The MBA’s Diversity Committee hosted the eighth annual Day in Court program on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Montgomery County Courthouse. 63 students from Abington Junior High School’s VIBE and IMAGINE program participated in this year’s event.

In the morning, the Honorable Wendy G. Rothstein welcomed the group of students into her courtroom to observe live court proceedings. Afterwards, Judge Rothstein entertained questions from the students about court procedure.

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Students were then given the opportunity to meet with the following members of the local legal community:

Todd N. Barnes, Esq. – Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney

Dean M. Beer, Esq. – Montgomery County Chief Public Defender

Hon. Gregory Scott – Judge, Magisterial District Court 38-2-09

Mark Talbot – Chief of Police, Norristown Police Department

Each speaker shared their success stories, as well as lessons learned along the way. While each speaker’s road to success was unique, their stories shared a common thread – the value of hard work, courage and perseverance in achieving your dream.

The students then enjoyed lunch at One Montgomery Plaza, where they were joined by Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale and Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judges Garrett D. Page and Steven C. Tolliver, Sr.

Montgomery County Assistant Solicitor Lauren A. Hughes, Esq. organized the event with the guidance of program founder and past organizer Marilou Watson, Esq. (Fox Rothschild, LLP). Ms. Hughes noted of the students: “I was amazed by their level of professionalism and attentiveness. They asked dynamic questions in response to what they observed.” Ms. Hughes wasn’t the only one impressed. “Every speaker truly enjoyed the students, even offering to share their contact information should the students wanted to speak further,” she remarked.

The PBA award-winning Day in Court program is part of the Montgomery Bar Association’s efforts to promote diversity within the legal community.  Other initiatives include the Robert E. Slota, Jr. Summer 1L Internship program for diverse first year law students.  In the fall, members of Montgomery Bar Association’s Diversity Committee will teach courses in the law to students at Abington Junior High School.