Indiana Bar Foundation launches mock trial diversity initiative presented by Krieg DeVault LLP

UNDATED – The Indiana Bar Foundation launches its high school mock trial diversity initiative, presented by Krieg DeVault LLP, that will eliminate financial barriers to participation and provide schools with legal advisors and mentors from the legal community.

High school mock trial offers an innovative, hands-on approach to learning the law and legal system through civil and criminal trials. Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, craft arguments through testimony and physical evidence and present it to panels of attorneys and judges who evaluate their presentations.

Krieg DeVault LLP is the presenting sponsor with additional sponsorship from Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Lumina Foundation, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Ice Miller LLP and Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP. These organizations committed more than $40,000 total to the initiative.

Bringing on a new mock trial team costs about $4,200. The financial support will subsidize registration fees, teacher stipends, professional development trainings and student expenses such as travel, food and technology. Sponsoring law firms also agreed to donate time by mentoring the students.

Charles Dunlap

“There is a vital need to expand the mock trial program in minority and low-income high schools in Indiana. We hope this initiative will serve as a pipeline to increase diversity in the legal profession for years to come,” Charles Dunlap, president of the Indiana Bar Foundation, said.

The Indiana Bar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that inspires and leads change to improve civic education and legal assistance for all Hoosiers. Sponsorships are still available. Learn more about the mock trial diversity initiative at www.inbf.org.