Wiley Rein Hosts 13th Annual “Law Day” for Thurgood Marshall Academy Students

July 17, 2015

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 13-year partnership with the school, more than 1,200 students have participated in the Law Day program.

About 15 Wiley Rein lawyers, summer associates, and legal assistants served as faculty members for more than 110 rising ninth grade students—one of the largest groups ever—who gathered at the firm’s Washington headquarters. The half-day workshop educates students on basic legal principles and features a case study, as well as a mock trial. 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 host students from Thurgood Marshall Academy for the 13th year in a row,” said Wiley Rein partner Laura A. Foggan, who leads the Law Day initiative. “This is one of our favorite days of the year. It’s an honor to share our knowledge and experience with inspiring and bright students from the DC area, and we hope they enjoy the day as much as we do.”

Ms. Foggan also discussed the Law Day program with Politico Magazine, as part of a July 16 feature article about Thurgood Marshall Academy and Washington’s charter school movement.

Thurgood Marshall Academy was founded upon the belief—articulated by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall—that all children have the right to a first-class education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. As the District of Columbia’s first law-themed public charter high school, the academy’s mission is to prepare students to succeed in college and to actively engage in our democratic society.