LANSING, MI, May 2, 2025 – High school students in Michigan can still register for the "Exploring Careers in the Law" summer program, hosted by the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) Learning Center, taking place in Lansing and Detroit. This initiative offers students a hands-on experience to learn about the legal field, engage in case preparation, and participate in a moot court to present their arguments.
Justice Richard H. Bernstein, who serves as the MSC liaison to the Learning Center, highlighted the program's value: "Students really get so much out of this wonderful program through personal exchanges with their peers, mentor attorneys, and expert presenters." He emphasized the program's role in helping students develop key professional skills and gain insights into legal practice and the judiciary.
During the program, students will delve into a real-life case involving a warrantless vehicle search and subsequent firearms charges. The key legal question for participants to examine is whether the search was reasonable under the Fourth Amendment and if the evidence can be used against the defendant. Students will take on roles for either the prosecution or defense, and their work will culminate in oral arguments presented before judges.
Rachael L. Drenovsky, the Learning Center Coordinator, elaborated on the program's purpose: “The goal is to have participants develop critical thinking and professional skills. They find out whether law school and a legal career might be for them.”
Eligible high school students entering grades 10 to 12, as well as 2025 graduates, can apply. The program limits each session to 24 participants, selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective participants may contact Rachael Drenovsky at 517-373-5027 or drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov for applications and further information.