Nassau County is unleashing the next generation of critical thinkers and possibly future lawyers.
The Nassau County Bar Association’s School Engagement Committee is partnering with local school districts to turn curious cubs into courtroom crusaders by sparking a passion for advocacy. The program, which concluded its second year in June, empowers elementary schoolers to become informed citizens ready to take on the world by learning and implementing basic trial skills.
“It is never too early to build civic literacy, develop critical thinking skills, learn how to craft persuasive arguments and hone your public speaking skills,” Joshua D. Brookstein, founder and Chair of the Nassau County Bar Association’s School Engagement Subcommittee, said.
From October 2023 through June 2024, fourth and fifth-grade students from the Roslyn and Baldwin School Districts, as well as from the North Shore Hebrew Academy and the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, worked with teachers and volunteer lawyers to learn and implement basic trial skills.
Students attended weekly meetings to learn about the rule of law, met with volunteer lawyers bi-weekly to develop persuasive case themes, crafted opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examinations.
Lessons were created by the School Engagement Subcommittee with the goal of equipping students with a basic understanding of the legal system and the trial process, and the tools to be effective advocates.
This year, students handled the case of Lenny Loudmouth vs. Yellowstone School District, a civil assumption-of-risk case about a game of donkey basketball gone awry. Students served as lawyers and witnesses.
The cases were tried in Nassau County Supreme Court before real justices of the Nassau County Supreme Court and Nassau County Legislator Samantha A. Goetz.
The subcommittee is looking for additional schools to participate in the program for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact Joshua D. Brookstein at jbrookstein@sahnward.com or call him directly at 516-228-1300 for additional information.
