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An initiative aimed at exposing high school students to different opportunities in the legal profession brought two prominent judges to Arsenal Tech High School Wednesday.
Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Elizabeth Tavitas and Marion County Superior Court Judge Helen Marchal spoke to students as part of the “Classrooms to Courtrooms” initiative. The program is run by the law firm Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC, and provides funding, education, and support to students to encourage them to pursue careers in the legal field.
During the discussion, the judges shared their experiences on the bench and what their careers looked like before becoming judges. Both judges pursued careers in criminal law but told students that attorneys are needed in criminal and civil law.
The students who attended the event are part of the school’s mock trial team under the Indiana Bar Foundation’s Mock Trial program. Several of them have expressed interest in pursuing a career in law after high school, but some are unsure of how to get there.
Classrooms to Courtrooms’ organizers and participants are hopeful the initiative will help students develop goals and make connections that will support them on their career path.
Tavitas emphasized the importance of hard work in order to be noticed for future opportunities, which, she said, is much easier than door-knocking to garner success.
“Once you do your best, people notice you and hand you opportunities,” she said.
The judges further expressed how difficult it can be to pursue a legal career without knowing any attorneys personally, but extended their help in getting students on the right path. Neither judge went to law school right after undergrad and had to work to support themselves through the process.
They both hope their experiences can be an example for students hoping to do the same.
“Attempting to make connections early on is so important,” Marchal said. “If any of you ever wanted to come to my courtroom and just sit with me and kind of watch the process, I would love it.”
In the months ahead, the Classrooms to Courtrooms initiative will bring several professionals to the school to talk about legal and non-legal career opportunities and topics in the profession.
Each month, a panel of professionals will speak on a new topic. Next month, the program will host a discussion on civil rights, followed by a discussion on immigration in the new year.
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