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MBA’s Law Day Initiative focuses on human trafficking and modern day slavery

Thursday, May. 23, 2013
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Top: The Hon. Lynne C. Rooney of Lowell District Court (second from left) and attorney Eric Schutzbank of Berid & Schutzbank PC (third from left) volunteered to speak with students at Lowell Catholic High School about the MBA's Law Day Initiative, "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All." Middle: Judge Rooney speaks with students about human trafficking, considered to be a form of modern day slavery. Bottom: Attorney Schutzbank interacts with Lowell Catholic High School students. Photos by Philip-Lauren Photography.

Students at high schools in Amherst, Fall River, Lowell, Southbridge, Springfield, Wilbraham and Worcester participated in the Massachusetts Bar Association's Law Day Initiative and discussed human trafficking and modern day slavery.

"This year marks the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln freeing all slaves by signing the Emancipation Proclamation, which makes modern day slavery a fitting topic to study through a legal lens," MBA President Robert L. Holloway Jr. said.

Volunteer attorney/judge teams from the MBA visited classes at each school and presented "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All." Students then participated in a mock trial that debated human trafficking, considered to be a form of modern day slavery. Students were broken into groups of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Click here to read an article on the MBA's Law Day program featured on WWLP-22News.

"The MBA is grateful to the attorneys and judges from across the state who have shared their time and expertise to make this critical program a success," Holloway said.

The MBA is appreciative of the Massachusetts Judges Conference for its assistance in recruiting volunteer judges for this endeavor.

Law Day is a national day of celebration in May focusing on the United States' heritage of liberty under law and recognizing its role in our daily lives. Celebratory events are often held throughout the month of May. President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave Law Day its name by declaration in 1958.