2009 Academy of Law & Leadership
June 18-28, 2009
University of Denver
Sturm College of Law
The Academy of Law and Leadership is designed to teach high school students the "Life Skills" necessary to become tomorrow's leaders. Using interactive, inspiring and innovative curriculum, students are challenged to:
- push their limits
- experience leadership
- communicate effectively
- problem solve
- work effectively as a team
- analyze ethics
The Academy teaches trial advocacy skills, emphasizing critical analysis, persuasive argument and professional writing. The course materials are simple, easy to follow, and cover each step in preparing a trial. Students work as a team preparing a criminal case and the Academy culminates in a Mock Trial where students demonstrate their new skills. Family and friends are invited to attend the final mock trial.
"What I liked about the program is it was really interactive. We got to go to different places and do really fun things, but we also learned a lot about mock trial, worked as a team, and put on a real case! It was really fun." - Hannah, 2007 Acad. Grad
Throughout the 10 days, students experience on-and-off campus activities engaging in teambuilding, trust, citizenship, negotiation, advocacy, and interactive activities.
The Academy of Law and Leadership is a life-changing week of adventure, self-discovery, friendship, advocacy, leadership, and service!!
Does your summer list of "Things To Do" include?
- Making New Friends
- Trying to Solve a Criminal Mystery
- Being able to say "Objection" in a real courtroom
- Sharpening your Analytical & Communication Skills
- Living on a college campus with lots of friends
- Giving back to the Community
- Getting ahead for College
- Just getting out of the house!
If any of these apply, then The Academy of Law and Leadership is the place for you!
Experience Law
 The Academy of Law and Leadership is not limited to students pursuing a career in law, but rather any student who, in the spirit of Socrates, wishes to honor his or her innate capacity to question and develop oneself.
Students will be part of a "mock trial" team. Each student serves as an attorney and performs both direct examinations and cross-examinations of witnesses in the presentation of their team's criminal case.
The case is based upon an actual case, and students are shown the original outcome at Academy's Closing Ceremony. As an added bonus, each student gets to serve as a witness for another trial team, which is always an opportunity for much creativity.
"I enjoyed every part of this program and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants answers about what they should do in their life and improve things they are doing."
- Chris, 2007 Academy Grad.
Students need not have prior mock trial experience. Seasoned trial attorneys serve as instructors, while team leaders are actual law school students. Team leaders help students draft direct and cross examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments to create a persuasive case. Daily immersion in the art of trial advocacy will quickly sharpen each student's skills.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn to think critically speak persuasively, and most of all, have fun!
Build Leadership
Students engage in a variety of discussions and activities that focus on the primary "Life Skills":
- Personal Strengths
- Trust
- Teambuilding
- Personality Identification
- Citizenship & Duty
- Negotiation & Mediation
Team interaction activities include:
- The ROPES Course
- Survivor-The Academy of Law and Leadership Style
(don't worry-no flying alligators)
- Team community Service Project
- Conqueror: The Leadership Game
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