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March 2021
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23 MarNews

Spring 2021 Participating Mock Appeal Teams

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Schools

  1. Beckwith Middle School (Rehoboth)
  2. Boston Latin Academy (Boston)
  3. Boston Latin School (Boston)
  4. Brooke Charter School (Boston)
  5. Brookline Remote School (Brookline)
  6. Butler Middle School (Lowell)
  7. East Somerville (Somerville)
  8. Framingham Public Schools (Framingham)
  9. Guilmette Middle School (Lawrence)
  10. JFK Middle School (Waltham)
  11. Josiah Quincy School
  12. Match Middle School (Boston)
  13. McCormack Middle School (Boston)
  14. McDevitt Middle School (Waltham)
  15. Mildred Ave School
  16. Robinson Middle School (Lowell)
  17. St. John’s Prep (Danvers)
  18. St. John School (Boston)
  19. Stoklosa Middle School
  20. Sullivan Middle School (Lowell)
  21. Sullivan Middle School (Worcester)
  22. Winter Hill Community Innovation School (Somerville)

Legal Mentors

  1. The Worcester Bar Association
  2. MA Attorney General
  3. City of Boston Law Department
  4. Lando & Anastasi LLP
  5. Vertex
  6. Committee for Public Counsel Services in Lowell, MA
  7. Goulston and Storrs Law Firm
  8. General Electric
  9. Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP
  10. Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen
  11. Boston University Law School
  12. Mintz
  13. WilmerHale
  14. Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, Pyle Rome, and Partridge Snow & Hahn
  15. General Electric and Jones Day
  16. Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP
  17. Goodwin
  18. Boston College Law and Anderson Krieger LLP
  19. Freitas & Freitas LLP
  20. Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP
  21. The Worcester Bar Association
  22. Liberty Mutual 
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03 MarNews

Record Number of Teams Turn Out for Spring Mock Appeal Program

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With a record number 22 teams participating, Discovering Justice’s Mock Appeal Program kicked off its spring program the week of March 8th. 

The Mock Appeal Program, formerly known as Stand Up for Your Rights, follows a similar structure to Discovering Justice’s Mock Trial Program. Through weekly 90-minute sessions with legal mentors over a course of 11 weeks, students transform into appellate attorneys and conclude the program by presenting oral arguments in front of a panel of federal and state judges and senior attorneys. 

This spring’s teams are from the communities of Boston, Brookline, Danvers, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Rehoboth, Somerville, Waltham, and Worcester. The program is supported by more than 70 legal mentors, the most ever engaged in a Discovering Justice program.The legal mentors are  current and former members of private law firms, in-house lawyers, district attorneys, law students,  and public defenders.

If you are interested in learning more about our Mock Appeal or Mock Trial Program, their mentorship opportunities, or are interested in getting your school or firm involved next fall, please email Program Coordinator, Luke Matys, at lmatys@discoveringjustice.org. 

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Photo/Reba Saldanha Discovering Justice Mock Trials December 10, 2019
01 MarNews

Mock Trial Program Concludes with 12 Virtual Trials

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Presenting in front of federal and state judges, middle school students from Discovering Justice’s Mock Trial Program questioned witnesses and delivered detailed opening and closing arguments in cases concerning free speech and the First Amendment. The trials, held before juries of public officials, legal professionals, and local residents, culminated an 11-week program during which students met with legal mentors who taught the students the workings of the justice system, discussed the ideals of justice, and prepared them for their trials.

Last fall’s program was done virtually, a challenge for the more than 130 students and 60 legal mentors who participated in the program.. “It was a pleasure to watch teams grow a sense of comradery despite never meeting in person. This teamwork allowed them to build important civic knowledge and skills,” said Luke Matys, the coordinator of the Mock Trial Program.

More than 450 people attended the twelve trials which showcased students from middle schools in Boston, Lowell, Waltham, and Somerville. 

“Iti is so different from school. It’s a refreshing change from everything that is happening. . If you were ever wondering that you may want to be a lawyer — just try it.There will never be a more supportive group.”commented Abbie Roskind, an 8th grader from McDevitt Middle School in Waltham.

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Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.