VOLUNTEER CENTER

A new opportunity for Legal Eagle volunteers

In-person Mock Trial Jurors at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law

An additional mock trial date has been added to the Mitchell-Hamline 2021 spring schedule. This will be the first trial in more than a year held in-person, on site at Mitchell College, where volunteer jurors will view the trial, deliberate on a verdict and, finally, offer constructive criticism to the student "lawyers." Volunteer involvement and feedback is a very important part of the legal education system as it assists in training lawyers to better serve the needs of their clients.

At this time, Mitchell-Hamline is planning to hold this mock trial in-person at the courtroom on campus. There will be room for only 5 - 6 jurors, and they will be seated six feet apart. Should it prove to be unsafe due to rising Covid cases, the trial will NOT be held in-person. 

They will let volunteers know a week before May 28 if this trial will be in-person. If not, they will invite them to be online jurors via Zoom.

Case synopsis: Karol Brezenski, an employee of PUDS, is a member of the International Association of Transport Workers (IATW). PUDS instituted an attendance and tardiness policy and alleges that Brezenski violated the policy four times in six months; following this they terminated her employment. Brezenski and IATW union filed a grievance. The dispute will be resolved by a jury trial.

Training and eligibility: No previous experience is required.  Instructions for the day will be given on-site by the trial judge.

Date and Time:  Friday, May 28, 2021.  Jurors arrive at 8:00 a.m. The trial will begin at 8:30 a.m. The day ends at approximately 4:00 p.m. 

Location and Parking:  Mitchell College, 875 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Enter by the double doors on Summit Avenue where the flagpole is located. Signs will be posted directing jurors to the appropriate room. There is available on-street parking in the immediate area.

Food: A light breakfast snack will be available. Jurors will have a morning and an afternoon break in addition to the lunch break. A light lunch will also be provided and will last approximately 30 minutes.

 After the trial ends and volunteers have provided their feedback, a $25 E-Gift will be mailed to you with thanks for your participation.

For complete information about registering for this opportunity CLICK HERE  to go the URVC volunteer site and look for “Evaluation – Mock Trial Juror” or you may contact: University Retirees Volunteer Center by email (preferred) at [email protected] or by phone at 612-625-8016.


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