LAW Camp campers outside of the Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse in New Haven.
The CBA hosted LAW Camp 2018 at law firms and courtrooms in New Haven during the week of July 9-13. Twenty-five students from New Haven area high schools and summer programs were exposed to the legal profession and received instruction on critical and analytical thinking to help them succeed in their educational and professional careers.
During the week-long camp, campers participated in panel discussions and advocacy training.Each afternoon the campers prepared their arguments for a mock trial. On Friday morning, they presented their case to Judge Erika M. Tindall at the New Haven courthouse. Those who successfully argued their case went on to present their arguments to Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson at the Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse in New Haven. The case was about a fictional incident involving a high school student and the current national opioid epidemic.
Both Judge Tindall and Chief Justice Robinson remarked that the students were well prepared and wonderful advocates for their clients. They added that, despite only having a week to prepare, the students did an incredible job and demonstrated a mastery of the complexity of the rules of the court. They expressed hope that they would one day see the campers practicing law in their respective court rooms. Chief Justice Robinson added, “Dream and dream big. Get as much education that you can because without education you can’t make choices. And make good friends who support and encourage you along the way.”
Throughout the week, campers were coached by more than 30 CBA members who volunteered their time to answer questions and guide the students as they learned the techniques and skills necessary to effectively present their case.
At an end of the camp reception, CBA members Margaret Castinado and Chief Justice Robinson were recognized for their many years of volunteer service to the camp. Wiggin and Dana LLP and Halloran and Sage LLP were also recognized for their support of LAW Camp since its inception in 2011.
This was the first year the CBA assisted in organizing LAW Camp. Hon. Angela C. Robinson, now of Wiggin and Dana LLP, and Sung-Ho Hwang of the Law Offices of Sung-Ho Hwang LLC, founded the camp in 2011. In 2019, the CBA hopes to expand the program to New Britain and Hartford.
(L to R) Sung-Ho Hwang, Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson, Judge Angela C.Robinson, and CBA Immediate Past President Karen DeMeola at the LAW Camp reception.