As part of the College of Law’s Institute for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, fifteen students shadowed judges at the Juvenile Justice Division and Second Municipal Division (Skokie) of the Cook County Circuit Court in late October and early November. All students, who were assigned to judges based on their area of interest and legal experience, spoke highly of the practical skills experience.
“The experience was fantastic,” says Jennifer Gates (’13). “The judges were so open to giving advice and answering questions.”
Students also observed a variety of civil and criminal trials or hearings and met with representatives from the Offices of the State's Attorney and Public Defender.
Additionally, students at the Juvenile Justice Division toured the Child Detention Center.
“I had a great experience and am so happy I was told by a friend to go. It was definitely worth taking a day off of work to attend,” says Cynthia Mazariegos (’12). “The judges were all friendly and informative. I was able to see some civil, family, criminal cases, which were really interesting.”
Events take place every semester. Please contact Natalie Taylor at ntaylor4@depaul.edu or (312) 362-8312 if you are interested in participating in spring 2012.
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