Orange County Bar Association previews Law Week: judge-shadowing, mock trials and student contests

The Orange County Bar Association is expanding its civic-education outreach with a series of Law Week events aimed at students and community members, a guest on the local program said.

"The Civic Engagement and Law Week Committee is one of the committees of the Orange County Bar Association," said Jessica Travis, introduced on air as the managing partner at Fighter Law, who outlined the committee’s goal to foster legal education and civic interest. Travis said the effort focuses on students from elementary school through high school to introduce them to courtroom roles and legal careers.

Travis described Pathways in the Law, set for March 13, where high-school students can visit the courthouse to shadow judges, take part in a mock trial and meet courtroom professionals including interpreters, court reporters, bailiffs, law enforcement and attorneys. "It's a part of almost everything," Travis said of the law’s role in daily life, underscoring the committee’s education focus.

For younger students, the committee stages interactive mock trials designed to teach jury duties and legal reasoning through theatrical formats — for example, a mock trial based on the "Big Bad Wolf vs. Curly Pig" story that lets elementary students act as jurors and explain their decisions.

The committee also accepts nominations for its Liberty Bell Award, which recognizes a non-attorney who promotes civic education and respect for the rule of law; nominations are due in March and the winner will be honored at an April luncheon. In addition, the Law Week schedule includes a poster and speech contest for elementary, middle and high school students tied to the 2026 theme, "the rule of law and the American dream," with top entries presented at the luncheon.

Travis directed listeners to the Orange County Bar Association website’s Law Week page for full schedules, deadlines and application materials.

Hosts Carissa Clark and Clarence Reynolds closed the segment by thanking Travis and inviting listeners to find more information online.