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Volunteer Jurors & Appellate Panel Judges

  • Volunteer Jurors and Appellate Panel Judges
OUR PROGRAMS
After-School

Volunteer Jurors & Appellate Panel Judges

Volunteer jurors and appellate panel judges help create a meaningful final event for participants in Discovering Justice’s Mock Trial & Mock Appeal Program. In December, jurors support our students’ and volunteers’ semester-long efforts by filling the jury box, listening to arguments, determining the case with the guidance of a real judge, and providing feedback. In May, appellate panel judges will read the petitioner and respondent’s appellate memos, listen to and question students during oral arguments, and provide feedback.

A brief reception follows the culminating courthouse events in which attendees come together to celebrate the end of the program. These events are a great opportunity for both first-time volunteers to see our program action and for returning volunteers to deepen their connection to Discovering Justice.

 Contact Kiley Hartman at khartman@discoveringjustice.org for more information. 

Open Volunteer Opportunity: Appellate Panel Judge

Volunteer as an Appellate Panel Judge

We are now accepting volunteer Appellate Panel Judges to assist with our two-hour Mock Appeal Final Courthouse Events. As an Appellate Panel Judge, you will play a key role in helping determine the outcome of students’ First Amendment case about a high school’s decision to suspend a student who organized a student protest against a school phone ban. You will listen to oral arguments, ask questions to test students’ understanding of the law, work with your panel to provide a ruling, and celebrate teams’ work with fellow community members.

Given that volunteers will be testing students’ understanding of the law, a legal background is required. However, moot court and appellate experience are NOT required. 

Volunteer Opportunity Recap
  • Volunteer as an Appellate Panel Judge
  • Sit on a 3-person panel with a Federal or State judge and attorney
  • At a courthouse near you
  • 2-hour event

Support local students who are interested in learning about the law, their rights, and the justice system! Information and optional training provided closer to the events.

Register here or contact afterschool@discoveringjustice.org for more information.

A group of volunteers jurors stand and sit in a small room to deliberate.
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.