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Stuart & Branigin sponsors National High School Mock Trial event

Kelly Lucas
December 21, 2011
Keywords
Civics education, Lafayette, Law Firms
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Lafayette law firm Stuart & Branigin has signed on as the first Silver Sponsor of the 2013 National High School Mock Trial Championship, being held in Indianapolis in May 2013.

NHSMTC organizers hope to raise $350,000 to host the event, and they say this sponsorship from Stuart & Branigin is a step in the right direction.

“Education of high school students in the area of civics has been a common topic in the news in recent years,” said Susan Roberts, chair of the firm’s management committee and a member of the 2013 NHSMTC steering committee. “Students participating in the mock trial competitions learn about the American judicial system while gaining invaluable skills in public speaking and critical thinking.”

Roberts pointed out that at last year’s American Bar Association annual meeting, all lawyers were urged to consider it part of their fundamental duty to ensure that students get a high-quality civic education. “Stuart & Branigin is happy to be a leader, through its financial contribution and commitment to the mock trial program, to make those opportunities a reality,” she added.

Firms or organizations interested in sponsoring the 2013 National High School Mock Trial Championship in Indianapolis are encouraged to visit the Indiana Mock Trial website at www.inmocktrial.org/ for more information. Select the “2013 National” tab. Four sponsorship levels are available including Crystal ($50,000 or above), Gold ($30,000 to $49,999), Silver ($20,000 to $29,999) and Bronze ($10,000 to $19,999).

Those interested in making a donation are encouraged to visit the Indianapolis Bar Foundation website at www.inbf.org/giving_to_the_foundation. Organizers say that gifts of all amounts are appreciated and can by made through the IBF site. Donors are asked to note that the gift is for the Indiana High School Mock Trial Program.

Volunteers are also needed to serve as judges, timekeepers and in other capacities for the 2013 mock trial competition. The Indianapolis host committee is recruiting approximately 400 judges and attorney volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.inmocktrial.org/ and select the “2013 National” tab to learn more.

The 2011 national competition, held in Phoenix, Ariz., included teams from 48 states and territories, South Korea and Australia. Indiana’s representative team from South Bend’s John Adams High School won the 2011 national championship. The 2012 competition will be held in Albuquerque, N.M.

For more information, contact 2013 NHSMTC host committee chair Ann Marie Waldron at rwaldron@rwylaw.com or 317-587-7820.•


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