St. Joseph Hill Academy is excited to announce a new academic initiative! Complementing our already robust and rigorous academic programs, we are introducing our newly designed Legal Education and Advocacy Institute.
During the 2023-2024 school year, participants in our Legal Education and Advocacy Institute will include students who participate in the Mock Trial program and seniors enrolled in our College Law class, both of which are led by
Mrs. Kerry Sullivan, Esq. '81, SJHA High School Director of College Counseling. There will also be opportunities for the larger student body to participate in a variety of interactive experiences, including a Speaker Series, professional presentations, and lectures in the field of Law, Justice, and Advocacy, as well as visits to federal, state, and local courthouses. Prominent Hill alumnae who are professionals in the legal field will provide their time, talent, and financial support to help launch, enrich, and sustain the Institute.
St. Joseph Hill Academy High School established the Legal Education and Advocacy Institute to provide our students with more experiential learning opportunities that are vitally important for both their continued success and growth on the journey to becoming informed and productive citizens. Students will be able to demonstrate intelligent, critical thinking in understanding situations involving law, advocacy and community justice. They will be engaged in supportive community relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the Legal Profession, including litigation, law enforcement and creating and applying laws.
“I have seen firsthand the positive impact that Hill's Senior Law class and Mock Trial participation has had on our high school students. With the creation of the Legal Education and Advocacy Institute, the opportunity to explore law and social justice topics and deepen civic engagement will be available to all interested Hill students", states Kathryn Krause Rooney, Esq. '64,'68, supporter, financial benefactor, and long-time coach of the Mock Trial team here at St. Joseph Hill Academy.
The Institute will include:
- Legal Education and Advocacy Speaker Series led by alumnae who are professionals in the field: Attorneys, Social Workers, Advocates and Government Leaders
- Visits to federal, state, and local courthouses and the Richmond County District Attorney's Office
- Proactive opportunities for research on issues of advocacy, social justice, community service and outreach, and local youth programs
- Shadow Days with legal professionals
- Utilize Lexis Nexis and Find Law to develop legal research skills
In November, a distinguished group of alumnae who are professionals in the legal field met with Sister Mary Coffelt, F.D.C., Mrs. Kerry Sullivan, Esq. '81, and Dr. Elizabeth Basile to discuss the development of the Institute. The goal of this Meet and Greet was to garner ideas and feedback from our alumnae about how best to shape this new venture.
Kristin Corapi, Esq. ’91,’95, supporter and financial benefactor of the Legal Education and Advocacy Program shared, “I’m excited to support the Legal Education and Advocacy Institute. Hilltoppers are trained to be critical thinkers and fearless advocates, but above all, they are highly compassionate. The wide scope of offerings by the Institute is set to shine a light on the myriad ways Hilltoppers can put those characteristics to use in the legal profession. Whether it be by sitting in on hearings, attending legal outreach programs, or interning at a Big Law firm, I expect the Institute to put many Hilltoppers on the fast track to a successful and rewarding career in law.”
We continue to seek alumnae who have experience in the Legal profession and the financial resources to help build the Institute along with us. If you are interested in joining our efforts please contact Dr. Elizabeth Basile, at [email protected] or (718) 447-1374 ext. 9163.
