Federal Judges Inspire John Muir High School Students to Dream Big

It seems like all too often the media publishes stories about juveniles standing in court before judges. Here’s a heartwarming story about the exact opposite: judges – federal judges, no less – went before John Muir High School students in the federal courthouse on Grand Avenue in West Pasadena to explain themselves, their jobs and why they love the law.

The gathering last Friday was called the Law Day Power Lunch. Students and various federal judges and attorneys socialized over sandwiches and good conversation at the prestigious Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Power Lunch is the brainchild of U.S. District Court Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell, who came up with the idea about ten years ago in hope of nurturing interest in the practice of law among teen-aged students.

“Kids appreciate the lunch and it’s a great opportunity to spark interest,” said O’Connell.

The 45 students in attendance were encouraged to roam freely throughout an arrangement of large conference tables and speak with any of the various lawyers, attorneys and judges who had volunteered their time to be present at the lunch and give one on one attention to students.

The energy was lively and the tone was casual, which made for a conducive atmosphere for the mentors to connect with the students.

“We want the kids to see that we are real people too. I never met a judge or lawyer when I was in high school, so I want them to realize that they can do whatever they set their mind to,” said U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Sandra Klein.

The students seemed engaged and interested for a number of reasons. Some, in the law as a career, while others said they were interested in networking, academic advice and simple curiosity about the law as an intriguing and important field of work.

Junior Lauryn Miller was ready to take full advantage of the opportunity and to hear what these legal figures had to say.

“I want to be inspired and look more into the the lawyer field and to experience new people and make new connections, because the world is about connections,” said Miller.

The judges and lawyers shared inspiring stories about their personal journeys to their current positions, and offered advice.

“Dare to dream big and live out your passions and they will all work out in the end,” explained U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Jacqueline Nguyen about her experience immigrating from Vietnam and pursuing her dream.

Through various games like “Fun Facts” and “Think Like a Lawyer,” the students worked together with the guests and received first-hand interactions in real time. Friendships were made and smiles were abundant. Additionally, the exercises were avenues to put faces to names and to learn more about the guests that would otherwise be unknown.

The Law Day Power Brunch has become an annual gathering that aims to forge mentorships between Pasadena’s youth and the nation’s leading legal figures. Ideally the lunch will build the foundations of relationships that could be essential to the success in the law through mentorships.

“Mentoring has been instrumental to me in my career. I hope that some of the students will contact some of the judges and lawyers and will develop a relationship that will continue past this lunch,” said Klein.