The award-winning Judge Stephen O’Neil Trial Advocacy Mentoring Program (aka “Young Lawyers Program”) will celebrate its 27th anniversary in 2027! Established in 2000 by students at Loyola Law School (“LLS”), the Program serves as a bridge between the law school and youth from the Los Angeles community and educates young people about the benefits of obtaining advanced degrees. The Young Lawyers Program was created as a collaboration between LLS’ Latinx Law Students Association and Black Law Students Association. It is advised by Professors Patricia Winograd, Gary Craig, and Professor Emeritus Gary Williams.
Approximately 80-120 students are recruited from high schools in low-income communities to participate in the Young Lawyers Program. The students attend weekly classes during the spring semester and conduct mock trials in front of real judges on a Saturday at LLS at the end of the program. Participating high school students (mentees) meet with law student mentors every Thursday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at LLS, from mid-January through mid-April. Weekly classes may be taught by law students, LLS alumni, and/or other practicing attorneys with trial expertise. Dinner is provided each week.
The Young Lawyers Program provides mentoring that demonstrates for the mentees the benefits of continuing their education beyond high school. Law student mentors are paired with high school student mentees to provide one-on-one help with trial preparation and weekly homework. The mentors share their experiences as undergraduate students and discuss their reasons for pursuing a legal career. Mentees hear from trial attorneys, including LLS alumni and faculty members, as guest speakers. Each year the Hon. André Birotte, Jr., United States District Court Judge of the Central District of California, , makes a special appearance.
In addition to mentoring and exposure to diverse legal careers, mentees learn the legal principles and advocacy skills necessary to serve as attorneys and witnesses during the mock trials. The curriculum includes:
- Witness interviewing and preparation for trial testimony
- Direct and cross examination of witnesses
- Presentation of exhibits and making objections
- Opening statements and closing arguments
- Trial preparation
Law students who serve as mentors also learn about trial advocacy and evidence law, as Professors Winograd, Williams, and Craig work closely with the law students and give them trial preparation and evidence tips. The faculty advisors also provide support for trial teams and the law student Coordinators who volunteer to conduct the Program. Additionally, law students can earn pro bono hours that apply to graduation requirements.
Increasingly, young people find themselves at the margins of society because of their youth, race, ethnicity, language, and economic status. The Young Lawyers Program serves as a vital resource for the community, motivating young people to pursue their educational goals and empowering them to become advocates for their communities. It creates lasting and valuable partnerships between LLS, community high schools, and the legal community.
If you are interested in participating in the Young Lawyers Program, or would like additional information, please contact Professor Winograd at Patricia.JonesWinograd@lls.edu or Professor Craig at gary.craig@lls.edu.