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.