Provost Baker welcomes students to UAA. |
Prof. Periman, standing center, asks students what qualities they think a judge should have. |
Prof. Fortson was one of 11 volunteer lawyers and judges who participated in "MentorJet: A Speed-Mentoring Experience" which provided students the opportunity to talk with diverse Alaska lawyers and judges and learn about the steps to a successful and rewarding career in law.
Prof. Fortson answers students' questions about law school and being a lawyer or judge. |
The second day of the program included presentations on "The Role of Law: The Case of the Million Dollar Painting," "Access to Justice: What Does It Mean?" and "You Be the Judge!" Prof. Fortston was a volunteer attorney mentor/coach for the "Join Your Mock Trial Team" session during which students were given a case file, assigned the role of judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, witness, or juror, and tried the case. The volunteer attorney mentor/coaches assisted in trial preparation and debriefing.
L to r: Student Kaitlyn Moos, Court Clerk; Student Jackson Blackwell, Presiding Judge; and Prof. Fortson, volunteer attorney mentor/coach. |
The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) developed this highly effective annual program to encourage girls and minority high school students to consider pursuing careers in the law and judiciary. Experienced judges and lawyers discuss law school and the requirements for admission, share their experiences including reasons why they chose their careers, and answer questions in groups. Students, judges and lawyers have praised the project, and it has been reproduced successfully nationwide.
Program sponsors include the National Association of Women Judges, the Alaska Court System, the University of Alaska Anchorage, law schools from the Northwest, and other organizations. The Alaska program was taught by Alaska judges and attorneys and Northwest law school professors.
See a slideshow below.