Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization Newsletter
As summer comes to an end, so do this year's Summer Legal Institutes! The Summer Legal Institute allows students to spend five days involved in legal experiences that will bring them to a law school, law firms, and local courts in each of the four program cities.
The goal is to equip students with essential skills for high school, college, and law school success, including reading, writing, critical thinking, professional etiquette, financial literacy, and public speaking. This is achieved through a dynamic curriculum and interactive sessions led by attorney volunteers from law firms and corporations. These attorneys provide personal and insightful perspectives on the legal profession, fostering a unique learning environment that not only inspires diverse students to pursue advanced degrees and legal careers but also enables firms and corporations to collaborate in empowering the next generation of scholars.
Throughout the week, scholars toured top law firms, explored diverse legal topics such as employment discrimination, environmental justice, and business law, and engaged in activities like oral argument presentations and mediation training. The program also featured interactive panels, thought-provoking sessions, and dynamic discussions on various subjects including the ethics of lawyering and civic engagement.
This year, we were joined by 207 scholars across our four programming cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Washington D.C. The Summer Legal Institute remains an invaluable component of JTB’s programming, and we are so grateful to all of our volunteers, hosts, sponsors, and scholars for making this an unforgettable summer!
Middle School Law Camp
Chicago, IL
July 31 - August 2
We were thrilled to host 58 middle school scholars for an enriching experience at the Chicago MSLC, immersing themselves in various aspects of law. They started with a session on legal fundamentals by Sean Suber, participated in engaging activities like a “Shark Tank” on intellectual property and app development, and explored topics ranging from judicial journeys to financial literacy. Highlights included interactive Kahoot games, mock classes, and negotiation exercises. The week concluded with a networking lunch at Locke Lord and a celebratory closing ceremony. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers, generous hosts, and enthusiastic scholars for making this week an unforgettable journey into the world of law!
ConnectED
August 5 - 8
ConnectED 2024, a virtual program for high school students, offered an engaging exploration of the legal field. The event featured Judge Spotlights with insights from Judges Edmond Chang, Gonzalo Curiel, and Roger L. Gregory, and the Rise Up series addressed crucial topics like LGBTQ social change, criminal civil rights, and climate justice. This year, 64 participants benefited from pre-recorded sessions on business etiquette, law school admissions, financial literacy, and imposter syndrome, alongside interactive panels on various law topics. They also collaborated on social justice campaigns, learning from attorneys dedicated to advocacy. The program provided valuable knowledge and practical advice, thanks to the contributions of incredible volunteer presenters!
iLead Law & Leadership Conference
Seattle, WA
August 12 - 14
JTB recently completed its first ever iLead Law & Leadership Conference in Seattle, Washington! Highlights included a keynote by Judge Anita Crawford-Willis, a mock law school class by Professor Steven Bender, and a panel featuring alumni and current students. The conference continued at the University of Washington School of Law with a mock class on the Constitution, a keynote by Judge Lori K. Smith, and a session on legal career pathways with Jana Matthews.
On the final day, scholars explored niche areas of law, such as media and corporate law, and engaged in a mock detention hearing at the U.S. District Court. The event wrapped up with a Courthouse Panel and inspiring closing remarks. The conference was a tremendous success, welcoming 65 eager scholars, thanks to the Seattle legal community’s enthusiastic participation and the valuable experiences provided to the students. We cannot wait to be back!
None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you!
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Miller Nash LLP
Pacifica Law Group
Perkins Coie LLP
Skellenger Bender, P.S.
Starbucks
Alumni Highlight: Jelani Latham
My initial interest in the law field stems from a shift in my understanding of the American legal system upon realizing just how detrimental it can be due to the countless disparities our justice system holds. As I learned I was always left with the questions, “How could this happen?” Why is this allowed?” My mom noticed my growing interest and found the JTB summer legal institute to jumpstart legal education. As a high school freshman turning sophomore, I attended the 2017 JTB summer legal institute hosted at Western New England School of Law in Springfield, Ma. Second to the mock trial in Springfield’s gorgeous federal courthouse, my favorite part of the program was the networking session hosted by MassMutual’s law department. Here, I was introduced to legal professionals of color who offered me guidance and well wishes. As a first-gen college student without legal professionals in my family, I greatly appreciated it. Additionally, one of the first things I appreciated about this program was their use of local legal professionals and students as volunteers. I was learning in my community by my community. I was vocal about these passions during the program and was awarded “Most Likely to Join the ACLU” at the conclusion of the program.
JTB’s network and material remained useful for the years to come. In the beginning of 2023 I was the very first intern for MassMutual’ Law department, who hosted the networking session for JTB. My bosses remembered the program and were so happy to bring someone aboard who participated! This past May, I graduated from Bay Path University where I received my BA in Legal Studies, ABA Approved Paralegal Certification and I was inducted into the LEX National Legal Studies/ Paralegal Studies Society. As of April, after working in 4 different areas of law in undergrad, I landed a job as a litigation paralegal for the City of Springfield’s Law Department! My next steps are to apply for the Fall of 2025 at Western New England School of Law, where it all started with JTB in 2017. However, I am inspired by JTB’s program and have a desire to create a program centered around Springfield’s community and having resources for local students that are interested in law!
I thank the JTB program as they have made a larger impact on my career than they know.
iLead Law & Leadership Conference
The iLead Law & Leadership Conference is a workshop focusing on law and leadership skills for high school students. During the workshop, students will work with judges, lawyers, and leaders in the legal community who are committed to supporting their academic growth and legal career aspirations. Lunch, prizes, and program material provided!
Nashville, TN
October 25, 2024
Student Registration
Middle School Law Camp
The Middle School Law Camp is a fun, educational and interactive experience that provides 6th, 7th and 8th grade scholars with an introduction to careers in law, the opportunity to build legal and professional skills, and connections with judges, lawyers, and other leaders in the legal profession.
Indianapolis, IN
November 22, 2024
Student Registration
Scholar Prep
