Day Pitney Hosts Hispanic National Bar Association - Legal Education Fund Legal Education Action Program ("LEAP")

On June 17, 2014, Day Pitney hosted a group of high school students from across America and Central America participating in a program run by the Hispanic National Bar Association - Legal Education Fund designed to introduce Hispanic high school students to the United States legal system. During the program LEAP participating law professors, lawyers, elected and appointed officials, and judges inspire LEAP participants by sharing their success stories and educating them on attainable goals young people can set to achieve a successful legal career. LEAP participants learn of the many careers they may pursue with a law degree. LEAP students are also exposed to the legal side of the business world, enhance their understanding of the rule of law, and hopefully set their sights on becoming leaders in their communities. The one-week HNBA-LEF LEAP culminates with students competing in a mock trial with the support of legal advocacy coaches including law school professors and judges. The HNBA-LEF LEAP also provides teaching opportunities for law students, who serve as LEAP student-guides during the execution of the one-week summer program. LEAP law student- guides accompany and support LEAP participants throughout week.

The students were welcomed to the firm by Shawn Wooden. They then went on a tour of the office, discussed the value of legal aid with lawyers from Greater Hartford Legal Aid and New Haven Legal Aid, and participated in breakout sessions with lawyers from the firm, a firm client, and the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association, who discussed matters of importance from various practice areas. The afternoon culminated in an ice cream social for all participants and other Day Pitney attorneys and guests.