Wiley Rein Hosts 12th Annual “Law Day” for Thurgood Marshall Academy Students

July 18, 2014

Wiley Rein hosted its annual Summer Law Day event today for students from Thurgood Marshall Academy, a public charter high school in Washington that emphasizes elements of law and justice throughout its curriculum.  During the firm’s 12-year partnership with the school, more than 1,000 students have participated in the Law Day program.

About 15 Wiley Rein lawyers and summer associates served as faculty members for approximately 100 rising ninth grade students who gathered at the firm’s Washington headquarters.  The half-day workshop educates students on basic legal principles and features a case study, a mock trial, and a panel discussion on careers in the law.  The program helps students hone their critical thinking skills, develop public speaking techniques, and practice ways of respectfully responding in an argument.

“We are delighted to support Thurgood Marshall Academy, whose mission is to help students succeed in college and actively engage in our democratic society,” said Peter D. Shields, managing partner of Wiley Rein.  “We are impressed by their great accomplishments over the years in preparing students to be the Washington, DC community’s next generation of leaders.”

“Wiley Rein is thrilled to be hosting students from Thurgood Marshall Academy for the 12th year in a row,” said Wiley Rein partner Laura A. Foggan, who has led the Law Day initiative since its inception.  “We enjoy interacting with the students and helping to introduce them to legal principles and critical thinking skills.”

Thurgood Marshall Academy was founded upon the belief—articulated by Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall—that all children have the right to a first-class education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.  In 2014, Thurgood Marshall Academy ranked as the No. 3 high school in the District of Columbia by U.S. News & World Report, and received a National Excellence in Urban Education Silver Award from the National Center for Urban School Transformation in recognition of the school’s success in providing a high-quality education for students from low-income and minority communities.  For 10 consecutive years, 100% of Thurgood Marshall Academy’s seniors have gained acceptance to college.