Grant Recipient: Hannah Tanabe, Class of 2011
Major: Sociology
Organization: Legal Outreach Summer Law Institute at St. John’s School of Law
Location: Queens, New York
This summer I have been working as a fellow at Legal Outreach’s Summer Law Institute at St. John’s School of Law. Legal Outreach works with students from underserved communities from all five boroughs of New York, using the tool of law as a means of inspiring, encouraging and preparing them for higher education. Over the summer Legal Outreach conducts an intensive criminal law program for rising ninth graders, which culminates in a mock trial. I supplement the criminal law curriculum, taught by two, current St. John law students, with skills lessons, ranging from study skills to professional etiquette. I also arrange daily guest speakers for the students and weekly field trips to firms and courthouses. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the bright, young students who possess immeasurable potential and am fortunate to play a role in what the students call a “life changing summer.” Working with Legal Outreach has not only solidified my own aspirations to attend law school but has also allowed me to begin to make professional connections with individuals in the field. I am so fortunate for this opportunity and am eager to see our future attorneys in action during the mock trial!
