High school students from Ohio’s urban schools will prove they have what it takes to be lawyers at the Law and Leadership Institute (LLI) 2014 Mock Trial Competition and Leadership Project Showcase at Columbus Africentric Early College. On Saturday, March 1, LLI students from six cities – Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Dayton, and Toledo – will assume witness and attorney roles and argue both sides of an original case.

More than 70 LLI students prepared for the competition by studying legal opinions, analyzing witness statements and legal briefs to create legal arguments to present to a panel of volunteer judges. This is the first time LLI students from all six program sites will compete in one event.

“We are excited to celebrate the talents and successes of our students during this event,” said LLI Program Director Rachel Wilson. “This competition provides an invaluable opportunity for LLI students, staff, supporters and board members to witness the extensive hard work, dedication and preparation put forth by our students.”

About 100 LLI students will also present Leadership Projects identifying problems or issues in their communities, with solutions and action plans to create positive change. Volunteer attorneys and educators will judge the project plans.

The day will conclude with a ceremony honoring winning Mock Trial and Leadership Project teams and recognizing LLI’s graduating seniors.

The Law and Leadership Institute is a statewide initiative with the legal community that inspires and prepares nearly 400 high school students from underserved communities for post-secondary and professional success through a comprehensive four-year academic program in law, leadership, analytical thinking, problem solving, writing skills, and professionalism. LLI is made possible, in part, by grants from the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Law School Admission Council, the American Electric Power Foundation, and other public and private funders.

Watch how students at the Dayton LLI program prepared for the mock trial competition.