MBA celebrates Mock Trial support from Brown Rudnick

Firm donates $25,000 to fund program in its 25th year

Brown Rudnick LLP, through its Center for the Public Interest, has donated $25,000 to the Massachusetts Bar Association's 2010 Mock Trial Program. Brown Rudnick has been the lead financial underwriter since 1998 and has contributed more than a quarter million dollars to the program, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

"The MBA is honored that Brown Rudnick has decided to once again continue its generous legacy with our popular Mock Trial Program," MBA President Valerie A. Yarashus said. "The program provides high school students with the unique opportunity of learning about the law while experiencing it as an advocate."

First organized in 1985, the tournament places high school students in a simulated courtroom to assume the roles of lawyers and witnesses in a hypothetical case. This year's civil case involves an individual who suffers a substantial financial loss after investing a daughter's college funds with a financial advisor at a brokerage firm. The case focuses on whether the firm, and/or the advisor are responsible for those losses. This case gives students an opportunity to learn about the importance of decision-making in the investment of personal funds.

"Brown Rudnick's support has provided continuity and stability for this important educational civic program," said Al Wallis, executive director of the Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest. "We particularly proud to be continuing our support as the MBA approaches its 100^th anniversary anniversary, and as the Mock Trial Program celebrates 25 years."

At least 1,500 students at more than 100 schools across the commonwealth are expected to participate in the 2010 Mock Trial Program. More than 100 lawyers across the state will serve as volunteer coaches and judges.