Young Lawyer Section, Chicago Bar Association, and Hispanic Bar Association of Illinois Contact: Ruben Chapa, CBA/YLS Vice Chair 230 S. Dearborn, Room 844 Chicago, IL 60604 E-mail: chapa-ruben@dol.gov Becoming an Attorney/Mock Law School Class Activity Summary: On May 1, 2000 the Young Lawyer Section of the Chicago Bar Association in conjunction with the Hispanic Bar Association of Illinois conducted a Law Day event entitled Becoming an Attorney/Mock Law School Class. This first part of this event consisted of attorneys speaking with elementary students (predominately Hispanic students) regarding how they became lawyers. The second part of the event consisted of a professor from the law school conducting a mock law school class using the elementary students—who were in seventh and eighth grade—as law students. This event provided children with the opportunity to learn more about those who protect our freedom. Activity Narrative: Four to seven attorneys were instrumental in creating and implementing this project. These attorneys helped develop the idea; sought and obtained sponsorship for the event (including monetary sponsorship for the lunch); contacted and convinced a law professor, who was busy during law school finals week, to conduct a mock law school class; and coordinated all other logistics involved in implementing the event. Three female Hispanic attorneys (two from local and federal government and one from the private sector)  spoke and were able to convey the importance the law plays in protecting individual freedom. Because the attorneys and students were of Hispanic origin the event was able to demonstrate how important it is that all cultures be a part of protecting our democracy and freedom. The event was a successful outreach to the community because it demonstrated that attorneys have a strong commitment to diversity and to interacting with the community. The event also effectively created bonds with the elementary school and brought together two bar organizations, CBA/YLS and HLAI, to implement the program. More about this program. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization