For the sixth year running, Mayer Brown hosted a career day and mock trial for the Higher Achievement DC scholars. The organization is an academic enrichment program for middle schoolers in underprivileged communities. This year, more than 40 scholars participated in the program as lawyers, witnesses and jurors. More than 30 Mayer Brown lawyers, summers, interns and staff volunteered—giving tours, sharing their experiences, and helping coach the scholars through the mock trial.

Here, the Higher Achievement scholars take on trial prep with Mayer Brown litigation & dispute resolution partner Marcus Christian in the law firm's 1999 K St office.

For the third year in a row, DC Superior Court associate Judge Neal Kravitz presided over the mock trials. He was joined by Judge Peter Krauthamer in his first year participating.

After one trial's arguments, the plaintiff's attorney offered a congratulatory handshake to the defendant's attorney.

Following careful deliberation, the foreperson read the verdict to the court.

The mock trial and career day were part of Mayer Brown's DC office’s Making the Case for Kids community service and pro bono campaign, launched to support children and education. Partner organizations, in addition to Higher Achievement, include Critical Exposure, Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, First Book, Children's Law Center, DC Appled, LAYC Career Academy, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, and the Malini Foundation.