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Brown Rudnick donates $25,000 to Mock Trial program

Issue December 2011

Brown Rudnick LLP, through its Center for the Public Interest, has donated $25,000 to the Massachusetts Bar Association's 2012 Statewide High School 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, in its 27th year.

"We are deeply grateful to Brown Rudnick for its sustained generosity and support of the MBA's successful Mock Trial Program," MBA President Richard P. Campbell said. "The program is crucial, especially during this time of economic uncertainty of the court system, in its ability to educate young people about both the rule of law and role of 
the courts."

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 explores the level of legal responsibility high school teachers bear in identifying and preventing bullying among students. The timely topic illustrates the challenging intersection between law and social policy.

"Brown Rudnick is proud to continue our longstanding support of the MBA Mock Trial program," said Albert W. Wallis, executive director of Brown Rudnick's Center for the Public Interest. "This is an especially fitting way to honor the 10th anniversary of the Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest, by furthering our investment in improving education through the MBA's stellar hands-on  program, in which high school students gain a better understanding of and respect for the justice system, while also developing their problem-solving and leadership skills."

At least 1,500 students at more than 100 schools across the commonwealth are expected to participate in the 2012 Mock Trial Program. More than 100 lawyers across the state will serve as volunteer coaches and judges.

Last year, the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School of South Hadley won the state championship and placed 31st in the national tournament.