HARRISBURG (May 19, 2010) - On Tuesday, May 25, high school students from around Philadelphia and the surrounding region will gather at Temple University's Beasley School of Law to attend the 2010 Minority Law Day event, which will provide interested students with information about potential careers in the legal profession. Organized by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Minority Bar Committee, the event activities will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Klein Law Building, 1719 North Broad Street.

Students will attend a mock law lecture and then progress to small group activities with lawyers and judges conducting a mock student disciplinary hearing in which a student is charged with violations of a student code of conduct. Students will participate in both sides of the hearing and brainstorm arguments for an appeal of the decision handed down. Students also will observe lawyers arguing appeals based upon their brainstorming sessions, as well as have an opportunity to ask questions of the judges and lawyers following the appeal hearing.

A brief awards ceremony and reception will conclude the event.

"We would like to show high school students, especially those minority students that often feel marginalized or ignored, that there are tremendous opportunities available in law-related careers. By using a vehicle such as Minority Law Day programs and with the assistance of local attorneys and judges to present them with examples of real-life problems that could have an impact on their lives today, we hope to give the students some new ideas and perspectives about minorities in law professions," said Arlene Rivera Finkelstein, assistant dean and executive director of the Toll Public Interest Center at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association Minority Bar Committee is dedicated to improving diversity in the legal profession and looking for ways for future leaders to make positive impacts in their communities.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.