MERIDEN, Conn. — During the week of July 6, the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) welcomed 35 Connecticut high school students to its 2026 Law Camp, a week-long educational program that introduced participants to the legal profession through interactive learning, advocacy training, mentorship, and a mock trial competition.
Held at the University of Connecticut School of Law, Hartford Superior Court, and the Connecticut Supreme Court, Law Camp gave students a firsthand look at the Connecticut's legal system while allowing them to learn directly from attorneys and judges.
The week began at UConn School of Law, where Dean and Professor of Law Eboni S. Nelson welcomed students alongside CBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Co-Chair Ronald J. Houde, Jr., and CBA Immediate Past President Emily A. Gianquinto.
Throughout the week, students participated in educational sessions covering the Connecticut court system, civil and criminal litigation, courtroom advocacy and etiquette, bar associations, legal career paths, and strategies for preparing for law school. They also received hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of trial advocacy, including opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations, objections, impeachment, and the effective use of exhibits.
A highlight of the program was the mock trial competition. Students were divided into teams and worked closely with attorney coaches throughout the week to develop case strategies, prepare witness examinations, and refine their courtroom presentations. Daily preparation sessions gave students the opportunity to apply the advocacy skills they learned in workshops while building confidence in a courtroom setting.
As part of their preparation, each team visited a local law firm—including Morrison Mahoney, McCarter & English, Shipman & Goodwin, Day Pitney, Robinson+Cole, and Pullman & Comley—where practicing attorneys provided guidance and mentorship ahead of the competition.
The week concluded with the culmination of the mock trial competition, beginning with preliminary rounds at Hartford Superior Court. The top two teams advanced to the championship round, held in the Connecticut Supreme Court chambers before Judge Nuala E. Droney. After hearing the case, Judge Droney returned a not guilty verdict and named the team representing the defense as the competition champions. She also commended all participants for their professionalism, preparation, and outstanding performances throughout the week.
Law Camp concluded with a reception at UConn School of Law, where CBA DEI Co-Chair Ronald J. Houde, Jr., and CBA President J. Paul Vance, Jr., offered closing remarks.
"You're doing a really important thing by spending the time to embrace the law and to learn the law," said President Vance. "You're not lawyers yet, and maybe some of you will choose to do other great things in your lives. But doing this is really important."