The National Bar Association’s John Rowe Chapter hosted their first annual Law Camp from July 15th to July 19th. The camp currently focuses on African-American high school boys between 9th and 12th grades. During the week, campers learned basic legal skills and courtroom decorum which concluded with a mock trial. Each side presented an opening statement, direct examination, cross examination and a closing. The jury found the Defendant not guilty. All participants exceeded expectations, and have developed an interest for litigation. Out of the experiences from the week, the students and organization leaders are discussing the possibility of forming a mock trial team.
Judge Pamela Goodwine of the Kentucky Court of Appeals presided over the trial, while Neely Williams, associate attorney with Stoll Keenon Ogden PPLC, served as co-counsel and mentor to the students, and Landrum Shouse law clerks Alex Henning, Chynna Hibbitts and Clay Thornton served as members of the jury.
A special thank you to Beth Winchell, partner at Landrum Shouse, and the firm for their continued commitment to develop prospective young lawyers in the Lexington community and throughout the Commonwealth.