UPLIFT Legal Institute for Teens Expands Reach, Adds a Third Middle School

UPLIFT Legal Institute for Teens, a mock trial program serving middle school students who reflect the rich diversity of the Twin Cities, has welcomed a third school to its roster—offering more opportunities to learn about the legal field, trial practice, and the courts. Along with continuing to build the programs at Columbia Academy in Columbia Heights and St. Louis Park Middle School, UPLIFT's volunteer lawyers and law students are extending their efforts this year to coach eighth graders from Roseville Area Middle School.

Launched by Maslon in September 2017, UPLIFT is a pipeline program that connects eighth grade students with volunteer law students and lawyers in after school mock trial clubs. Participation in the six-month program helps students build confidence, develop analytical and speaking skills, foster long-term vision, and create a framework to pursue academic excellence in high school. The program culminates in March in a series of mock trials held before Minnesota judges at the University of Minnesota Law School, with more than 150 program graduates to date.

UPLIFT'S executive director, Catherine Ahlin-Halverson, also serves as public interest counsel for Maslon.