A mock University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law class on Zoom offered 55 participants insights into the art of how to think and talk like a lawyer—and what it might be like to attend law school.
The class, led by Professor John Barkai who is an expert at teaching conflict resolution and prosecution, drew a wide range of people. Participants included those who intend to apply to the UH law school in the current application cycle, as well as practicing attorneys, alumni, leaders of local nonprofits and high school students pondering legal careers.
Approximately 40% were attending from the mainland, and 60% were women.
The students participated in breakout rooms for trial role-playing of a case provided to them beforehand.
“After ample time to practice in their small groups, the class culminated with three volunteers demonstrating their direct and cross-examination skills,” said Loreto Coloma Jr., associate director of admissions.
“Several students stayed afterward for additional discussion on how these skills would fit into an actual trial scenario, going beyond the scope of this introductory class,” added Coloma.
Barkai explained what UH’s law school has to offer, including the array of clinical courses which provide law students with hands-on experience working with clients, simulation courses that provide in-depth skills in a variety of areas, and externships where students work in the community to experience how lawyers work together.
This outreach is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.
For more information, see the UH law school website.
