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Public: Recent News

The fifth annual Law-Related Education Conference was held Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at the N.C. Bar Center in Cary. The program, presented annually by the Lawyers in the Schools Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association, was open to teachers from throughout the state.

Marc Sneed, right, introduces "No Crystal Stair" as Susan Giamportone and Drew Davis look on.

Committee Chair Susan Giamportone and Drew Davis, LRE conference coordinator, welcomed attendees in the Dorsett Auditorium following registration and a networking breakfast.

Morning presenters and their programs were:

Marc Sneed, chair of the NCBA Young Lawyers Division’s Minority Focus Committee, who presented the award-winning video, “No Crystal Stair: Stories from North Carolina’s Minority Lawyers.”

James Angell of the NCBA Bankruptcy Section who presented “Credit Ready,” a workbook designed for ninth-graders as a component of their required civics/economics curriculum.

Perry Morrison presents "Substantive Legal Topics: Cheat Sheets for Teachers."

B. Perry Morrison Jr. of the NCBA Litigation Section who presented “Substantive Legal Topics: Cheat Sheets for Teachers.”

As a part of their working lunch, attendees heard from Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake Jr. of the N.C. Supreme Court; David Hostetler, co-chair for the forthcoming inaugural Justice Teaching Institute; and former state Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert F. Orr, executive director and senior counsel for the N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law.

Former N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice Robert Orr addresses the LRE.

The afternoon agenda featured a session on Leandro lesson plan development and a Mock Trial demonstration led by Philip Gray of the Wake County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.

The response from the attending teachers, as evidenced by their program evaluations, was extremely positive. Constructive criticism was also greatly appreciated and will be factored into planning for next year’s events.

As for the more glowing comments, the following is a sampling derived from the evaluations:

“Wonderful speakers, marvelous resources, handouts, great snack and food. Super new 1-package kit for “No Crystal Stair.” Climate was affirming, helpful and intellectually stimulating. Thanks for paying for all substitutes for my teachers; this was a blessing.”

“Wealth of practical/applicable information; panel discussion was an excellent adjustment to the agenda; great contacts/resources; explanation of proposed amendments to N.C. Constitution; free materials (useful) and media-definite plus; coincides well with NCSOS (North Carolina Standard Course of Study – N.C. History.”

“Excellent information that I can take back to my classroom. Very professional setting and agenda! Thanks.”

“Very informative! Interesting – Justice Orr was by far the most dynamic speaker – although all of the speakers were great. We need an entire day on Leandro/Hoke!”

“The materials are excellent. They are practical and stimulating and professional. The speakers and resources have been extremely informative offering the opportunity to interact with members of the legal community in a professional and enlightening manner. I usually offer suggestions for improvement, but I can think of nothing to suggest today.”

“This was a wonderful day! The materials will all be implemented in my classroom. The discussions were very pertinent and helpful. It was a well-spent day! Thank you.”

“Thank you! Thank you! Wonderful workshop. Time well used with attention to all learning styles! I look forward to the next workshop. Great handouts!”

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this program. Providing (substitute teacher) pay for my classroom was what made it possible for me to participate in the program! Thanks! I am taking lots of good ideas and materials with me that you have provided.”

“This conference has proven to be beneficial and has helped get me excited about the Bill of Rights unit I will teach soon. I also have become aware of the resources that you provide teachers, like visiting lawyers in the classroom.”

“I found the seminar to be extremely valuable. Every speaker was terrific. Keep up the great work!”

“This conference was very informational and well worth coming to Cary! I will take back several things to my teachers. Thanks!”

“This provided a lot of good information and useful resources. Thank you for providing this service.”

“Absolutely outstanding! My only wish is that we had more time to discuss cases other than Leandro. For example, methods for delivering case studies, especially aimed at middle and high school. I look forward to the chance to attend the (Justice Teaching Institute).”

“Great program, I wish every teacher in N.C. could attend these sessions.”

“Thank you for facilitating such a great Law-Related Education conference. I was amazed at the variety of law-related materials and programs that are available to help our students and teachers connect law to our curriculums. The handouts, videos and curriculum that we were given will be very useful. Meeting and hearing Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake and other law professionals helped me to see LIS’ deep level of commitment to education. I'm glad that we have (Lawyers in the Schools) as a resource.”