By Brandie Silva

As students gear up for summer, the new Future of the Law Institute (FLI) Governing Council is preparing for this fall’s program on November 19 and 20. First conceived in 2001, FLI is an affiliate of the King County Bar Foundation.

FLI is a program designed for students in grades 10-12. FLI is led by lawyers, judges, and local law school faculty and staff of widely diverse backgrounds and ethnic heritages. This partnership among the legal community sends a powerful message to minorities and economically disadvantaged students that they can obtain a successful career in law.

For many students, this career option may not have entered their mind before attending FLI. Last year, a favorite segment among students, “Lunch with Judges,” provided them with an opportunity to have an open exchange with King County Superior Court judges. Several students commented on how surprised they were to learn that the judges came from backgrounds similar to their own. Some students even reported that the lunch had inspired them to pursue a law degree.

During the two days, students will learn about the role of law in society and legal career opportunities, debate thought-provoking issues, participate as jurors in a mock trial, and meet with lawyers and judges who have agreed to serve as mentors. Students observe court sentencing proceedings and spend time at Seattle University School of Law and University of Washington School of Law.

This year’s goal is to recruit 70 students, including students from Rainier Beach High School, Chief Sealth High School and Muckleshoot Tribal School. Last year students from the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club and nine King County schools participated in FLI: Auburn High School; Ballard High School; Cleveland High School; Evergreen High School; Franklin High School; InterAgency Academy; Kent-Meridian High School; Renton High School; and Roosevelt High School.