Theresa Ramos speaking to audience of hundreds of students, teachers, lawyers, volunteers and parents.
Earlier this month, three-time apprentice in the Legal Apprenticeship Program, Theresa Ramos, gave an encouraging speech to current apprentices as they were preparing to perform their mock trials before a federal judge. The Legal Apprenticeship Program is the result of a long term successful partnership with Discovering Justice. It allows apprentices to work with law firm volunteers throughout the semester to prepare for and litigate a mock trial. While apprentices are part of the Citizen Schools program, Discovering Justice recruits and develops partnerships with the Law Firms, and creates the curriculum and trainings for the program. Discovering Justice also coordinates the final event, “An Evening of Mock Trials”, held at the Moakley Federal Court House, which is always an unforgettable part of an apprentice’s experience. Here are some highlights:
About six weeks ago, I lost a very close friend to me in Dorchester due to violence.
At this point, they still have not determined who was responsible, and I have felt hurt, angry and confused by the process. Above all, I feel that justice should be served. And in the future, I plan to attend law school to become a prosecutor in order to protect my community from this kind of injustice.
For me, my mock trials apprenticeships were the first, second and third steps towards achieving my goal.
In 2007, I had just entered a new neighborhood and I did not know many people in the area except for my friend Shanika. She told me about this after-school program called Citizen Schools, and how they provided homework help and fun apprenticeships—ways to learn about different subjects and careers, from real people who do them. I thought it would be a great way to meet new kids in the neighborhood and I immediately wanted to join.
I signed up for an apprenticeship called mock trials. Each Wednesday, we hopped on a bus, drove to City Hall in downtown Boston to eat our snacks and begin our lesson. Every week we learned something new about being in the courtroom—such as writing an opening statement and how to ask direct and cross examination questions. We all looked and acted like young attorneys, learning the ropes from real lawyers who helped us learn ways to prove our case.
After ten weeks of practice, the day had finally arrived for us to present our case in front of
Young Attorneys swearing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth
all our friends and loved ones at Moakley Federal Courthouse. Just like what you’re doing tonight.
In my head I kept repeating the questions: “Please state your name, and where you work. Can you please describe where your desk is located in the office?” I remember reading my opening statement and being terrified of the judge. But over the evening I became more confident and comfortable.
Then we lost the case. And to make matters worse, my best friend Shanika was on the opposing side!
Anyone who knows me knows I love to win. The following year, my team succeeded and we won our case! At this point, my mock trial track record was 1-1. I was not satisfied and I still wanted to learn more about law, so I selected the mock trials apprenticeship again in 8th grade.
Three years, three cases, and six closing statements later, I think it’s safe to say I’m a Citizen Schools mock trials expert. So I’d like to share with you future lawyers a little wisdom I’ve learned from this experience: practicing law isn’t what we see on “Law and Order.” Real lawyers get nervous before a big case and have to practice constantly.
Now I’m a freshman at Cristo Rey Boston. It’s hard to believe that just last year, I sat where these aspiring lawyers are. Although I’ve graduated from Citizen Schools, I still consider myself a young attorney who aspires to create justice for all.
So apprentices, congratulations on your hard work getting you here tonight. Now stop waving at mom or reviewing your opening statement and take it all in. At this moment, you are all future lawyers!
My inspiration for pursuing law is to deliver justice to the community.
What’s yours?
This past semester, I had the pleasure of co-teaching a team of students at the Orchard Gardens K-8 School in Roxbury, MA, in a class on what makes a man, a man. My colleague, Jon Hinthorne, and I talked with the young men about real issues in their lives like violence, leadership, teamwork and love, and how a man faces those issues. Watch the video below to hear what our young men have to say about the experience.
