Hoover Elementary School Mock Trial

One of the most rewarding ways Southwestern students have become involved in the community is through the law school's longstanding association with Hoover Elementary School. Southwestern officially adopted Hoover through the Los Angeles Unified School District's Adopt-A-School Program, which encourages companies and non-profit organizations to become involved in their community schools. Southwestern's outreach efforts at Hoover are designed to help local youth develop a better understanding of the legal system, as well as develop a sense of responsibility and a desire to continue their education.

The Latino Law Students Association also holds an annual toy drive for the students during the holiday season.

For more than 25 years, the mock trial program has been a lively annual event. During the program, fifth-graders from Hoover visit Southwestern, where they witness a staged backpack theft and then serve as prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, witnesses, and jurors alongside Southwestern student volunteers in a criminal trial. Other activities through this partnership have included tutorial sessions, classroom presentations, book contributions, and food, toy and clothing drives.

Participants pose for a group photo after the "verdict" is announced during the annual Mock Trial Program with Hoover Elementary School.