Overview
On March 10, the Historical Society of the District of Columbia Circuit held its 12th annual Mock Court Program, chaired by Steptoe partner Jim Rocap. At the event, more than 170 students from four local high schools presented five to six-minute appellate-style oral arguments to 14 federal and DC judges. More than 30 volunteer attorney mentors from several Washington law firms worked with the students to prepare their arguments.
In his welcome remarks, DC Circuit Chief Judge Merrick B. Garland, who was President Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court, said, "One day I hope you will return to this courtroom as lawyers and judges." He added, "It takes a lot of bravery and requires some nervousness to get on your feet in front of actual, real judges."
Prior to the event, Mr. Rocap was interviewed about the program on WPFW’s “Community Watch & Comment” with Gloria Minott (the interview begins at 5:12).
Pictures from the event are available at the Historical Society of the District of Columbia Circuit.
