Program Types & Tips Producing a People's Law School To observe Law Week with real "class," consider sending your bar members back to law school. People's Law School, that is. What Is a People's Law School? People's Law School, or Law School for Laypeople as it is sometimes called, is a bar-sponsored law-related education program for the community. The objective of the program is to increase the public's legal literacy by: a) presenting basic, practical information about common legal situations encountered by the average citizen and b) explaining more fully the role of lawyers and judges in the justice system. In providing this information, bar members effectively showcase the contributions they make to society through application of their unique skills and knowledge of the law. Planning Consumer-oriented topics are recommended for presentation, such as wills/probate, family law, landlord/tenant, real estate, insurance/personal injury, bankruptcy, etc. While some bars extend people's law school classes over a number of weeks, many limit the program to one day or evening during which several topics are presented. Other bars have opted to produce an extended program focusing on only one subject, such as starting a small business. Written outlines should be provided for each of the topics. The material should be presented in a uniform manner and, most importantly, in laypeoples' terms. (One bar chose to bind all the outlines together with a table of contents and a list of faculty members. A disclaimer was added stating that the materials were not officially sanctioned by the bar, and that while the information may be helpful, it was not intended to take the place of legal counsel.) Evaluation sheets should also be provided. Logistics A location for the People's Law School may be secured by partnering with local educational institutions such as law/undergraduate schools and community colleges or with the local courts. Budget The biggest expense for producing a People's Law School program is typically photocopying. Many bars have successfully sought support from area businesses such as banks or print shops. Every effort should be undertaken to make the program free for the public. If a fee must be charged to cover costs, it should be nominal. Call your carriers two to three months before Law Day to identify their contact person and determine their scheduling needs. Send your "pitch letter" (to suit their schedule and follow-up with a phone call. Promotion The People's Law School should be included in all known community event calendars. Newspaper and broadcast media outlets should also be approached for feature stories as well as public service announcements. An excellent way to secure this coverage is to offer local media organizations the opportunity to cosponsor the event. It is also key to have the public register in advance for each of the topics offered so that planning can be done accordingly. Registration forms can be made available through the newspaper, at libraries, senior centers, schools, churches, Social Security offices, the courthouse, grocery chains, etc. For more information about producing a people's law school, please contact the Division for Bar Services. Reaching the Community Home | Program Types & Tips Home