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Attorneys help students execute a mock trial under their guidance.
By Derek Joy
The Brownsville Middle School auditorium stage transformed into an American courtroom, where students could witness the case of the State of Florida v Corey Falcons, a mock trial created by Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel (HM&B).
It was American Bar Association’s (ABA) Law Day on May 1 and students were exposed to real attorneys and a judge who taught them about the Magna Carta and then demonstrated how the document works through the mock trial, with students assuming various roles under their guidance. HM&B, a Black-owned law firm with 40 attorneys, went a step further than a mere day at a school. The Firm officially adopted Brownsville Middle, and a partnership was born.
HM&B Managing Partner told the students and Principal Ebony Nicole Dunn that whatever the needs are, the law firm will fill it.
Several attorneys from the firm were present including Marlon Hill.
“It was their idea,” said Dunn, when asked what led to this activity on this day. “One day Marlon Hill was here talking to the kids and staff of City Year. He suggested it and that’s how it came about.”
“Right now, the adoption means financial assistance. In the future we hope to have a Lawyers Academy with regular visits by lawyers and judges. Students need to know the ramifications of breaking the law, as well as learn about job opportunities and careers in the criminal justice field.”
Brownsville Middle enrolls 694 students, 75 percent of whom are Black.
Hamilton talked to students in a forum-like atmosphere, encouraging them to purse the heights of their dreams and gave assurances that the partnership is a lasting bond.
“We really wanted to give back to the local community, ensure our commitment to the community through the children with financial assistance and mentors behind them. We want to make sure that future lawyers and leaders come out of this school,” said Hamilton, a native of Kingston, Jamaica.
It was an opportunity for middle school kids to meet Black role models and learn lessons that have lasting value.
“I think this program is good because our kids don’t have the opportunity to meet role models other than athletes and entertainers,” said U.S. District Judge Marcia Cook, a native of Detroit, Mich.
“This is not just about today, but the experience, the things they learned can impact the rest of their lives. Very rarely do I encounter someone with serious criminal problems who has finished high school. It has nothing to do with race or ethnicity.”
The experience of the mock trial allowed these sixth grade students to assume the roles of judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, bailiff, court clerk, jurors, witnesses and spectators.
They learned the role of each participant in a trial. Students were then given the opportunity to ask questions and highlight what they learned.
Read the rest of the story at The Miami Times.
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