From July 7–22, Fordham Law School will host the Justice Academy for Young Women, a college and law school preparatory program that combines course work and leadership training for underserved high school girls in New York City. Among the many volunteer faculty members participating this year is Fordham Law Professor Leah Hill, who will talk to the students about her own path from high school to law school.
The academy was launched in 2009 by New York State Supreme Court Justice La Tia W. Martin. During the two-week program, students are introduced to the law through substantive legal courses and focus on critical writing and analytical skills. Topics in past legal courses have included health law, the role of the district attorney, bankruptcy, legal research and writing, civil procedure, and the jury system.
The program culminates in a trip to Washington, D.C., where students visit the U.S. Supreme Court and other important government institutions. Approximately 200 students have completed the program since its founding.
“Many young women from diverse backgrounds do not receive the support they need to even consider a career in the law,” said Judge Martin. “The Justice Academy serves as a comprehensive educational strategy to remedy this imbalance.”
“These students have so much energy and are so motivated to learn as much as they can about law school and the legal profession,” said Hill. “I remember being in their place, so I see my participation as a kind of responsibility to the next generation of legal professionals.”
Students are selected for the program after filling out an application. The program is free, and transportation and food are provided. Interested students can email the Justice Academy.