For Immediate Release
Contact: Claudia Medina, ACOE Communications Office (510) 670-7754
Rachelle DiStefano, Program Director (510) 670-4147, rdistefano@acoe.org. Sharyn Hodges, Program Assistant (510) 670-7770
ACOE's Annual Mock Trial Competition renamed in honor of prominent lawyer, Philip A. Harley
Hayward, September 08, 2009-- Superintendent Sheila Jordan will announce at the county school board meeting this evening that the law offices of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley will sponsor ACOE's Annual Mock trial competition in memory of Mr. Philip A. Harley.
Since 1986, the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) has coordinated and managed the Mock Trial Program in Alameda County to increase understanding of our judicial system and to boost students' analytic abilities, communications skills and self-confidence in a team environment. With the firm's major sponsorship, the program is poised for an exciting year and anticipates additional school participation.
"We are honored to have Mock Trial officially renamed after a lawyer known for his contributions to youth programs and social justice issues", said Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools. "The event enables student understanding of both the content and process of our legal system, and provides an opportunity for them to practice their presentation and debating skills in a real-world professional environment. Regardless of what vocation a student eventually chooses, participating in Mock Trial sharpens critical skills in effective teamwork and communication, which is a great academic advantage".
Renaming the event in honor of Philip Harley secures much-needed funding for the program, while celebrating the life and legacy of a respected bay area attorney. Harley tried more than 100 cases to jury verdicts, devoting the latter part of his career to asbestos-related mesothelioma cases. Harley argued one of his most important cases in front of the California Supreme Court - the favorable decision made it possible for thousands of workers to seek remedy in the courts after suffering from asbestos-related cancer.
"We are proud to support such a worth-while program in honor of our dear colleague," said Steven Kazan, Managing Partner of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley. "Philip Harley was an outstanding litigator and a mentor for many trial attorneys. It is our hope that the Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition will develop a new generation of talent and passion for the law."
Who: Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, Sheila Jordan
What: Announces new sponsorship of ACOE's Mock Trial - Annual event to be renamed the Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial
When: Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Where: Alameda County Office of Education
313 W. Winton Ave., Room 142
Hayward, CA 94544
About ACOE's Mock Trial
The Alameda County Mock Trial Competition is a countywide high school criminal trial competition is designed to demystify and increase understanding of our judicial system and the processes necessary as we strive to create a just society. Student teams of ten to twenty students study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research and receive individual coaching by volunteer attorneys in trial preparation, courtroom protocol, courtroom procedure, analytical skills, and communication skills. Preparation begins in the fall and culminates in a grueling county-wide competition in February of 2010. For more information please contact: Rachelle DiStefano, Program Director at (510) 670-4147, or by email at: rdistefano@acoe.org or Sharyn Hodges, Program Assistant (510) 670-7770.
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