In June, Mercer Law School joined with the Dougherty County School System for the first 2024 GEAR UP Summer Law Camp at Mercer University School of Law. The partnership featured hands-on advocacy experience for 18 high schoolers who stayed on campus for one week. These goal-oriented students were looking for ways to step out of their typical summer break habits and into experiences where they could learn, grow and discover new ideas. The law school was seeking to facilitate learning about the American legal system, the role of lawyers and the power of advocacy.
Among the camp’s goals were to help high school students gain confidence in their ability to learn independently and refine their social skills by interacting with other like-minded students from outside their usual peer group. Another goal was to promote interest in the legal profession.
“GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded program from the U.S. Department of Education tasked with ensuring that students who are part of the cohort are prepared to enter and succeed in education after high school. Part of that is providing exposure to career fields and opportunities that students and their families maybe haven’t thought of,” Dougherty County GEAR UP Director Dr. Alana Simmons said.
The camp not only provided exposure to college-level academics but also offered opportunities for personal growth, networking and mentorship from accomplished faculty and staff. Camp co-directors Professor of Law Suzianne Painter-Thorne and Assistant Dean of Advocacy Katie Powers created and conducted programming that simulated participation in law school academics and in Mercer’s nationally recognized advocacy program.
On the first day of the camp, after checking into Mercer Hall, students arrived at the law school campus for a class meeting on case theory and theme presentation taught by Georgia State Court Chief Judge John Carbo. Students then learned about opening statements and storytelling. The following day, they applied this knowledge to a mock case. Other class meetings included presentations about direct examination, cross examination, evidence and closing arguments. The week culminated with a mock evidence bar exam and a final trial. The final trial was livestreamed, so loved ones of the campers could watch from Dougherty County.
“I learned how to get into things,” Marquavion Lassiter, a rising senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School, said of the camp. “Normally I don’t like to read, but in mock trial you have to read. You have to find out how to get every clue. I feel like that will help in real life because you don’t want to miss things.”
Several of the Dougherty County students have been participating in mock trial as part of their high school curriculum. At the camp, every student played a role in a mock trial case that spanned the week. Roles included prosecuting and defense attorneys, jurors, and witnesses who were called to testify. Learning about cross examinations, objections, arguments and trials were all a part of the process.
“I’m still working on public speaking. Talking in front of a group of people has always been something I’ve had trouble with,” said My’Keya Tunewald, a rising senior at Dougherty Comprehensive High School. “But I feel like this camp has given me a chance to do better at that. As somebody who’s been doing mock trial for a long time, it was nice to have other, experienced people around and get to be inside a courtroom and talking to people who have experience.”
All campers benefited from activities and classes and working together as a team. Even those not interested in pursuing law learned to speak up, resolve problems and think outside the box.
“This camp is about more than mock trial,” Powers said. “Advocacy skills are integral in everyday life, from everyday communication, self-confidence, and time management to name a few.”
While the academic components of the camp took place at the law school, primarily in the Bell Jones Courtroom, students engaged in a true college experience by living in residence halls on main campus. Mercer University’s admissions team spoke with students about their plans for the future, the college admissions process and how Mercer might fit into their futures.
“The biggest piece of GEAR UP is exposing students to college life,” Dr. Simmons said. “It’s hard to imagine what college looks like and whether you would be a good fit on a college campus if you don’t have anyone in your family who’s been to college. Our big push is about getting the students on a college campus and talking to campus stakeholders — whether it’s the president, someone working in the dining hall, faculty, staff or students — to learn about ways they can enhance the fabric of their community through post-secondary education.”
In addition to co-directors Painter-Thorne and Powers, the Mercer camp leadership team included Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Jeanne Zipperer as coordinator, Administrative Assistant to the Dean Bernadine Jackson as assistant coordinator, Director of Information Technology Chris Osier as IT specialist, and Director of Finance Administration Tracy Jackson as operations manager.
“There were several goals that we met during an exciting, invigorating and successful week,” Powers said. “Each student left with advocacy skills that will benefit their individual schools and programs as they move into the school year and begin their preparations for mock trial.”
In addition to the academic programming, students experienced fun and fellowship, including a movie night and a DJ on the front porch of the law school.
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“For over 150 years, Mercer Law has ensured that law students are prepared to practice with purpose,” Dean Karen J. Sneddon said. “As we look to the future, we seek to ensure that individuals have access to legal services. The high school students who participated in this special camp not only became part of our 150th history, they could become our future as they may enroll in Mercer Law as law students.”
