For Immediate Release
Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) To Hold Mock Trial for Middle School Students June 12 at U.S. District Court Event Is Culmination of Ten-Week Legal Education Program for Inner-City Youth Sponsored by Bingham McCutchen LLP; Civic and Philanthropic Leaders To Serve on Jury
LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2012) – U.S. District Court Judge, the honorable James Otero, will preside over a mock trial featuring twelve inner-city students from Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), the acclaimed youth development program located in the Rampart District. The mock trial will take place in the U.S. District Courthouse located at 312 N. Spring Street, Courtroom 1, on June 12 at 4:30 p.m. Judge Otero will adjudicate the trial, which is scheduled to last one hour. The mock trial is the culmination of a ten-week program in which HOLA students learned about the court system and trial advocacy from attorneys at the law firm Bingham McCutchen in Los Angeles. The students will argue the fictitious trial of a science project gone awry. “The majority of HOLA students haven’t been exposed to the inner workings of the legal system before,” said Silvia Velazquez, HOLA’s Middle School Director and HOLA alumnus. “The program has really been a valuable learning experience for them, and has let them see first hand what goes into preparing an effective trial strategy. This is the fifth year of the program and we are grateful to the lawyers and staff at Bingham McCutchen for volunteering their time and expertise to our kids.” HOLA’s after-school programs have made a vital difference to students 6-19 years old, attending overburdened schools in the Rampart District and surrounding neighborhoods who lack access to quality enrichment programming and academic assistance. HOLA’s youth development programming is designed to inspire students and reignite their interest in learning, and is unique in the quality of instruction and individual attention provided for each student. HOLA provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. For over 20 years, HOLA has helped young people reach their potential, rather than succumb to the lures of gang life, drugs and juvenile delinquency. Bingham McCutchen offers a broad range of market-leading practices focused on global financial services firms and Fortune 100 companies. The firm has more than 1,100 lawyers in 14 locations in the United States, United Kingdom and Asia. Reporters interested in covering the event should contact HOLA’s Communications Director, Lee Schube, at (213) 389-1148, ext. 232 or lschube@heartofla.org.
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