U.S. Attorney's Office Summer Law Camp Introduces High School Students To A Career In The Law

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – This week, 22 high school students attended the U.S. Attorney’s Office Summer Law Camp, for an introduction to the American Criminal Justice System and to learn more about what it takes to pursue a career in the law. The three-day program wrapped up on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, with the students participating in mock trials at the federal courthouse in Charlotte. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. presided over the mock trials.

“Our Summer Law Camp is a great way to introduce young people to our criminal justice system and the diverse career paths available to them within the legal field,” said U.S. Attorney King. “The mock trials also give students an opportunity to better understand legal proceedings and trial advocacy, and experience first-hand what it’s like to be a lawyer in an interesting, fun, and interactive format.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Summer Law Camp is free of charge, and it is available to students in 9^th through 12^th grades who are interested in learning more about the legal profession. The program is taught by career federal prosecutors and it is designed to help students explore the justice system, learn about the Federal Rules of Evidence, gain basic advocacy skills, and encourage students to think as lawyers. In addition, participating students receive instruction on evidence collection, and have an opportunity to hear from guest speakers representing law enforcement agencies and the defense bar. During the mock trials, students actively participate in the court proceedings, with assigned roles as prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses, tasked with delivering opening and closing statements, providing testimony, and conducting cross examinations.

“Our law camp provides students of all socio-economic backgrounds with an opportunity to be exposed to the legal profession, understand the legal process, and learn more about career options in the legal field,” said U.S. Attorney King. “But ultimately, the law camp is more than a lesson in civics or career preparation. The goal is to help young people gain a greater understanding of the power and responsibility they hold as citizens and the important role they play in ensuring that the criminal justice system is a place where they can make a difference for themselves, for their community, and, ultimately, for justice,” King added.

Additional information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Summer Law Camp can be found here.