On February 4, 2023, Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Partners Celine Vitale, Esq. and Todd Wachtel, Esq. participated in the Somerset County Youth Leadership Program by helping guide local high school students through a mock trial.
The Youth Leadership Program offers students in Somerset County a great opportunity to learn about important issues while developing leadership skills and encouraging their involvement in the local community. The program covers a range of topics, including the environment, mental health, law enforcement, emergency response, housing, economic development, and more.
During the session attended by Celine and Todd, the theme was law enforcement and justice.
Students were given a mock-trial scenario involving a motor vehicle accident that resulted in criminal charges. Students then played the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and media. While other attorneys advised the students playing the role of prosecutors, Celine and Todd worked with students playing the role of defense attorneys. We’re proud to report that Celine and Todd’s students were able to successful secure a dismissal of the “charges” after a full trial!
The Youth Leadership Program is designed to inspire community involvement and has received positive feedback from former participants, who have said that the program has helped them better understand how to get involved in their community.
At Levinson Axelrod, P.A., we’re proud to partner with great organizations that make a positive impact in the communities we serve and had a great time supporting the Youth Leadership Program and its recent mock trial, as we have done for many years. If you have questions about the Youth Leadership Program, you can contact the program staff at youthleadership@co.somerset.nj.us