AT THE BAR

Legal Needs of Children

The Children’s Rights Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation released a report on the legal needs of Harris County children at a November 11 reception, held at the law firm of Susman Godfrey. The report was a collaboration of volunteers from 10 firms under the guidance of the Children’s Rights Litigation Committee, which includes children’s law experts from around the country. The report highlighted unmet needs in the justice system for children and teens, as well as opportunities for pro bono volunteers and firms to help meet the needs in Houston. The Houston Bar Association will be among those groups that provide guidance during the follow-up phase. HBA President Rocky Robinson, welcomed those attending the reception, while 14-year-old J.C. Coble of Denver, Colorado described his experiences as a neglected child in the legal system of his state.

Mock Trial Program

HBA President Rocky Robinson visited with 8th grade students from Beatrice Mays Charter School in HISD as they enacted a mock trial in Judge Bonnie Hellums’ 247th District Court. The students were among 10 classes from Houston area schools that traveled to the Harris County courthouse complex as part of the fall session of the HBA’s Juvenile Justice Mock Trial Program. The students work with HBA staff and law students to develop a case story and assume the roles of judge, attorneys, witnesses, defendant and court personnel. Now in its 30th year, the program has reached over 30,000 young teens in Harris County, giving them positive exposure to the justice system.