Summer Law and Trial Institute expands pathways to legal careers for Ohio high school students

High school students from across the state gathered on Ohio University’s Athens campus for the 10th annual Summer Law and Trial Institute (SLTI) in July.

This year, 20 students took part in the immersive, two-week journey into the world of law and advocacy.

Chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 120 applicants, participants explored many facets of the legal system, developed courtroom skills and discovered new pathways toward careers in law, justice and public service.

Founded and directed by Larry Hayman (B.A. ’03), director of legal engagement and the Pre-Law Program at OHIO’s Center for Law, Justice and Culture, the SLTI was created to expand access to legal education and inspire young people to envision themselves as future lawyers, judges and advocates. Over its 10-year history, the SLTI has built a legal education pipeline with deep roots in Appalachian Ohio.

“At Ohio University, we believe in the power of education to change lives and communities,” Hayman said. “The Summer Law and Trial Institute reflects that mission by inspiring the next generation of lawyers who will advocate for justice in the places that need it most."

Rooted in community, focused on justice

This year’s cohort represented 13 counties—including Athens, Highland, Trumbull, Monroe and Coshocton—with 19 of the 20 participants hailing from Appalachian Ohio. Over 18 of the week’s speakers and mentors were proud alumni of Ohio University, exemplifying how Bobcats continue to give back to their communities and profession.

Participants engaged in daily sessions that covered trial advocacy, constitutional law, evidence, courtroom procedure and criminal justice. Special emphasis was placed on access to justice through interactive workshops with Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio, a visit to the Athens County Juvenile and Probate Court, and a deep dive into criminal defense and plea-bargaining strategies.

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Ashley Yang, a high school junior from Uhrichsville, Ohio, saw law come to life in Judge Zachary Saunders courtroom. 

“Meeting Judge Saunders made me realize that being a judge doesn't only mean to preside over trials and proceedings,” she said. “When we were given the opportunity to talk to him, I found out how much good you can give back to the community you live in. Judge Saunders’ programs have directly impacted teens and adults by giving them a second chance.”

Students also traveled to Columbus to observe an oral argument at the Supreme Court of Ohio, met with Justice Jennifer Brunner, and visited the ACLU of Ohio and the Columbus City Attorney’s Office. 

A decade of impact

As the 10th cohort, this year’s participants joined a growing network of SLTI alumni who have gone on to pursue pre-law education at Ohio University—and now some of the original cohort have sat for the Ohio bar exam. The program’s long-term vision is to inspire students not only to enter the legal field, but to return to their rural communities and help close the attorney gap in rural Ohio.

Caitlyn McDaniel (B.A. ’15) is a staff attorney with Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio. She presented to the SLTI about her work in legal aid and challenges facing clients in rural areas, as well as the rural lawyer shortage. 

“There’s a unique kind of fulfillment that comes with practicing law in a rural area. You’re not just representing clients; you’re often their only advocate in navigating life-changing legal challenges,” she said. “The Summer Law and Trial Institute is vital because it opens students’ eyes to these opportunities and ensures that the next generation of lawyers understands the impact they can make right here in their own communities.”

Additional SLTI presenters included Micaela Beatham-Garcia (B.A. ’22), Ellen Whitehair (B.A. ’22), Megan Taylor (B.A. ’25), Amy Flowers (B.A. ’05, M.P.A. ’08), Jessica Branner-Hittle (B.S. ’10), Pierce Reed (B.S. ’86), Laura Weidner (B.S. ’02), Barbara Nalazek, Brian Kelso, Erin Patterson (B.A. ’14), Jeremy Roth (B.A. ’05), Justin Townley (B.A. ’08), Hon. Zachary Saunders (B.A. ’08), Mark Weiker, Stacey Brooks, J. Bennett Guess, Raphael Davis-Williams, Lucy Schwallie, Elizabeth Pepper (B.A. ’03), Karyn Justice, Miranda West (B.S.S. ’17, M.A. ’23), and Clarke VanDeVort (B.A. ’75).

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Throughout the program, participants were mentored by current Ohio University students and SLTI alumni Ava Poling and Raegan Elliott, who served as program assistants and co-instructors, fostering peer learning and offering firsthand advice on navigating OHIO’s pre-law paths.

“Participating in SLTI gave me a lot of hope and renewed enthusiasm in my own pre-law pursuits getting to be a mentor for these students,” said Elliott. “They have so much passion and belief in the future and their own futures in the legal field that I found it very inspiring. I was so happy to pass on any of the knowledge or insights I could to them to help deepen their understanding and confidence in the legal field.”

The program culminated in two student-led mock trials held at the Athens Municipal Courthouse, judged by Acting Judge Rusty Rittenhouse (B.A. ’02). Family members, community partners and Ohio University leaders gathered for the event and closing awards ceremony.

“The late nights spent working with my team, working on our case—all paid off when I stepped into the Athens Municipal Court and began speaking,” said Yang. “Despite hearing my heartbeat pounding in my ears, my voice never wavered, and neither did my team's.”  She went on to win the Best Attorney in competition award for her talented representation of the defendant.

As the SLTI looks ahead to its second decade, it remains committed to empowering young people from Ohio to envision a future in law and public service while equipping them with the tools to pursue it.