CWBA Lawyers Teaching for Change Program

The Colorado Women’s Bar Association developed its “Lawyers Teaching for Change” program with the goal of increasing the number of diverse students that enter the practice of law.

The program brings attorney volunteers into the classroom to teach students about the practice of law in hopes of increasing the number of diverse students that enter the practice of law. The program is currently active in Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, and Larimer Counties (with plans to expand statewide).

Who does the program serve?

The inaugural program is designed to be used for grades 3-5. (A middle-school program is being developed.)

The course is designed to be a two-day course (does not need to be consecutive), with volunteers spending approximately 1.5 hours each session in the classroom, or the sessions can be combined into a one-day session for approximately 2.5 hours.

• Session one is a lesson on the practice of law.
• Session two is a mock trial.
• The program is flexible, such as by combining both session into one day, or only doing the classroom lesson or the mock trial). 
• Volunteers are given all of the materials necessary to implement the program and can connect with a school that has already requested a visit or a school of their choice (though volunteers are encouraged to consider the diversity goal of the program when selecting schools).

• Volunteer Training Video
• Intro Letter and Guidelines
• Grades 3-5 Classroom Guide
• Mock Trial Materials:
  - Spongebob Script with Exhibits
  - Cameron's Missing Lunch Script and Trial Exhibits

GET INVOLVED!

There are two ways to become involved:

1. Visit Classrooms: If you are an attorney or a judge interested in serving as a LTFC volunteer, or school personnel interested in having a volunteer host the program at your school, please contact the appropriate LTFC representative as set forth below:

2. Join the LTFC Committee: If you would like to work behind the scenes to coordinate volunteer school visits, with school outreach, or to develop mock trial scripts, please contact Melissa Meirink at melissa.meirink@judicial.state.co.us.