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Law and Leadership Institute to graduate first class in June
Published: May 16, 2012
COLUMBUS––What began as a summer pilot program through the Ohio Supreme Court for 40 students in 2008 has now evolved into a year-round program serving nearly 400 high school students throughout Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo and Dayton. In June, the first 19 graduates of the Law and Leadership Institute (LLI), LLC will receive their diplomas.
LLI is a statewide initiative in collaboration with the legal community that inspires and prepares students from underserved communities for the purpose of college preparation and increased diversity within the field of law. The program supplements high school instruction through a four-year academic program in law, leadership, analytical thinking, problem solving, writing skills and professionalism.
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor has long cited LLI as an exemplary program in state and national discussions on supporting diversity on the bench and bar.
“It is exciting to see the first group of students graduate from the program,” O’Connor said. “I know that we will see these students in leadership positions one day.”
The students from LLI competed in the annual inter-site Moot Court and Leadership Showcase competition held in March at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. LLI’s first graduates also participated in National Issues Forum Leadership policy debates on the death penalty and Internet safety.
“These competitions are capstone events,” said LLI Executive Director Hope Sharett. “They provide students an opportunity to integrate all they have learned to date and demonstrate their mastery of legal concepts, analysis, and oral advocacy to the attorneys, jurists, and education professionals who serve as judges.”
Sharrett said several LLI graduates received scholarships and are choosing among higher education programs including the University of Chicago, Otterbein University, Howard University, The Ohio State University, University of Akron, Bowling Green State University, Tennessee State University and Georgetown University.
“It is amazing how quickly time has passed by for our seniors and we are so proud of their achievements. They have earned acceptances to some very impressive colleges and universities, and with scholarships,” said Sharett.
For more information, please contact Hope Sharett, LLI executive director, at 614.485.3504 or visit the LLI webpage at www.lawandleadership.org.