The Old Courthouse, Maricopa County Superior Court

Today, I had planned to write about a cool initiative coming out of the Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County. It’s called The Courthouse Experience, and it allows lawyers to get the phenomenal experience of introducing schoolkids to the legal process. It’s been around for a few decades, and it’s looking for volunteers.

But then the court’s own Outreach Coordinator, Patricia Seguin, beat me to it. This morning, she distributed a great story about the program and how to get involved.

I am never one who gets in the way when another wants to do the heavy lifting. So please read the story that follows. And remember to contact Patricia (seguinp@superiorcourt.maricopa.gov) if you want to lend yourself to this nifty endeavor.

Attorneys Needed for Courthouse Experience Program

Whether it’s introducing kids to a legal career or teaching them about the law so they don’t end up on the wrong side of Arizona’s judicial system, volunteering to become a court guide in Maricopa County Superior Court’s Courthouse Experience program has many benefits.

To help children learn about accountability and expose them to the judicial system, Maricopa County Superior Court is launching its 20th year of the Courthouse Experience. For 19 years, Courthouse Experience has given Maricopa County students an opportunity to see and understand what really goes on behind closed courtroom doors.

But to reach these children and make a difference in their lives, Superior Court needs the help of volunteer attorneys.

The program’s success is due greatly to volunteer attorneys who provide valuable time to lead student groups varying from 6th grade through college age on a personal tour of the court. A Courthouse Experience often includes visits with judicial officers and staff, observations of court proceedings including trials, visits to the jury assembly room, the law library, and informative question and answer periods. 

Your help is appreciated to make Courthouse Experience continue its mission of introducing and educating students about Arizona’s judicial system.

Traditionally, the program has taken place in the downtown courts located at Jefferson and First Street. However, visits can be arranged to any regional Superior and Justice Courts located throughout the county.

An information packet, offering valuable guidelines and suggestions, is given to all volunteer attorneys to help make the tours well paced and valuable.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for this program, please call Patricia Seguin, Community Outreach Director, at 602.506-3206, or e-mail seguinp@superiorcourt.maricopa.gov.

Need more information? Click here.