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Inspire the next generation of legal minds—sign up to volunteer as a mock trial instructor this spring!

New York, NY – April 23, 2025—Girls Rule the Law, Inc. (GRTL), in collaboration with the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), and Her Future, is thrilled to announce the launch of a dynamic six-week Mock Trial Program beginning April 28, 2025. The initiative is designed to provide middle and high school girls with hands-on experience in trial preparation, courtroom procedures, and foundational legal concepts.

This after-school program consists of 12 interactive lessons tailored to fit the schedules of participating schools. Some schools will host the program on Mondays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, while others will run sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. No matter the schedule, all participants will be immersed in the legal field through engaging workshops and guided simulations. The program culminates in a multi-round mock trial competition, complete with an opportunity for teams to present an appeal, offering a realistic glimpse into the full judicial process.

“This is more than just a mock trial,” said Mirna Santiago, CEO and Founder of Girls Rule the Law. “It’s an empowering platform where students see themselves in roles, they never imagined lawyers, judges, leaders. We’re currently inviting lawyers, judges, paralegals, and law students to volunteer and teach a lesson or two. Your mentorship can truly change lives.”

The Mock Trial Program aligns with DYCD’s mission to foster civic engagement and educational advancement. By supporting immersive, skill-based initiatives like this one, DYCD helps provide young women with the tools and confidence to pursue future legal careers.

Program Highlights:

• Open to middle and high school girls
• 6-week curriculum | 12 lessons | Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
• Real-world legal training from professionals
• Multi-round mock trial competition with appeal round
• Volunteer-led instruction by practicing legal professionals

About the DYCD Mock Trial Project

The NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) supports programs that engage youth in experiential learning. This initiative, a partnership with DYCD’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, seeks to provide students with direct exposure to all phases of the judicial process, from evidence review to oral arguments.

About Girls Rule the Law, Inc.

Founded in 2018, Girls Rule the Law, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to introducing middle and high school girls to the legal field, the legislature, and the judiciary. Through youth conferences, law days, mock trials, and its signature “The Law Suits You” program, GRTL serves nearly 1,500 students annually across New York State.

To volunteer or learn more about this exciting initiative, please visit www.girlsrulethelaw.org 

Media Contact:

Tania Davila

Events Director, Girls Rule the Law, Inc.

Email: info@girlsrulethelaw.org

Website: www.girlsrulethelaw.org