What is the FDU Mini Law School?

Every summer, the FDU Pre-law program provides several days of simulations, discussions, and interactive presentations to give high school students a taste of both a first year law school curriculum and the skills and knowledge needed to compete in mock trial programs at the collegiate level. Participating high school students prepare and run a mock trial in which they create court materials and play attorney and witness roles. Our sessions are taught by FDU faculty and advanced undergraduates who have participated in our award-winning Mock Trial team. 
 

Generally speaking, the Mini Law School (MLS) program introduces students to the distinctive ways in which lawyers and judges handle social problems, conflicts, and information. In addition, through our simulated mock trial, the instructors provide introductions to the basic procedures of (and issues involved in) trials. We also cover the appellate process by working through a hypothetical case involving constitutional law. The Mini Law School concludes with participating students playing the roles of attorneys and witnesses—with parents and family members invited to observe their discussions.

All funds from the Mini Law School support Mock Trial and Pre-law activities for undergraduates at FDU.

 

That sounds interesting! How can I participate?

FDU students who are on the Mock Trial team (or who have taken the Mock Trial course) may be eligible to join the leadership team who help to run the Mini Law School each summer. We need FDU students to assist with the following:

• Marketing and publicity to high school students, their schools, their parents, and to local communities

• Design of Mini Law School curriculum, including preparing materials for our mock trial or moot court simulation

• Assistance with running our sessions including help with logistics, teaching, workshops, icebreakers, etc.

 

FDU students who help us run the MLS do not get paid, but they do receive free lunch daily, invaluable leadership skills, and can put “Mini Law School Leader” on their resumes!

 

When is this year’s Mini Law School? 

Fairleigh Dickinson will offer its third annual Mini Law School this summer.  The Mini Law School is designed specifically for high school students and features simulations, discussions and interactive participations.  These sessions give students in grades 9 - 12 a taste of both the law school curriculum and the skills and knowledge they need to compete successfully in mock trial programs at the college level.  The program also introduces students to the distinctive ways in which lawyers and judges handle social problems, conflicts and information.  The Mini Law School concludes with participating students litigating a hypothetical civil case - playing the roles of attorneys and witnesses.  Parents and family members are invited to observe the proceedings.  Our sessions will be taught by FDU faculty (who have won College and University-wide teaching awards) and advanced undergraduates who have participated in our award-winning Mock Trial team.  

The 2021 Mock Trial program builds on a successful program from previous years.  Students were engaged and excited to learn the trial process. As one parent explained, "My daughter loved every minute of it and couldn't believe how much she learned in one day."  According to another Summer 2017 participant, “the Mini Law School was a memorable learning experience for me and I enjoyed the program very much!”

 

Can I enroll in the Mini Law School if I am an FDU student?

High school graduates who will be enrolling in FDU in the Fall can join the MLS. Otherwise, we ask our students to participate in other ways - by participating in FDU’s Mock Trial program and/or assisting with the MLS’s implementation and administration!

 

How do I get more information? 

Check our website www.fdu.edu/lila or contact:

• Prof. Madelyn Ferrans, Director of Pre-law: 973-443-8721 (ferrans@fdu.edu)

• Prof. Bruce Peabody, 973-443-8729 (bpeabody@fdu.edu)