressed increased interest in public service, volunteering with legal aid organizations and exploring legal careers in smaller communities where access to attorneys is often limited. Several participants reported plans to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, or mock trial activities in their communities after returning home. 

Student feedback reflected the program's influence.

One participant wrote, "I am most definitely more interested in going to Ohio University. I really enjoyed my time here." Another noted that the institute inspired them to contact their local legal aid office about volunteer opportunities, while others described the program as helping them better understand legal careers and their own future educational goals. 

Hayman said the program's goal extends beyond introducing students to the law.

"The Summer Law and Trial Institute is designed to help students understand how the legal system affects everyday life while giving them the opportunity to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of civic responsibility," Hayman said. "We want students to leave knowing that legal careers, and higher education more broadly, are attainable pathways for them, regardless of where they come from."

Now in its 11th year, the Summer Law & Trial Institute continues to provide Ohio high school students with meaningful exposure to law, higher education, and public service while building a pipeline of future advocates, attorneys and civic leaders.