With the help of the Law-Related Education Committee comprised of Dick Frankel,
David Katzen, Robin Pearson and Helen Peters Tilley, we have created the Education Outreach Program to inform
students, parents and educators about the complex and interesting legal arena, as well as provide
an outlet for members to volunteer within the community.
We are very excited about this program and are looking forward to our members’ involvement.
Please be sure to read the following articles, which elaborate on numerous aspects of the program.
If you would like to volunteer for any part of the program or need further information, please contact
our Education & Programs Coordinator, Michele Vasta, at (925)
370-2548, unless otherwise listed.
Teachers can’t do it all!
Teachers are frequently looking for new and exciting ways to engage their students, often by inviting
guest lecturers. Along with presentations of a general nature or requested topics, we have numerous
prepared presentations, including two State Bar Foundation publications entitled “Kids & the Law – An A-Z
Guide” for parents and/or PTA’s and “When You Become 18 – A Survival Guide for
Teenagers.”
Be a judge for a day, well…two hours anyway! The Annual Mock Trial Competition needs
volunteers!
The Mock Trial Program, run by the County Office of Education, is very fortunate to have
such a
supportive bench, bar and court staff; however, new volunteers are always needed to judge and score the
competitions in which students act as both lawyers and witnesses as they present a mock criminal case.
At least three volunteers are needed to preside over and/or score each individual event, which take place on
Tuesday and Thursday evenings in February at the Martinez courthouse
beginning around 5:00pm.
If you are interested in volunteering for this great event, contact
Joan Sieczkowski (Sis-cow-ski) at (925) 942-3400 or jski@cccoe.k12.ca.us.
Please be sure to provide possible dates you will be available.
For more information about the Mock Trial and the Moot Court programs
visit the County Office of Education website at www.cocoschools.org/events.
Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial teams are looking for mentors…
Mock Trial is an exciting program that tangibly teaches high school students about the law and
government by allowing them to act as both defense and prosecution on a case that addresses matters
relevant to students, while also competing on the county, state or national levels. By participating,
students build a foundation and interest in legal matters, public speaking, analytic ability and team
cooperation.
Many of the high school Mock Trial coaches have requested limited assistance with current Mock Trial
teams. Mentors are needed to assist coaches and team members in the subtleties of litigation, trial
skills, and advocacy. Volunteers can participate as a mentor for the entire season or even just a one
time visit throughout the County.
Law League Court Tours
From October through May, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning beginning at 10:00 am, two
docents from Contra Costa Law League meet on the courthouse steps to conduct a guided tour for 5th
through 8th graders. Initially, the students tour the Courthouse and learn about the detention facility.
The second hour is spent in a courtroom observing a “real” court proceeding in process. In the final
portion of the tour, students act as key players in a scripted mock trial, including judge, bailiff,
district attorney, witnesses, defense attorney, as well as jurors voting on the verdict.
Law League is always in need of new docents. On-the-job training is provided by shadowing experienced
docents in action. The time commitment is usually one day a month, although some docents choose a greater
commitment while others choose less. If you are interested in learning more about this very worthwhile
program, please call Michele Vasta at (925) 370-2548.
