Washington State Bar Association Contact: Lisa Kauzloric, Law Week Statewide Coordinator Washington State Bar Association 2101; Fourth Ave - Fourth Floor Seattle WA 98121-2330 E-mail: lisak@wsba.org Law Week Activity Summary: Lawyers and judges in Washington have an exciting opportunity to bring legal education into classrooms during Law Week. With the goal of placing “a lawyer or judge in every school”, local and specialty bars and individual attorneys and judges arrange visits to schools during the first week of May. They meet with students to discuss the importance of our justice system, current legal issues, specific areas of the law, or to hold mock trials. Many volunteers say that it is their most rewarding professional day of the year. In just one day, every lawyer and judge in Washington has an opportunity to give back to their communities, to personally contribute to legal education, and to enhance public appreciation of lawyers. Activity Narrative: Law Week is one of the many Washington State Bar Association programs designed to increase citizen understanding of the important role that the law plays in their lives. Washington’s Law Week coincides with the American Bar Association’s Law Day, celebrated on May 1st across the country. Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen the United States’ heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. The Washington State Law Week program celebrated its second year as a statewide, week-long program in May 2001. Objectives & Goals: Law Week is an exciting opportunity for lawyers and judges to bring public legal education into the classroom to enhance public appreciation of lawyers and to educate our youth about the importance of the justice system. Implementation: In May 2001, lawyers and judges from 30 Washington counties and 10 specialty bar associations met with students to discuss current legal issues and specific areas of the law. Some presentations also included mock trials in which students played all the courtroom roles. Time Table: Coordinating the Law Week Program is a year-round process. The WSBA has a staff member that dedicates one-third of their time to Law Week. Washington’s 40+ local coordinators donate anywhere from 1 - 10+ hours per week to Law Week, depending on the magnitude of the local program and the time of year. Target Audience: The intended audience for Law Week 2001 was students, grades 4-12. Over 19,600 students and over 480 teachers were served by this program. Budget: The total budget for Law Week 2001 was $5,000, all of which was provided by the Washington State Bar Association. Results/Evaluation: Each local coordinator was asked to complete an evaluation form. The goals were met in the majority of the local programs. The most common issue that we heard had to do with generating an enthusiasm among schools and teachers that was as charged as that of the lawyer and judge volunteers. However, we have received feedback from teachers and parents alike that this is a valuable, stimulating, and educational program. The students exhibit an eagerness to learn and express appreciation and enjoyment. Recommendations to other bars should this program be replicated: (1) obtain confirmation of each local coordinator and make sure they have a firm grasp on the concept and the tasks to undertake, (2) obtain commitment from teachers as to their participation as early as possible (preferably in the fall when they are finishing their lesson plans and curriculum), (3) begin advertising the program early (Fall/Winter). Utilize local and/or state newsletters or other publications, Web site, “save-the-date” mailings, e-mail distribution groups and list serves, etc. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization