PROVO, Utah, July 31, 2017 – BYU Law and the Federal Bar Association (FBA) today launches an innovative Civics, Law, and Leadership Youth Camp, taking place from July 31-August 4. The camp, being held at Brigham Young University, brings together an impressive roster of guest speakers, an interactive day at the Utah Federal Courthouse, and numerous hands-on learning experiences—all focused on youth who are preparing themselves for civic leadership and service.
“Working with the Federal Bar Association on this pilot program nicely aligns with BYU Law’s goals and objectives to increase knowledge of civics, law and leadership among young people,” said Gordon Smith, Dean of BYU Law School. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s attorneys, judges, jurists and elected officials. We hope the camp inspires and facilitates informed and civil discourse among young people from all backgrounds and circumstances.”
BYU Law’s inaugural camp brings together a broad cross-section of America with 72 students from 22 states. Two Jordanian graduates of BYU Law’s International Law Master’s program are sending their daughter, adding an international perspective for participants. The Los Angeles Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, the Federal Bar Association, the Utah Federal Court, and generous individual donors provided numerous scholarships, demonstrating the civic-minded attitude the camp is designed to foster in the rising generation. The theme for this year’s camp is based on Robert Kennedy’s inspiring “Ripple of Hope” speech and the concept that each individual who stands up for what is right can have an immeasurable impact as individual efforts converge.
“We are pleased to work with BYU Law on this groundbreaking effort to enhance the civics education of these outstanding youth,” said Judge Michael J. Newman, President of the Federal Bar Association. “This camp encourages young people to become engaged citizens who take active leadership roles in their communities. We are optimistic that a successful inaugural camp will serve as a model for law schools across the country to follow suit, and we believe that BYU is the ideal testing ground thanks to its impressive faculty support and camp program infrastructure.”
Students will spend a day at the Federal District Court in Salt Lake City where they will visit with Utah’s federal judges and observe the legal system in action. During the camp, students will engage in varied methods of interactive learning under the direction of judges, lawyers, law professors and BYU Law student mentors. Scheduled speakers include Judge David Nuffer, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah; Utah Supreme Court Justice Tom Lee; numerous BYU Law professors; and practicing attorneys. Hands-on work will include a moot court experience to analyze a case, develop arguments and receive feedback from local members of the legal community. The original content being developed for the curriculum will be supplemented by educational resources from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
“We look forward to welcoming these youth leaders into the United States District Court for the District of Utah this summer to witness a mock trial and get a behind-the- scenes look at how our nation’s courts operate,” said the Honorable David Nuffer. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these young adults and we are pleased to
support their developing interest in civics, leadership and the law.”
About The Federal Bar Association
The mission of the Federal Bar Association is to strengthen the federal legal system and the Administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, both public and private, the federal judiciary and the public they serve. For more information visit The Federal Bar Association.
About BYU Law School
Founded in 1971, the J. Reuben Clark Law School has grown into one of the nation's leading law schools – recognized for innovative research and teaching in Corpus Linguistics, Entrepreneurship, Social Change, and Religious Freedom. The Law School has more than 6,000 alumni who now are serving in communities around the world. In its most recent rankings, SoFi ranked BYU Law as the #1 best-value US law school in their 2017 Return on Education Law School Ranking.