Last week, local high school students participated in Court Camp, a week-long pilot program co-sponsored by the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association's Community Outreach Committee.

Students were given an overview of the federal court system, observed hearings and court sessions, learned how to apply for and succeed in college and law school, toured the agencies and offices in the courthouse, and heard from judges and lawyers from diverse backgrounds. Mentors paired with students to teach mock trial skills including opening statements, direct examination, cross examination, and closing arguments.

The Community Outreach Committee, co-chaired by Best & Flanagan’s Amy Conners, seeks to promote the FBA’s mission — to strengthen the federal legal system, the administration of justice, and the rule of law — by engaging with community members, outside organizations, and schools through events, activities, and other programs.